Now that we've got a solid foundation under us, let's add on the other layers of classroom management so that our teacher sunflower can sink its roots deep down and thrive. It all started with last episode's bedrock principles. Now, we're going to talk about three other layers of classroom management that will lead to a joyful, efficient, wonderful place for our students, and ourselves, to thrive. The key is to choose one layer at a time to focus on. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to...

If classroom management is a big, scary, eyeballs all over the place, monster of a blob to you, then this episode is for you! To be honest, my first few years of teaching, I thought a prize box and candy were the key to classroom management. I have learned better. And today, I'm going to help you on your journey to taming classroom management. I'm going to show you the framework I use that keeps my students well managed, engaged, and adds to my teacher joy. We'll start with the most...

Teacher, last week we talked about building connections with our students' families. While these may be the most important connections, that doesn't mean we focus on our students any less. Today's strategy will not only help us build connections with students, it will actually strengthen those connections with families, and it gives them a lifelong skill. Depression and anxiety are major problems in our country, and they are affecting our precious students as well.  One of the culprits is...

Hey there, teacher! How about a secret weapon to deepen those relationships with the families of your students? This is super effective, and it isn't complicated at all! Today I'm sharing three strategies to use your voice to connect with families. Think about how powerful a conversation is with someone you care about. Now imagine that your students' families get to hear your voice regularly. I'm going to show you how to make this efficient and manageable, because I know you have a full...

 Dear Teacher, I'm back! Since the last time we chatted, the area in the Appalachians where I live has endured a historic flood. There has been so much devastation, loss, and grief. Today, I'm sharing my story, because I think it may encourage you. You see, there are three things in particular that I appreciate so much more now. More than likely, you have these gifts right now. So let's take a minute to be grateful for these precious gifts and let them motivate you as a brand new school...

Teacher, we're at the end of our series! This is the perfect way to end out your school year. Today's episode will fuel you up so you're ready to start a new year. Don't worry, this won't eat up your entire summer. But focusing purposefully over the summer will let you have pool time, family time, and jump start you for August. Are you ready? Links for today's episode: Today's blog post

You have stressors. I have stressors. All of us primary teachers have stressors. That's no secret. But what you may not know is that we can make them work for us. Those stressors can help us create a year with more joy than the last. If we put our focus there, we can design solutions so those stressors don't continue to steal our joy. This third episode in our series will have you ready to tackle the parts of your day that you dread the most. Imagine walking back into your classroom in...

Teacher, your time is precious! This week, we're going to talk about how to eliminate the excess in your day. When you try to juggle too many things, some of them are bound to fall. I can almost hear you saying, "But Toni, if I don't get everything done, the world will fall apart." My friend, I promise you it won't. Come along with me and let's zero in on what matters most so you can make YOUR biggest impact. Let's tame that to do list together! Links in today's episode: Today's blog post...

Teacher, we've almost made it to summer! These last few weeks are always so hectic, and to be completely honest, I'm having to budget my time more carefully than ever. So, we're going to do a recap of one of my favorite series that is completely relevant right now. The end of the year is so busy. But what if we could finish with more joy, a brighter spirit and ensure that our upcoming year will have a fresh, well planned beginning? That is my hope for you. I actually go through a process...

Teacher, teacher, someone cut line! Someone is talking in the hall! Someone tore a piece from a bulletin board! Someone is running! Oh, doesn't that just make chills run up your neck? Guess what? That doesn't have to be your class! I've developed some hallway behavior hacks this year, because it's the first year I've had to walk long distances through the school with my class. And today, I'm going to share them with you! Links in today's episode: Today's blog post 3 Top Secret Management...

Teacher, if you feel like your get up and go has walked off without you, this episode is for you. This is the final part of our Summer-in-Sight series to help you finish the year with joy. If you missed the first two episodes, I highly recommend starting there. I'll be here for you when you're ready! Today, I'm sharing my top three strategies for teacher perseverance. It's easy to look around at other teachers with their perfect bulletin boards and well-managed classrooms and think, If I...

Teacher, I see you trying to keep that smile as big as it was in the exciting days of the beginning of the year. Trying to keep your enthusiasm up for your lessons. Giving it your all. But at this point in the year, let's be honest, we're tired. Our excitement is harder to get a hold of. In spite of all that, we can finish the year strong, with joy and passion. Links in today's episode: Today's blog post Part 1: Purpose [email protected] - email to ask about coaching

First, welcome to our podcast's new identity! I'm so excited to have our adventure stated clearly and to go on it with you. Teacher, summer is coming. I used to count the days down until break started and dread every last one of them. But we have time left to make an impact! Let's see this year through with focus and joy. So today, we're talking about purpose. And I don't mean, "I teach because I want children to learn." We're not looking for surface level purpose here. By the end of this...

Teacher friend, you are among the best of primary teachers. I know that, because you're here in your spare time. You're dedicating yourself to growing. You're keeping on going. Maybe you don't fully realize it, but I know you have these three positive traits, just because you're here. Too often what we do wrong is pointed out without what we do well being acknowledged. Just like we can grow in weak areas, leaning in to our strengths can make us that much more effective. I also have an...

Teacher friend, is your prize box an asset to your classroom, or do you feel like it's a high maintenance relationship? I decided years ago it just wasn't working out between us, so I dumped my prize box. If you want more time and money to focus on things that have a big impact, you can do it too! Students really want to be appreciated and recognized for just being themselves. That's at the heart of the strategies I'll share with you today. Here's how I still motivate my classroom, even...

Teacher friend, does your classroom noise level drive you distracted? Wouldn't it be awesome to have a mute button? The bad news is that there is no mute button. The good news is there is a solution! Today, I'm going to share my strategies to keep your classroom on mute. What you need is a well planned system. We're going to put layers in place to block out that noise! Links in today's episode: Today's blog post Survey to name the podcast Hand Signals posters Music Box post

Primary teacher, your curriculum is not the most important thing in your classroom. You are! So if you have a brand new curriculum that's driving you crazy, or an old one that you just hate, let me share how I'm coping with curriculums I don't love. Maybe you feel like there's no room for YOU in your class. There is! Maybe it seems like you can never beat the curriculum because there are Just. So. Many. Things. You don't have to be perfect! Come on over and let's keep that teacher joy,...

Sweet teacher, I'm so excited for today's episode! I've got a big, happy announcement. Joyful Teacher Academy is LIVE! This has been a project of my teacher heart for months, and I can't believe I can finally share it with you. If you're facing overwhelm, burnout, have lost your teaching joy, or never found the joy in teaching you thought you would, this one's for you. Don't give up on teaching until you've given this a try. Our kiddos need you! Joyful Teacher Academy is a one-of-a-kind,...

Teacher, if you're feeling burned out, overwhelmed, constantly tired, and not getting the joy from teaching you expected, let's bust that burnout! Just like engines need fuel to keep going, your teacher heart needs fuel too. So today, we're going to talk about what that fuel is and how you can beat burnout. I know this works, because it's how I was able to pull myself out of burnout several years ago. I know it can work for you too. Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for a live webinar that...

Teacher, do you feel like the wheels on your teacher bus just aren't going 'round and 'round like they should? Is the magic of teaching fading? If you're wondering how you can possibly finish this year, start next year knowing what's coming, or even return to work if you're taking a break, this series will get those wheels rolling again. Just like jets need fuel to keep going, you do too! And your fuel as a teacher is your WHY. It's your purpose. The reason you started teaching in the...

Hey there teacher! Are you already counting down the days until spring break? Summer break? Do you feel like your mind is spinning in a dozen directions at once? Are you just about ready to jump ship to another career? I've been there. The good news is that I'm not now.  The better news is I know what it takes to help you pull out of the pit of burnout, and that's what we're going to do! The next several episodes will focus on ways to bust burnout, starting today with a strategy you can...

Teacher, the race to Christmas break is on! If your brain feels like it's about to pop from trying to hold all the things inside, this episode is meant for you. Today, let's tackle the idea of closing some of those thoughts and putting them away. We'll either store them or toss them out to make space for what's most important. Links mentioned in today's episode: Today's blog post Episode 70 - free product Episode 65 - two step process to tackle overwhelm [email protected] - email to...

Is your primary class' spelling word practice fun and engaging? Do your students ask to practice their spelling words AGAIN? To be completely honest, spelling word practice used to be boring in my classroom. It took up too much time and my kiddos just didn't like it. Literacy is so important, and I want my students to love words. So I put on my thinking cap and cracked the spelling word practice code. Now I have a routine that is highly engaging, fun, and super easy to use every day....

Teacher, are you losing time and maybe a little sanity every time your primary students have to transition from one activity to another? It's no secret that I love classroom management, and this is an area that is often noticed during observations. People are amazed by how well my students transition and how little time they take to do it. Today, I'm going to share five tips for seamless classroom transitions so you can make every second count in your classroom. Links mentioned in today's...