Explore every episode of the podcast One Tired Teacher With Trina Deboree

STEM story read-alouds turn picture books into hands-on learning as children build, solve problems, create, and keep the story going after the last page.

What if the last page of a read-aloud wasn't really the ending?

What if it was the invitation?

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about STEM story read alouds and how a great picture book can become the beginning of an experience that invites children to build, imagine, solve, and create.

You'll also hear the story behind 20 STEM story boxes I recently created for children whose families are working to get back on their feet. Each box included an Elephant & Piggie or Pigeon book, simple STEM materials, and a Storybook STEM challenge.

While building those boxes, I realized I wasn't really sending STEM materials.

I was sending possibility.

Because a STEM book read aloud doesn't have to end with comprehension questions or a worksheet. Stories naturally invite children to wonder:

What would I do?
How could I solve this problem?
How would I build it differently?

That's where a STEM story becomes something children don't simply hear. They experience it.

We'll also talk about an important difference between a STEM challenge and a craft. Instead of having every child create the same project, give students the freedom to develop their own ideas and solutions.

You don't need an elaborate makerspace or expensive supplies to get started.

Some cardboard.

Some tape.

Some imagination.

And one really good story.

That's enough.

Whether you're looking for a STEM story read aloud, STEM story time, a creative first grade read aloud, or a hands-on way to extend a second grade read aloud, I hope this episode reminds you that stories don't have to end when you close the book.

Sometimes that's where the real learning begins.

The recorded episode strongly supports this framing: you move from the STEM-box story into Storybook STEM, creative problem-solving, the difference between a challenge and a craft, inexpensive STEM materials, empathy through stories, and your Mo Willems Storybook STEM resources. 

Links Mentioned in the Show:

STEM Storybooks: Elephant, Piggie, and Pigeon Bundle

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Online safety for elementary students is about more than passwords and devices. Digital citizenship starts with safety, kindness, and character.

Technology changes every year. Character doesn't.

When we teach digital citizenship and online safety, it's easy to focus on the rules: don't share passwords, don't click suspicious links, and don't talk to strangers online.

Those lessons matter.

But our elementary students also need to know how to treat people, recognize when something may not be true, think before they respond, consider another person's perspective, and understand that their choices leave a digital footprint.

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're looking at online safety for elementary students through a different lens.

What if digital citizenship isn't simply about raising children who know how to use technology safely?

What if it's about raising children who know how to be good neighbors—online and off?

We'll talk about why digital citizenship for elementary students belongs in every classroom, not just the computer lab, and how internet safety can include conversations about empathy, responsibility, discernment, and kindness.

You'll also hear a simple four-part framework for teaching digital citizenship:

Pause — before you post, respond, react, or believe.
Perspective — how might someone else experience these words?
Responsibility — our choices leave footprints online and offline.
Kindness — every screen still has a human being on the other side.

Because children don't just need another list of internet rules.

They need opportunities to think, talk, wonder, and practice what it means to be a kind human in a digital world.

Technology doesn't change our character. It magnifies it.

And maybe the question isn't only whether our children know how to use technology.

Maybe we should also be asking:

Are they becoming the kind of people others feel safe learning beside—online and off?

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Digital Citizenship and Online Safety K-3 Bundle

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teaching science in primary school starts with curiosity, exploration, and questions—not simply giving children all the background knowledge first.

What if one of the best ways to teach science is to stop giving students all the answers before they've had a chance to ask the questions?

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teaching science in primary school and why curiosity may need to come before content.

When teaching science in Grade 1, Grade 2, and the elementary grades, limited instructional time often means science gets squeezed into the reading block. We read informational texts, teach vocabulary, build background knowledge—and sometimes never make it to the exploration.

But children are natural scientists.

They notice. They wonder. They ask questions. They test ideas, gather evidence, change their thinking, and try again.

Instead of always beginning a science lesson with "Today we're learning...", what might happen if we started with:

What do you notice?
What do you think?
What do you wonder?

We'll talk about how hands-on exploration can change the way children experience science, why informational texts can start an investigation rather than finish one, and how curiosity helps build deeper learning and human connection.

Whether you're teaching science in primary school, teaching science Grade 1, or looking for meaningful ways of teaching science in elementary grades, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have every answer.

Sometimes you simply need to give children something worth wondering about.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

STEM First Grade Curriculum Unit

Complete STEM Curriculum Units for Second Grade

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Community-building activities for elementary students don't have to be complicated. Learn how simple conversations build connection and belonging.

Classroom community building isn't about finding the cutest icebreaker or adding one more elaborate back-to-school activity to your plans.

It's about helping children answer one very important question:

Do I belong here?

In Episode 311 of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about community-building activities for elementary students that actually help children connect.

You'll learn why simple conversations, shared laughter, different opinions, and even Would You Rather kids' questions can help turn a classroom full of individual children into a community.

An activity doesn't build classroom community just because we call it a community-building activity.

The connection is the part that matters.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why belonging comes before many of the academic risks we ask children to take
• What actually makes classroom community-building activities effective
• Why low-pressure conversations are especially powerful for quieter students
• Four things to look for when choosing community building activities for elementary students
• How Would You Rather questions for kids can create a safe doorway into conversation
• Why connection and trust aren't separate from learning—they help make learning possible

Would You Rather Classroom Community Resource

One of my favorite ways to create low-pressure opportunities for connection is through Would You Rather questions for kids.

They give elementary students a reason to listen, laugh, share opinions, explain their thinking, and discover things about their classmates—without asking them to reveal something deeply personal before they're ready.

I've created a Would You Rather bundle that teachers can use for classroom community, morning meetings, brain breaks, discussion, and eventually opinion writing.

“There's a place for me here.”

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teacher Planning Tips That Protect Your Peace are about more than organizing lesson plans—they're about protecting what matters most before your calendar fills up. If you're looking for practical teacher planning tips that reduce overwhelm while creating a more meaningful school year, this episode is for you.

Every school year begins with good intentions. We want to try new ideas, improve our lessons, and give our students the best possible experience. But somewhere along the way, our calendars fill up, our priorities get pushed aside, and the things we love teaching often become "if there's time."

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about planning with intention, integrating subjects, protecting your time, and using The Trust Yourself Framework to make thoughtful decisions all year long.

In this episode:

• Why teacher planning starts with protecting what matters
 • How integrating science and reading transformed my classroom
 • Why STEM doesn't have to be "one more thing"
 • The Trust Yourself Framework: Learn, Observe, Reflect, Adapt, Repeat
 • How teacher flexibility creates more meaningful learning
 • Why protecting your evenings is part of being a great teacher

A meaningful school year isn't built by doing more.

It's built by protecting what matters.

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching.

Resources Mentioned

2nd Grade STEM Curriculum & Science Units 

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teachers Not Following the Rules | Professional Judgment in Teaching explores why professional judgment matters more than perfect compliance. If you've ever wondered whether you should follow every curriculum script exactly as written or trust your instincts, this episode is for you.

Teachers are natural rule followers. But children don't all learn the same way, and great teaching requires thoughtful flexibility. In this episode of One Tired Teacher, I share the classroom experience that changed the way I thought about curriculum, teacher judgment, and adapting instruction to meet students' needs.

You'll also hear The Trust Yourself Framework, a simple process that helps teachers make thoughtful decisions without losing confidence in their professional expertise.

In this episode:

• Why children deserve thoughtful teachers—not perfect rule followers
 • The classroom story that changed my approach to teaching writing
 • Why professional judgment matters more than blind fidelity
 • The Trust Yourself Framework: Learn, Observe, Reflect, Adapt, Repeat
 • Why teacher flexibility is a strength, not a weakness
 • How thoughtful iteration leads to better teaching and deeper student learning

Curriculum can support great teaching.

But the curriculum doesn't teach kids.

Teachers do.

If this episode encourages you, subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching.

The Trust Yourself Framework

Learn. Observe. Reflect. Adapt. Repeat.

Because great teaching isn't about perfection. It's about thoughtful iteration.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teacher Identity and School Culture | Don't Lose Yourself This Year explores how school culture shapes teachers—and why protecting your identity matters just as much as supporting your students. If you've ever struggled to balance school expectations with your own values, this episode will remind you that you can be a team player without losing yourself.

Every school has a culture. Great school cultures inspire collaboration, growth, and connection. But even healthy cultures can quietly ask teachers to sacrifice parts of themselves if they're not careful.

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teacher identity, school culture, boundaries, work-life balance, and why protecting your joy, curiosity, and relationships ultimately makes you a better teacher.

In this episode:

• Why teacher identity matters more than ever
 • How school culture can quietly shape who we become
 • The importance of protecting your life outside the classroom
 • Why boundaries aren't selfish—they protect your teaching
 • How to support your school without losing yourself
 • The connection between teacher identity, flexibility, and long-term joy

You don't have to choose between being a supportive teammate and being true to yourself.

Both are possible.

If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching.

Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 306: Teachers, Trust Yourself 

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teacher judgment still matters, even in an age of AI, curriculum programs, and accountability. If you've wondered whether AI can replace teachers, this episode is for you.

Teachers today are surrounded by advice from curriculum companies, social media, administrators, and artificial intelligence. But none of those tools know your students the way you do.

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teacher expertise, trusting your instincts, adapting curriculum thoughtfully, and why professional judgment remains one of the most valuable tools in education.

In this episode:

• Why teacher judgment doesn't disappear because of AI or curriculum
 • The pros and cons of AI in education for today's classrooms
 • Why great teachers adapt resources instead of following them blindly
 • How teacher expertise develops over years of experience
 • Why flexibility is a sign of professional strength—not failure
 • How to trust your instincts while still learning from new ideas

Good teachers don't ignore resources.

They know when to adapt them.

If this episode encourages you, subscribe for weekly conversations that help teachers trust themselves, protect what matters, and remember why they became educators in the first place.

Free Resource

Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Back to School Inspirational Video for Teachers | Trust Yourself This Year is for every teacher who feels overwhelmed before the school year even begins. If you're searching for a back to school inspirational video for teachers or a reminder to trust yourself as a teacher, this episode is your permission to tune out the noise and reconnect with the thoughtful educator you've already become.

Before students arrive, teachers hear advice from administrators, social media, AI, curriculum programs, Pinterest, and everyone else. But what if the most important voice you've forgotten to listen to is your own?

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teacher confidence, trusting your instincts, protecting what matters most, and beginning the school year with intention instead of overwhelm.

In this episode:

• Why it's easy to lose yourself during back-to-school season
 • How to reconnect with your "why" without toxic positivity
 • Three questions every teacher should ask before school starts
 • Why trusting yourself as a teacher matters more than following everyone else's advice
 • How to begin the year with confidence, purpose, and peace

If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Our Class is a Family Prediction and STEM

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Teachers Planning Next Year Without Losing Yourself: Protect What Matters Epiosde 305

Teachers planning next year without losing themselves start with one question: What is worth protecting? In this episode, we talk about planning with intention, not exhaustion.

Instead of adding one more system, one more routine, or one more thing to your already-full plate, this conversation invites you to pause before the school year begins and decide what matters enough to protect.

A meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection.

In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about how to prepare for a new school year without recreating the exhaustion you're still trying to recover from.

Instead of asking, "What should I add?" we're exploring a different question:

"What is worth protecting?"

We talk about teacher judgment, why there is no perfect system, and how to use tools like AI, curriculum programs, and teacher-created resources without outsourcing your professional expertise.

I also share why STEM became one of the things I intentionally protected in my own classroom—not because it was trendy, but because it created the kinds of moments I wanted more of: curiosity, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, discussion, and joy.

If you're beginning to think about August, curriculum maps, lesson plans, and fresh starts, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to reinvent yourself to have a meaningful year.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

✨ Why adding more isn't always the answer

✨ The difference between planning and overplanning

✨ How to protect what matters before your schedule fills up

✨ Using AI, curriculum, and resources wisely without giving away your judgment

✨ Making time for STEM, read-alouds, science, and other priorities before they get pushed aside

✨ Why a meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection

As you begin planning for next year, remember:

Keep what worked.

Release what didn't.

Protect what matters.

Trust yourself enough to know the difference.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a teacher friend and follow along for more conversations about bringing joy, humanity, and balance back into teaching.

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

What Data Can't Measure: The Most Important Things Teachers Know Can't Be Measured Episode 304

What data can't measure often matters most in teaching. In this episode, we're talking about the moments, relationships, insights, and student growth that never show up on a spreadsheet but shape learning every day.

The most important things teachers know can't be measured by test scores, data dashboards, AI reports, or reading levels. In this episode, we're talking about teacher judgment, student growth, and the human side of learning that numbers often miss.

I actually like data.

I like information. I like looking for patterns. I like understanding what's working and what isn't. Test scores, assessments, observations, and even artificial intelligence can all provide valuable information.

The problem isn't data.

The problem is when we start believing data tells the whole story.

Because it doesn't.

A test score can tell me whether a child answered correctly. It cannot tell me that this is the first time that child felt confident enough to even try.

A reading level can tell me where a student is performing. It cannot tell me that they finally found a book they love.

An AI report can identify patterns. It cannot tell me that a child walked into school carrying something heavy and needed a little extra kindness that day.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

✨ Why good teaching is more than test scores and data

✨ What teachers notice that dashboards can't measure

✨ The role of teacher judgment in an age of AI

✨ Why belonging, curiosity, courage, and safety matter

✨ The difference between knowing what data says and knowing what data doesn't say

✨ Why relationships remain at the heart of learning

Most importantly, we'll talk about something many teachers already know:

Children are not data points.

They're people.

And some of the most important work we do may never show up in a report, a spreadsheet, or an observation.

That doesn't make it less valuable.

It might actually make it more.

If you've ever felt frustrated by testing pressures, data collection, or the idea that numbers tell the whole story, this episode is for you.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

One Tired Teacher Episode 302: AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Skills AI Can't Teach may be the most important skills our students need for the future. In this episode, we're exploring creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community, and curiosity—and why human skills matter more than ever.

Technology is changing fast, but the most meaningful parts of teaching have never been about information alone.

They're about people.

In this episode, we'll explore the 5 Cs:

✨ Creativity

✨ Collaboration

✨ Critical Thinking

✨ Community

✨ Curiosity

We'll discuss why AI can generate answers but can't replace human judgment, empathy, relationships, a sense of belonging, or the curiosity that drives real learning.

You'll also hear how STEM challenges, storybooks, and meaningful classroom conversations help students practice the very skills technology cannot teach.

If you've been wondering what role teachers play in an increasingly AI-driven world, this episode is a hopeful reminder:

The future doesn't need fewer humans.

It needs more humanity.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

STEM Bell Ringers

AI Vocabulary K-5

Free Device Free Activity

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart—and that may be more important now than ever. In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about artificial intelligence in education, teacher judgment, and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful learning.

This is not an anti-AI episode.

In fact, I use AI.

I've used tools like Magic School to brainstorm ideas, generate vocabulary lists, and support lesson development. I even created an AI vocabulary resource for elementary students using AI as part of the process.

But here's what I discovered:

AI generated ideas.

Teacher judgment made them meaningful.

We'll explore why teaching has never been about information alone and why the most important decisions in a classroom still require something technology cannot provide:

✨ Professional judgment

✨ Developmental understanding

✨ Human connection

✨ Empathy

✨ Relationships

✨ Knowledge of the students sitting in front of us

I share the story of creating age-appropriate AI vocabulary lessons for elementary students and explain why the definitions, examples, activities, and learning experiences needed far more than a computer-generated response.

We'll also talk about:

⭐ AI as a thinking partner, not a decision-maker

⭐ Why teacher-created lessons still matter

⭐ The growing importance of critical thinking in an AI-driven world

⭐ The role of empathy, intuition, and relationships in learning

⭐ Why children need trusted adults now more than ever

As information becomes easier to access, teacher expertise becomes more valuable—not less.

Because great teaching has never been about producing information.

It's about helping human beings grow.

If you've been wondering what AI means for teachers, teacher creators, and the future of education, this episode offers a hopeful reminder:

Technology can support teaching.

But it cannot replace your judgment.

It cannot replace your relationships.

And it cannot replace your heart.

Resources Mentioned:

• AI Vocabulary Resource for Elementary Students

Until next time, remember this:

Trust the thoughtful, experienced, caring professional who has spent years learning how children grow.

Your judgment matters.

It always has.

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Summer break isn’t always ruined by big problems. Sometimes it’s the quiet habits that keep you tense, distracted, and oddly anxious even when you finally have time off. We’re talking about four sneaky mistakes that can mess up your summer mojo and how to avoid them with simple, realistic shifts that actually help teachers recharge. 

We start with a practical back-to-school mindset: why having a light plan before you leave for summer can make the next school year feel calmer. Then we get honest about the “all vacation, all the time” approach. Yes, you deserve rest, but ignoring every school task can turn into that looming, late-summer dread. We share a balanced way to protect your time off while still preventing the stress pileup. 

We also dig into reading as self-care, not homework. Fiction, feel-good books, audiobooks, and podcasts can refill your tank and bring back curiosity. Finally, we talk structure: when the school schedule disappears, it’s easy to feel formless and reactive. A small, deliberate routine and a few clear goals can give you freedom without the anxiety. 

If you want a calmer, more restorative summer as a teacher, press play, then subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find the show.

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Summer break can look long on the calendar and still feel like you’re carrying school on your back. We’re talking honestly about why so many teachers start June exhausted and then spend the rest of the break “prepping” instead of recovering and feeling joy. If you’ve ever treated staying late as proof you care, or opened your laptop on a holiday because anxiety wouldn’t let you rest, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way. 

We unpack what boundaries really mean for educators: not vague self care, but specific decisions about what will not cross the line anymore. That includes work boundaries you can practise in summer and keep all year, like setting a true no work window, using a simple brain dump notebook so ideas don’t hijack your downtime, and building systems that protect your evenings. We also get practical about grading and feedback, sharing smarter ways to check learning at school so “no grading at home” becomes possible, not just aspirational. 

Then we hit the big ones that drive teacher burnout and work-life balance issues: staying hours past contract time, saying yes to every committee and club, and the always-on pressure of school email. We make the case for deleting school email from your personal phone, not only for your peace of mind, but also to reduce stress, distraction, and unnecessary risk. We end by naming one boundary you can adopt immediately and take into the next school year. 

If this helps, subscribe for more teacher boundaries and burnout recovery strategies, share the episode with a coworker who needs permission to log off, and leave a review so more tired teachers can find us. What boundary are you committing to this week?

June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Summer break can start and somehow you still feel like you’re on duty. If your body is home but your brain is still in the classroom, I made this one for you. I keep it simple on purpose, no new system, no productivity plan, just a pause to breathe and reconnect with yourself outside of teaching. 

I tell the truth about what it looked like when I let the job become my whole life, starting with a brutal first year in 1997 and years of living in fight or flight. I talk about getting sick, trying to prove myself, and how that constant grind bled into my marriage and my sense of identity. Teacher burnout is not abstract for me; it shows up as anxiety and depression, autoimmune disease, and the kind of exhaustion that makes you wonder if you can even make it to retirement. If you’ve ever felt like school “takes and takes” until there’s nothing left, you’ll recognise yourself here. 

Then we turn the corner toward teacher boundaries and teacher self-care that actually matter. Whether you’re in your first five years or you’re a veteran educator, I remind you that you’re a human being with multiple roles and needs, and you deserve to invest in all of them. I also share a gentle nudge for what rest can look like right now, plus a quick update on plans for episode 300 and how I’d love to bring more teacher voices into that celebration. 

If this helped you exhale, subscribe to One Tired Teacher, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to rest, and leave a review so more educators can find it. What is one boundary you want to hold this summer?

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 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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What would you tell the version of yourself who is trying so hard to do everything perfectly? I’m revisiting a Teacher Truth conversation I recorded years ago and adding what I’d tell myself now, with a clearer view of boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to stay well in this profession.

We talk about why teaching cannot be your whole personality and why staying late should never be a badge of honor. I share the painful reality many educators meet sooner or later: being shamed for work life balance, being “voluntold” into more responsibilities, and feeling like your time is never truly your own. If you’ve ever gone home carrying the weight of the day and wondered why it feels impossible to switch off, you’ll feel seen here.

We also get honest about the systems that can twist good intentions. Standardized testing and test score pressure can damage student confidence and leave teachers with moral distress, especially when kids feel ashamed or defeated. On top of that, we name the practical challenges that drive teacher burnout: low teacher pay, lack of professional respect, paying out of pocket for classroom supplies, and the way teaching can make you feel trapped when you try to transition to a different career.

This is a heavy one, but it’s meant to help you protect your heart and remember you’re not alone. If it resonates, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find this kind of honest support.

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Burnout is brutal enough, but the most disorienting version is the kind that lands even when we set boundaries, do the inner work, and try to teach in a grounded way. We talk about why that happens, why burnout is not an accusation, and how misalignment and masking can quietly drain teachers who genuinely care. I’m joined by Miriam Groom, founder and CEO of Mindful Career, a behavioural career therapist and organisational psychologist who has helped thousands of people navigate burnout, career transitions, and work that actually fits.

We dig into what career alignment can look like for students and for educators who feel trapped in the profession. Miriam explains why many common career assessments fall flat for younger kids, and why observation is often a better starting point: noticing strengths in real time, naming what’s unique about a student, and reframing “negative” traits into clues about motivation and values. We also name the bigger system problem: schools and teachers are expected to do everything, while guidance support is thin and testing pressures crowd out the human side of learning.

Then we get practical with Holland Codes (RIASEC), a research-backed framework that connects interests and “brain types” to career families. You’ll hear simple descriptions of Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional patterns, plus how mixed profiles can explain why someone thrives in one environment and burns out in another. We also share a concrete tool you can use today: O*NET Online, including how to explore job matches, training pathways, salaries, and “similar jobs” that reveal real transferable skills for teachers considering their next move.

If this conversation helps you feel seen, share it with a teacher friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more educators can find support when they need it most.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Mindful Career

June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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What do you do when the part of teaching that scares you isn’t the kids, it’s the adults with power? I’m replaying a conversation that stayed with me for a reason: it names the kind of educator pain we’re often pressured to keep quiet about. My guest (sharing anonymously as “Nancy”) describes what it feels like to be targeted, talked down to, and evaluated through systems that ignore the reality of student needs, classroom complexity, and basic human limits.

We dig into the pressure cooker of standardized testing and teacher evaluations, including how “accountability” gets reduced to one test on one day. We talk about how that mindset can warp how we see students, push teachers into constant self-doubt, and fuel toxic school culture. Nancy shares what happens when administrators refuse to offer support, when improvement plans become surveillance, and when non-union districts leave educators feeling unprotected. I also share my own experience of being written up after advocating for my health and safety at work.

There’s hope here, too. Nancy explains how moving into a technology role helped her breathe again, and how makerspace and STEM learning brought back joy, creativity, and real engagement for students who struggle in rigid, test-driven classrooms. We also get practical about coping strategies: documentation, boundaries, grants, and finding ways to keep doing what’s right for kids even when leadership tries to “reel you in.”

If you’ve felt that knot in your stomach before work, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not alone, and your worth is not defined by someone else’s agenda. Subscribe for more honest teacher stories, share this with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with the one line you wish an administrator understood.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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May is when solid routines start to wobble, not because you suddenly forgot how to teach, but because the school calendar turns into a nonstop interruption machine. If your class feels unpredictable right now, I’m here with a calming reminder: you don’t need more end-of-year activities. You need a structure that holds the days together.

I walk through how end of the year theme weeks bring novelty without chaos by keeping your schedule predictable while giving students something exciting to rally around. Think camp week, beach week, western hoedown, superheroes, sports, or even a glow week with black lights and glow-in-the-dark materials. The goal is simple: keep student engagement high, reduce planning stress, and help you get work done at work so the final stretch doesn’t steal your evenings.

We also dig into a practical classroom management approach for theme days: start with everyone included, tie participation to clear expectations, and if a student loses an activity, build in a way to earn it back. That small shift protects you and the child, because when kids think there’s no path back, behavior often falls off a cliff. Predictability plus a chance to recover is a powerful combination in May.

If you’re looking for end of year classroom ideas that actually support learning, reduce decision fatigue, and make the last week feel fun and focused, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more real-life teaching support, share this with a teacher friend who’s running on fumes, and leave a review with the theme your class would love most.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Theme Week End of the Year Bundle

Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit

FREE Editable Camp Awards

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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May can make even your strongest readers feel done, and that end of school year slide is exactly when reading starts to feel like a chore. I’m sharing a simple reset that keeps classroom reading calm, light, and genuinely enjoyable, so we can finish the year with connection instead of constant pushing. The goal is not to squeeze out one more checklist, it’s to make reading feel like something kids want to return to.

We talk about why read alouds are the fastest way to reignite reading motivation and rebuild stamina when everyone is tired. I also share camp themed ideas that make reading feel special without a ton of prep, including cozy “tent” reading at desks, reading under desks, and even a faux campfire setup for storytelling. You’ll hear specific camp friendly book picks like Bailey’s Camp Out, A Camping Spree With Mr McGee, Not So Scary Stories For Kids Around The Campfire, and more to spark that love of reading again.

If you’re looking for end of year reading activities that still support real literacy skills, we dig into options that tie fun to comprehension and sequencing: decodable reading, compare and contrast, readers theater in an easy to follow format, reading bingo, book recommendations, and student made reading commercials. I also point you to editable camp awards you can grab free, plus a camp themed reading unit that works for whole group, small group, centers, and even summer school.

Subscribe so you don’t miss next week, and if this helped you, share it with a teacher friend and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find calm reading routines.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Camping Worksheets: Reading Comprehension | Camp Read A Lot

Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit

FREE Editable Camp Awards

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The last week of school can make the best teachers feel like everything is coming apart at once: grades due, rooms to pack, routines blown up by assemblies, and kids who are equal parts excited and dysregulated. I’m sharing a practical way to calm the chaos without adding more to your plate, so you can finish the year strong instead of crawling across the finish line.
 
We walk through a simple “classroom camp” approach for the final week, built around one big idea: keep your normal schedule as steady as possible and drop themed activities into your usual blocks. That structure helps student behaviour, protects your energy, and gives you real time to tackle end-of-year tasks during the school day. You’ll hear literacy options like reader’s theatre for fluency, campfire-style storytelling, journal reflections, and book commercials, plus maths practice, problem solving, graphing, and game-style review that still feels like learning.
 
We also talk about small, high-impact extras that make the week memorable without being complicated, including a bubbles investigation that blends science and maths while cleaning desks in the process. Finally, I share a behaviour system that uses activities as incentives, a “success spot” for reset time, and the most important piece: letting students earn their way back so they don’t spiral once they’ve made a mistake. If you’re searching for end of school year classroom activities, classroom management strategies, and a realistic plan for the last week of school, this one’s for you.
 
If this helps, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can end the year with calm.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit

FREE Editable Camp Awards

Camp End of the Year (on TpT)

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The sprint to summer for teachers doesn’t have to feel like a grind. We share a practical, energizing way to turn late-April restlessness into focused learning with themed STEM that honors where students are right now in the classroom. If you’re tired of cramming and watching behavior slide, this conversation offers a humane reset: clear routines, simple materials, and challenges that spark curiosity without creating more work after hours.

We start by calling out a frustrating trend for teachers—pushing next year’s standards onto this year’s learners—and explain why it backfires on confidence and retention. Then we map out a better plan built on the five Cs plus curiosity: collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and the spark that keeps kids leaning in while in the classroom. You’ll hear how to break the engineering design process into short daily blocks—ask, imagine, plan, build, test, revise—so momentum stays high and management stays calm. No fancy supplies needed; cardboard, popsicle sticks, tape, clay, and paper are enough to fuel camp-themed or superhero-themed challenges that feel real and fun.

Along the way, we show how iteration reframes “failure” as progress, building grit that actually helps during testing. You’ll get concrete ideas for roles within teams, quick reflections that make thinking visible, and small recognition rituals that create community inside the classroom. Expect practical examples, from campsite problem-solving to superhero gadgets, plus tips for pacing, storage, and resets that protect your energy. The goal is simple: finish strong without sacrificing yourself, and let joy sit alongside rigor.

Ready to try it, teachers? Grab my free editable Camp Classroom Awards to celebrate unique strengths and end the year on a high note. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite end-of-year STEM win.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Theme Stem

FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The last weeks of school for teachers don’t have to be loud, chaotic, or exhausting. We show how a simple theme week in the classroom can turn spring fever into focused fun, giving students a sense of ceremony while teachers keep learning on track and save their sanity. From campfires and reader’s theater to bubble science that leaves desks spotless, we map out a clear plan that blends excitement with structure.

We start by naming the real tension of late April in the classroom: kids feel like siblings on a road trip and attention is jumpy. Instead of fighting it, we lean in with themes like camp, beach, sports, superhero, western, and glow. Each theme becomes a framework for daily reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with concrete tasks such as book commercials, opinion writing on favorite reads, memory books, quicksand investigations, buoyancy challenges, and math fluency games. You’ll hear how these activities build fluency, strengthen core skills, and create displays that welcome next year’s class.

We also dig into logistics, including parent letters that split supply lists by last-name range, simple swaps when you’re short on materials, and a posted schedule that keeps everyone anchored. A highlight is the behavior earn-back system for teachers: if a student loses an activity for a misstep, there’s a clear path to regain it through above-and-beyond choices. That single shift prevents shutdowns, keeps momentum, and protects classroom culture. The best part? While students rehearse, write, and create, teachers gain pockets of time to file, organize, and prep without sacrificing engagement.

Ready to finish strong in the classroom without burning out? Grab the free editable camp-style awards, test-drive a theme that fits your class, and let structure carry the load. If this helped, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find relief.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Theme Weeks

FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Spring brings sunshine and chaos in equal measure into the classroom for teachers—testing windows, field trips, allergies, family appointments, and that restless energy buzzing through the classroom. We dig into a practical, compassionate strategy for staying steady in the classroom: building reusable, ready-to-go sub plans that protect learning and your peace of mind. Instead of scrambling at 5 a.m., you’ll have a simple, flexible system that turns absence into continuity and makes time off truly guilt-free.

We walk through what a five-day set looks like for teachers and when it makes sense to expand to ten, especially if health or family demands pop up. You’ll hear how to anchor reading with manageable texts and workbook pages, design math for spiral review, and craft quick writing prompts that deliver standards without needing heavy modeling. We also explore science and social studies activities that run smoothly for a guest teacher, from observation logs to compare-and-contrast tasks. To keep spring energy on track, we share two engaging frames—an April superhero theme and a May camp theme—that transform routines with simple roles, predictable rewards, and end-of-day reflections kids actually enjoy.

Along the way, we name the mindset shift that matters: you’re not planning to be absent, you’re planning to be human. With clear rosters, helper roles, movement breaks, early finisher options, and a behavior plan that rewards on-task work, subs feel supported and students feel secure. The result is a calm classroom, steady instruction, and a teacher who can say yes to real life without fear.

If you’re ready for permission and relief, this guide will help you build a sub-plan safety net that lasts all spring and carries you to the finish line. Subscribe, share this episode with a teacher who needs a break, and leave a review telling us your best sub-day tip.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Sub Plans

FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Exhaustion doesn’t equal excellence in the classroom. We open up about the quiet message so many educators absorb—that the “best” teachers are the ones who stay late, skip sick days, and shoulder every shortage—and we trade that myth for a healthier, more sustainable practice. From oversized classes to shrinking resources, we name the systemic pressures that push us into martyr mode and offer a plan to step out without guilt.

We get practical fast. You’ll hear how to build five ready-to-go emergency sub days that live in a simple sub tub or digital folder, complete with routines, seating charts, clear norms, and low-prep learning that actually sticks. We talk through the difference between a true crisis and a chronic problem, why working in adrenaline is not a long-term strategy, and how to create boundary audits that help you stop, streamline, and schedule the work that matters. You’ll leave with language to say no, templates to save time, and small habits that return your evenings to you.

Most of all, we make room for joy and humanity in the classroom. Rested teachers plan smarter, connect deeper, and model calm for students who need it. Simple theme weeks, repeatable structures, and end-of-year activities can be engaging without consuming your weekends. You are allowed to leave on time, to take a mental health day, and to be excellent without hurting. If you’re ready to replace burnout with balance and bring back the parts of teaching you love, this conversation is your permission slip.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a reminder to rest, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find tools that protect their time and energy.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

April Sub Plans

May Sub Plans

FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards

Theme Weeks

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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When the culture outside feels loud and divisive, we choose a different tempo inside our classrooms: slower, kinder, more human. We talk candidly about why connection is not extra, but essential, and how teacher judgment beats any script when a room needs care more than coverage. From quick 4C bell ringers that warm up collaboration and curiosity to morning meeting prompts that make respect a habit, we map out simple moves that change the feel of a day without overloading your plate.

We dig into the power of read alouds as a two-for-one: deep standards work and real social-emotional growth. Swapping an anthology piece for a vivid picture book lets us analyze point of view, vocabulary, and visual storytelling while coaching kids to name feelings, spot bias, and practice repair. You’ll hear how think-alouds model inner dialogue, how partner talk turns comprehension into compassion, and why pausing for a story can redirect a tense class better than any consequence chart. Along the way, we keep the focus on student voice, curiosity, and the small choices that build trust.

We also reframe digital citizenship as everyday citizenship. Privacy, tone, empathy, and pause-before-post become habits through quick role-plays and device-free scenarios that travel from screens to group work. In a time that pressures everyone to take sides, we claim leadership by slowing down, noticing more, and protecting space for kids to practice being thoughtful people. If you’re ready for practical, heart-forward teaching that still hits your standards, you’re in the right place. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review with one kindness routine you’ll try this week.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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What happens when the loudest voice in education says “use AI” and the quietest voice—the one in your gut—whispers “trust your judgment”? We dig into that crossroads with honesty, naming both the power of new tools and the irreplaceable role of human presence, care, and professional discretion in the classroom. This is a conversation for every teacher who’s felt the pressure to comply when their eyes and data say pivot.

We start by examining how mandates to replace teacher-created resources with AI aren’t really about technology; they’re about trust. When districts prize fidelity over responsiveness, classrooms become compliance labs and teachers become operators. We share a real story of adopting a buzzy conferring model that collapsed under classroom realities, and how choosing to pivot protected learning. From there, we draw a clean line between AI as support and AI as substitute, unpacking the difference with concrete examples.

You’ll hear five smart, time-saving ways to use AI—idea generation when energy is low, fast first drafts, differentiated scaffolds, admin relief, and cross-curricular brainstorming—paired with five real risks: hallucinations, generic lessons, lost nuance, inability to read the room, and the slow erosion of teacher confidence. We walk through a K–5 vocabulary project where AI provided a scaffold, then human expertise rewrote for developmental clarity, added visuals, and built activities that made the words stick. The takeaway is simple and stubborn: technology can accelerate tasks, but only teachers create meaning.

If you’re navigating new tools while guarding your craft, this one’s for you. Come for the practical uses, stay for the reminder that relationships, context, and professional judgment are the real engines of learning. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs backup, and leave a review to tell us where you draw the line with AI in your classroom.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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What if STEM wasn’t about bins of stuff, but about the humans in the room? We dig into a human-centered approach that treats STEM as a daily practice of connection—where students learn to collaborate, think critically, and care for one another while they solve real problems. Instead of chasing pricey kits, we start with stories and simple materials, then layer in the engineering design process to make reflection, testing, and revision feel natural and fun.

We share why employers keep naming collaboration, creativity, and community as the missing skills, and how an off-screen STEM block gives kids a safe place to practice those habits. You’ll hear how rising academic pressure—especially in the early grades—can crowd out play, and why slowing down to build belonging actually accelerates learning. Our Five Cs framework (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, community, and curiosity) becomes the backbone for planning, coaching teamwork, and celebrating inclusive classroom culture.

Looking for concrete ideas? We walk through picture-book pairings that light the spark—think The Amazing Bone, The Day the Crayons Quit, Rosie Revere, Engineer, Stone Soup, and The Curious Garden—then map them to challenges students can own. Use bell-ringer routines to spread the engineering cycle across the week, introduce simple constraints to focus thinking, and offer choice boards to boost voice and engagement. We also share a free, device-free digital citizenship lesson to help students practice presence, empathy, and attention before they go online.

If you want a classroom where kids arrive eager to build, listen, and try again, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more human-centered teaching ideas, share this with a colleague who needs a spark, and leave a review to tell us which C your students are growing most right now.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

When the world shouts at teachers to do more, faster, and perfectly, we choose a different anchor: the small humans in front of us. A seven-year-old’s quiet kindness reframed an entire classroom and reminded us why presence matters more than perfection. From there, we unpack a practical roadmap for building connection that holds steady when mandates and programs feel overwhelming.

We dig into the daily rituals that keep empathy alive—especially read alouds that invite big feelings and brave conversations. Rather than chasing checklists, we talk about selecting stories that help kids practice patience, kindness, perseverance, and perspective-taking. You’ll hear how stepping away from rigid scripts to follow a powerful moment can transform comprehension, classroom culture, and trust. Along the way, we share concrete prompts and strategies that make discussion feel safe, purposeful, and deeply human.

Because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, we also bring that same care online. We outline a K–3 digital citizenship approach that teaches safety, privacy, and responsibility in ways kids can actually use. Think media balance, kind communication, early awareness of meanness and footprints, and third-grade lessons on empathy, authenticity, and evaluating information—skills every child needs in an AI-shaped world. We balance screens with hands-on STEM story stations to keep collaboration and creativity at the center, and we offer a free device-free lesson to help you start tomorrow.

If you’re ready to trade noise for connection and let one meaningful moment be enough, this conversation is your reset. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a review to help other teachers find this space. What’s one small moment that reminded you why you teach?

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

Support the show

Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

The outrage machine is loud, but your classroom doesn’t have to be. We’re pulling the focus back to what you can control: the students in front of you, the relationships you build, and the professional judgment that makes learning human. If you’ve felt crushed by scripts, shifting benchmarks, and the demand to standardize every slide, this conversation is a reset—heart first, performance next.

We unpack the tension between uniform systems and diverse learners, exploring why “a year of growth” can’t mean the same thing for every child. From hallway observations to playground insights, we show how everyday moments reveal who needs connection, who needs safety, and who’s ready for challenge. You’ll hear practical ways to turn down the noise—pausing for regulation, designing from student voice, and redefining rigor as something that follows belonging. Connection isn’t fluff; it’s the runway for cognition and the reason academic gains stick.

Looking ahead, we set a spring theme around trust, simplicity, and energy, including STEM projects anchored in meaning and collaboration rather than just output. We also share a device-free digital citizenship lesson to help students reclaim attention, practice kind feedback, and carry online norms back into real life. If you’re ready to trade comparisons for compassion and scripts for discernment, come sit with us. Subscribe, share this with a teacher who needs a lift, and leave a review with one place you’ll trust yourself more this week.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Device-Free Digital Citizenship Lesson

Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT Technology Vocabulary Word of the Day

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Testing season and evaluations can make even confident teachers question themselves. In this episode, we talk about how to stay grounded, trust your professional judgment, and teach from your values when pressure and opinions get loud.

The volume gets loud this time of year—tests, evaluations, and opinions from people who have never stood in your classroom. We’re turning that noise down and turning your inner voice up. This conversation is a reset for tired teachers who need both reassurance and a plan: you are already enough, and you can teach from your values without performing for every changing metric.

We unpack why moving goalposts—like demanding a year and a half or two years of growth—strain both teachers and kids, and how to ground your practice in what actually works. From the realities of conferring versus small-group instruction to reading the signals students send when a plan isn’t working, we look at instruction through a humane, practical lens. Your eyes are data. Your calm is an intervention. Your choices, guided by experience and evidence, can outlast trends.

We also challenge the tired myth that public servants should accept less. You are a whole person with a life that deserves margin and dignity. That’s not selfish; it’s essential for a stable classroom. Together we explore boundaries that protect your energy, routines that center learning over performance, and community support that makes the work sustainable when March brings testing and disruptions. Progress grows where pressure gives way to presence.

If you’re ready to trade performative extras for aligned practice, to trust your instincts, and to remember that what you’re doing matters, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help more teachers find this space—we’d love to hear what “enough” looks like for you this week.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Overcomplicated STEM lessons don’t lead to deeper learning—they lead to burnout. In this episode, we unpack why simple, well-designed STEM challenges create stronger thinking, better engagement, and more meaningful classroom moments.

Tired of feeling like STEM needs fancy kits, perfect conditions, and a superhuman level of classroom management? We break that myth and show how simple tools, real problems, and a steady structure can unlock big thinking without the overwhelm. Using the engineering design process as our anchor, we walk through a clear path that keeps creativity high and anxiety low—both for students and for us as teachers.

We start with mindset: reassurance and permission to keep it simple. Then we explore story-based STEM and use After the Fall as a launchpad for force, motion, gravity, and impact. A familiar narrative gives context, builds empathy, and bridges literacy with science so students care about the challenge and ask sharper questions. From there, we move into the practical: cardboard, tape, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, recyclables, and LEGO bricks are more than enough to prototype, test, and iterate. No fancy kits required—just thoughtful constraints and a culture that values iteration over perfection.

Testing and revision get special attention because that’s where learning deepens. We share why splitting the process across sessions helps students reflect, compare, and refine their designs without rushing. Along the way, we highlight classroom strategies that reduce chaos: clear steps, visible goals, and time set aside for reflection. The core takeaway is simple: simple doesn’t mean shallow; it often means safe. And safe environments are where students take risks, embrace productive struggle, and grow real grit.

Ready to try story-driven STEM with minimal prep? Grab the free grit STEM story station inspired by After the Fall and see how far cardboard and conversation can go. If you find value here, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more teachers find calm, creative STEM.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Looking for a simple way to teach growth mindset, productive struggle, and the engineering design process—especially during testing season? This episode shares a real classroom STEM challenge that shows how failure becomes feedback when students feel safe to try.

What if the word failure stopped feeling like a verdict and started sounding like a clue? A chaotic testing schedule pushed us to improvise, and a simple Piggy and Elephant story turned into a full-on design challenge with a big mindset payoff. Fifth graders faced a familiar, human problem—Snake wants to play catch without arms—and discovered how quickly curiosity returns when the stakes are safe and the goal is learning, not perfection.

We walk through the engineering design process in real time: clarifying constraints, sketching ideas, choosing materials, and building the first draft. The catch is that materials are uneven on purpose—cardboard and tape for one group, Legos or Play-Doh for another—because design is about trade-offs, not identical kits. When most prototypes fail on the first test, we resist rescue and reframe: failure is information. Students mine their results for patterns, name what almost worked, and plan precise changes. That shift from judgment to data turns frustration into momentum and makes revision feel like power rather than punishment.

Along the way, we share strategies any teacher can use to turn a read-aloud into a quick, high-impact STEM moment. You’ll hear how to define success criteria kids can own, turn scarcity into creativity, and guide reflections that build metacognition and grit. The best part? None of this requires perfect prep. It only asks for a clear problem, a safe space to try, and the courage to call a failed test what it is: the next step forward.

If you’re craving a practical way to spark engagement on long testing days or want language to normalize productive struggle, you’ll find it here—plus a free grit STEM story station to help you start tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us how you make failure feel safe for your students.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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February can feel like a pressure cooker—testing talk, evaluation season, and the quiet drumbeat of “do more” echoing through the halls. We get real about that weight and share a grounded way to protect your energy, your values, and your classroom community without slipping into performative teaching.

We start by unpacking the scarcity mindset that tells some teachers they’re “second string,” then flip the script: your worth isn’t measured by a rubric or a test window. From there, we reframe observations with a simple shift—think hospitality, not performance. You still teach authentically, but you prepare for “company” so students and you feel ready. We walk through practical moves for pre‑ and post‑conferences, how to bring evidence that shows growth beyond a 45‑minute slice, and language that explains mid‑lesson pivots with confidence.

We also tackle the fidelity trap when big‑ticket programs underdeliver. Instead of grinding through one‑size‑fits‑all tasks, we advocate for principled alignment: meet the requirement briefly, then pivot to what actually serves kids. STEM becomes the spark—hands‑on, standards‑aligned, and community-building. Using a read‑aloud like After the Fall, we model how to turn resilience into an engineering challenge that builds grit, creativity, and collaboration. It’s not “more work”; it’s better work that lights up learners and maps to what evaluators hope to see.

If February feels heavy, let this be your reminder: you don’t have to do it all to matter. Protect what aligns with your heart, document the good, and let your authentic practice lead the way. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teacher who needs the boost, and leave a quick review—what aligned choice will you make this week?

Links Mentioned in the Show:

February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Teacher observations can trigger stress, self-doubt, and overperforming—especially during evaluation season. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to stay grounded, protect your confidence, and remember what actually matters when you’re being observed.

If evaluation season ties your stomach in knots, you’re not alone—and you’re not a score. We take a clear-eyed look at how to stay grounded when someone with a clipboard walks in, and we share a toolkit that turns everyday good teaching into visible evidence without turning your classroom into a performance. You’ll hear why knowing the Danielson Framework inside out changes the power dynamic, how to select and rehearse a lesson that fits your voice, and the specific engagement moves that show learning from every seat.

We also talk about what makes the system feel unfair—how life outside school affects test data, how single snapshots miss the best moments, and why rubrics designed for growth get misused for pay. Then we flip the script. From student roles like a safety captain to essential questions and turn and talk, we outline simple structures that demonstrate culture, rigor, and management in ways observers can actually see. We dig into practical readiness: plan B tech, quick pivots when things go sideways, and calm responses to behavior that still meet the rubric.

Along the way, we challenge leaders to gather better evidence by teaching a mini-lesson themselves and to right-size the frequency of high-stakes visits. Until that happens, we can still advocate for ourselves: bring artifacts to the post conference, cite the rubric language, and narrate your decisions. Most of all, protect your confidence. A label can’t hold your craft, your care, or the spark you light in students long after the clipboard leaves. If you’re ready for strategies that lower stress and raise clarity, hit play—and if this helped, follow, share with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more teachers find it.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Gift of a Day off- Free Sub Plans

Highly Effective LP

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Looking for Super Bowl reading activities that actually build skills—not just hype? This episode shares practical, low-prep ways to use football culture to strengthen informational text comprehension, media literacy, and engagement for elementary readers.

Big-game buzz is already in the air, and we’re turning that energy into real reading growth. Rather than fighting for attention, we tap into what students are already hearing at home and seeing on TV—Super Bowl storylines, halftime ads, and player talk—to build relevance, stamina, and mastery of informational text skills without adding busywork.

We walk through a practical playbook for teachers who want engagement with substance. You’ll hear how a streamlined Super Bowl reader can anchor close reading, vocabulary in context, sequencing, and author’s purpose, while text features like timelines and fast-fact boxes make complex information easier to digest. We share why updating facts each year becomes a mini-lesson in source reliability and current events, and how quick wins—main idea exit tickets, sequencing card sorts, and short evidence-based responses—create momentum for reluctant readers.

From there, we bring in writing and media literacy that students actually enjoy: player profiles, team predictions backed by evidence, and halftime ad analysis focused on audience, persuasive techniques, and claims. We make space for every learner with choice-driven stations—history of the game, commercial critique, or pop culture angles—so football superfans and non-fans both find an entry point. Along the way, we connect the dots to broader teaching: once you see how to channel this cultural moment, you can replicate the strategy for award shows, local events, or space missions to keep reading instruction timely and alive.

If this approach helps, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend who needs a fresh spark, and leave a quick review telling us which activity your students would try first.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Super Bowl Reader

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The school year restarts, the weather turns wild, and our schedules fill faster than a radar screen during a storm. We’re leaning into a smarter way to teach: integrating reading and science through a focused study on severe weather so every minute pulls double duty. From thunderstorms to hurricanes, we use clear, kid-friendly texts to teach main idea, text features, vocabulary in context, and questioning—while giving students concrete safety steps that lessen anxiety and build confidence.

We walk through how to structure a short severe weather reader so it aligns with standards and still feels human. That means building sections on watches vs warnings, lightning safety, tornado tips, and flood awareness, then layering close reads and partner talk for evidence gathering. Along the way, we open space for feelings: drills can be scary, and kids need words for fear, routines for safety, and practice showing empathy to communities facing storms different from their own. We also tackle author’s purpose and bias, using real passages to show how word choice and structure shape understanding and influence.

If your region sees snow and ice, we turn that gap into inquiry with a simple research blueprint students can follow—definition, formation, risks, safety—so they practice nonfiction skills while expanding the class weather map. And because flu season and admin pop-ins are real, we share how to build reliable sub plans that keep learning moving: a tight reading sequence, a text-feature hunt, scaffolded questions, and a quick-write on safety tips. It’s all about intentional routines that reduce stress and make room for the conversations that matter.

Want the materials we mention? We’re linking the Severe Weather Reader, plus ready-to-use January and February sub plans that blend literacy and science. If this approach helps you breathe easier on stormy days, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find calm in the chaos.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Severe Weather Reader

January Sub Plans

February Sub Plans

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

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The first days back after break don’t need to feel like a sprint through fog. We map out a gentle re-entry that keeps your class connected, your planning sane, and your energy intact. Instead of diving headfirst into new content, we focus on three anchors that make the day feel calm and productive: a purposeful morning meeting, a cozy read-aloud that sets tone and focus, and a respectful reset of routines and procedures.

We start by rebuilding community with short shares and simple goal setting that invite students back into voice without draining attention. A few playful “would you rather” prompts create laughter and momentum, while a shared text becomes the day’s steady heartbeat. We talk through choosing a story that highlights perseverance, empathy, or problem solving, then show how to draw out quick comprehension without turning it into a heavy lesson. When students return sleepy and dysregulated, narrative focus and light structure are your best friends.

From there, we walk through a practical routine review: modeling what lining up looks like, clarifying how to ask for help, smoothing transitions, and patching the small systems that frayed in December. We explain why review before new content is not a delay but a performance boost, and how avoiding overplanning protects both you and your students. By the end, you’ll have a simple three-step plan you can run tomorrow: morning meeting, meaningful read-aloud, and routine reset, with optional spiral review if time allows.

If this gentle start resonates, share it with a colleague who needs permission to slow the pace, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show. Your work matters—and a calm January begins with a single steady day.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Would You Rather

January Sub Plans

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

The holidays are done, the calendar is rolling toward a new year, and your energy tank is somewhere between low and blinking. Let’s make winter break feel like it actually refills you. We pull back the curtain on what a real teacher reset looks like when you set aside perfect plans and choose small, human rituals that restore your mind, body, and heart.

We start with the quiet stuff that matters: not setting an alarm, finishing the book that’s been waiting on your nightstand, stepping outside for a slow walk without turning it into a task. From there, we offer five simple reflection prompts—what worked, what felt heavy, what made you smile, what you want more of, and what lights you up—plus an easy way to use voice memos if writing feels like one task too many. This is reflection for you, not your students, not your admin, and not social media.

Then we take the pressure off January. If prepping a welcome-back routine feels soothing, do it. If not, log off and rest. You’ll hear why presence beats perfection, how a light-touch back-from-break packet can ease re-entry without the Sunday Scaries, and why choosing grace over goals is the most strategic move you can make for your classroom and your own nervous system. Expect practical tips, warm encouragement, and permission to reset without guilt so you return with a clearer mind and a steadier heart.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher who needs a gentle nudge, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more tired teachers find a softer, saner way back to school.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Welcome Back From Winter Break Packet

Free Sub Survival Guide

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

If January has ever felt like educational whiplash, this conversation is your warm landing pad. We walk through a practical plan to protect your peace after winter break, built on a few high-impact moves you can set up before you unplug: print-ready sub plans, a back-from-break packet that rebuilds community, and plug-and-play units that spark engagement without draining your energy.

We start by naming why the return feels so jarring—students arrive in holiday mode while new standards wait on the board—and then map out a calm reentry. You’ll hear how five-day sub plans focused on review can save you from sickness, delays, and surprise meetings. We share what to include in a sub binder, how to structure time-stamped blocks, and why “familiar, not new” content keeps classes on track. From there, we unpack a $3 back-from-break kit full of reflection prompts, “find someone who” social mixers, gratitude pages, and a quick snow globe craft that nudges kids back into routines while giving you space to breathe.

For content, we line up two easy wins: force and motion or severe weather for science, and fairy tales, folktales, and fables for ELA. These choices pair naturally with reading comprehension, anchor charts, and short texts that build stamina and invite rich talk about theme, structure, and evidence. Copy what you need now, label a few folders, and walk into January with a plan you can run on low battery—because calm, consistent structure beats last-minute hustle every time.

Want the resources we mention? Grab a free day of sub plans, a Sub Survival Kit, and January-aligned plan packs you can print today. If this helped you feel lighter about the return, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find their soft start, too.

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

January Sub Plans

Monthly Sub Plans

Free Sub Plan Survival Guide

Force and Motion

Winter Force and Motion

Severe Weather

Back from Winter Break Packet

Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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December doesn’t have to be a stress test. We unpack five blissful, low-prep strategies that keep kids learning and let you breathe, so you can walk into winter break proud, present, and not wiped out. We start with Elf Diaries, a creative writing approach that turns classroom elf hype into voice, perspective, and narrative skills without the daily setup grind. From there, we pivot to Holiday Would You Rather—fast, funny prompts that spark movement, debate, and opinion writing, with easy extensions like quick writes and class graphs that take minutes to run and deliver big engagement.

When the energy spikes, we lean into Christmas STEM story stations that transform chaos into purposeful collaboration. Pair a seasonal read-aloud with design challenges—free Santa from a chimney, build a sleigh that moves without reindeer—and watch force, motion, iteration, and teamwork click with cardboard, tape, and recyclables. For the days when your bandwidth is gone, we talk sub plans as self-care: printable, standards-based packets that cover you for a mental health day, a longer staff-lunch window, or a simplified week that still moves learning forward.

The heart of the conversation is permission to pause. You’re allowed to do less. Say no to extras that drain you, lean on backup plans, and trust that rest is a teaching strategy—one that helps you show up better for your students. As a bonus, we share why Readers Theater is December’s sweet spot: group rehearsals that build fluency and expression while giving you time to finish report cards, prep January, or finally clear that closet shelf. You’ll leave with practical, joyful ideas and the confidence to protect your energy when it matters most.

If this helped you feel lighter, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which idea will you try first?

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Elf Diaries 

Christmas Would You Rather

Christmas STEM

December Sub Plans

Christmas Plays and Readers Theater for 2nd Grade

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

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December doesn’t have to be glitter storms and lost learning. We share a practical, story-driven way to turn holiday energy into real science with a Christmas-themed matter unit that keeps kids focused, curious, and proud of their work. Think stockings and balloons for inferring solids, liquids, and gases. Think hot cocoa tests that make temperature, dissolving, and fair experiment design click. The result is joyful rigor: standards met, mess managed, and students begging for “one more test.”

We start with the real problem—tired teachers, sugar-fueled classes, and lessons that feel cute but shallow. Then we map a simple structure that works: characters who pose questions, low to mid prep stations, clear roles, and data sheets that guide talk and writing. Randy Reindeer anchors states of matter with hidden items in balloons. Santa explores solubility and rate of change using cocoa and controlled temperatures. A snowman station tackles floating and sinking with familiar treats, gently introducing density concepts. An elf narrator nudges property observations—texture, size, weight, volume, and temperature—so students use accurate vocabulary while they explore.

To knit it together, we fold in short nonfiction reading and claim-evidence-reasoning writing, so science time stretches into ELA without breaking your schedule. Behavior improves because each station has a purpose, a reveal, and a shared goal; setup stays sane thanks to reusable stockings, simple supplies, and a ready-to-send family letter. You can run it all in a day or spread it across a week, and the format adapts to other units like force and motion with “sleigh tests,” keeping the seasonal spark while protecting content.

Want to try it without the heavy lift? Grab the free Randy Reindeer experiment at TrinaDeboriTeachingandLearning.com/ChristmasMatter, then decide if you want the full unit with anchor charts, prompts, and more labs in our TPT shop. If this approach helps, subscribe, share the episode with a teammate who needs a December win, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find it.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Randy Reindeer Explores Matter FREEBIE

Christmas Science Matter Unit

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

December doesn’t have to be survival mode. We’re sharing ten Christmas read‑alouds that bring the room to a cozy hush while still nailing essential skills like character analysis, sequencing, vocabulary, point of view, and fluency. Each pick comes with a clear teaching angle and simple prompts you can use tomorrow, so you can steer into the season’s energy without losing rigor.

We break down why holiday books work so well during the chaotic weeks before break and pair every title with high‑impact strategies. Turkey Claus becomes a mini‑lesson on perseverance and how illustrations build meaning. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus opens rich conversations about perspective, story structure, and author’s purpose, complete with a free five‑day close reading unit. Hurry, Santa! and Santa Is Stuck are tailor‑made for sequencing and problem–solution, and they double as quick STEM challenges—design a morning routine, prototype a rescue device, then write the steps.

We also lean into inclusion and visual literacy with Are You Grumpy, Santa?, where unexpected illustrations spark empathy and careful noticing. Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett invites close reading of borders and background details, while Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh supports character comparison across a beloved series. The Polar Express serves as a mentor text for theme and vocabulary with a film comparison to analyze medium and tone. Finally, The Night Before Christmas turns into a fluency workshop and a gentle lesson on multiple‑meaning words.

If your December feels like glitter in a wind tunnel, let these stories do the heavy lifting. Grab the free Yes, Virginia unit from the show notes, explore our STEM Story Stations for easy extensions, and subscribe to get more cozy, standards‑aligned ideas each week. Share your favorite holiday read‑aloud with us and leave a review to help other teachers find the show.

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus Companion Unit Freebie

10 Christmas Read-Aloud STEM Story Stations

Christmas Trolls Comprehension Companion

Christmas Trolls STEM and Comprehension

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh STEM Challenge

Polar Express Comprehension Companion

Books Mentioned:

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal

Hurry, Santa! by Julie Sykes & Tim Warnes- so cute

Santa’s Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley

Are You Grumpy, Santa? by Gregg & Evan Spiridellis

Santa Is Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg<

June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The week before Thanksgiving can feel like a carnival on wheels—school-wide feasts, cupcake drop-offs, half the class rehearsing for a turkey play, and attention spans migrating toward grandma’s pie. We lean into that reality with a grounded plan that keeps learning meaningful without draining your last nerve. Instead of cramming a full unit or launching new systems, we focus on survival with purpose: low-prep, high-engagement activities that create calm structure, protect your energy, and still spark joy.

We start with one anchor text—think Molly’s Pilgrim or any gratitude-themed read—and build simple, reflective responses that reinforce comprehension and connection. Then we channel restless energy into hands-on STEM story stations using easy materials like cardboard, tape, and craft sticks. From designing parade floats after Balloons Over Broadway to quick engineering challenges, students collaborate, iterate, and share, while you finally take a breath. To cap it off, a short reader’s theater provides a shared goal with big payoff in fluency, expression, and classroom community—assigned Monday, practiced Tuesday, performed Wednesday with zero busywork.

Along the way, we share a ready early-finisher kit, guardrails that keep transitions smooth, and a firm list of what to skip: tests, parent conferences, new behavior systems, and any guilt about reusing resources. The core message is simple—reuse what works, download what’s ready, and give yourself grace. You’re a good teacher even when you choose rest and ease. Want ready-to-use materials? I point you to Thanksgiving Readers Theater, Thanksgiving STEM story stations, Molly’s Pilgrim activities, and even Christmas STEM options if you want to pivot early.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to breathe, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite short-week strategy. Your future self—post-pie—will thank you.

Links Mentioned in Show:

Thanksgiving Time and Sanity Savers 

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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What if the most meaningful lesson in a noisy month is the quietest one? I share the story of a short read-aloud—Molly’s Pilgrim—that shifted my classroom from scattered to centered, and why one complete book can spark more empathy and insight than a week of themed activities. 

November often pushes teachers into survival mode: short weeks, sugar crashes, and last‑minute crafts that fill time but not hearts. I walk through how a single, well-chosen chapter book reframed Thanksgiving around identity and belonging, and how one child’s whisper—“That’s like my grandma”—opened the door to a deeper conversation about journeys, culture, and home.

You’ll hear a simple framework you can lift tomorrow: light pre-reading prompts that invite personal connections, gentle pauses during the text to name feelings and evidence, and a post-reading reflection that turns insight into action. I talk candidly about the trend toward excerpts and quick hits, and why finishing a complete story builds stamina, joy, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Instead of politics or platitudes, I focus on language that honors nuance and humanity: a pilgrim as a seeker of home, identity as an asset, and story as a safe place to practice empathy.

If you’re tired, overbooked, or just craving calm, this is your reminder to trust the power of a good book. Let the room breathe. Let the story do the heavy lifting. Then tell us what happens when your students see themselves on the page. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review—your notes help more educators find a little quiet and a lot of heart.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Molly's Pilgrim Companion Resource

Molly's Pilgrim on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

The pre‑Thanksgiving stretch can feel like a sprint you didn’t sign up for, and we’re done pretending it’s fine. This candid bonus drop is for every tired teacher who needs permission to step off the hamster wheel, set healthier boundaries, and protect hard‑won peace. We name the pressure points—grading through the parade, last‑minute bulletin boards, “extra PD” masquerading as team building—and swap them for choices grounded in truth and sustainability.

We walk through a November “not‑doing” list that rejects toxic positivity without rejecting hope. That means saying no to performative joy and yes to real joy, the kind that fits into your day without stealing your energy. It looks like keeping the break a break, using emergency sub plans when you’re sick, and choosing light‑lift, purposeful activities that actually support learning. If you want something festive, we talk about gratitude prompts and a Molly’s Pilgrim reader response—both engaging, standards‑aligned, and kind to your bandwidth. Along the way, we remember what we still love about teaching, even if we don’t love the system, and we find solidarity in the beautiful, messy reality of the work.

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. You get to choose less guilt, more truth, and only what truly matters. If you’re planning to not plan over Thanksgiving week, grab the free sub plan day mentioned, breathe, and let yourself rest. If this resonated, follow for more real‑talk teacher support, share it with a colleague who needs it, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Your peace matters—and you’re not alone.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Thanksgiving Teaching Ideas

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

Tired of being told to “just be grateful” while you’re juggling a crowded class, endless testing, and a to-do list that never ends? I open up about gratitude without the guilt—how to honor real exhaustion and real care at the same time—so you can model emotional health without faking it. Instead of platitudes, I break down the difference between a scarcity mindset and actual scarcity in schools, and why empathy—not forced positivity—is the thing that helps.

I share classroom-ready ways to make gratitude meaningful: a quick daily journal that trains students to notice specifics, hands-on craft reflections that slow the pace and deepen thinking, and story-driven STEM stations that weave kindness and empathy into problem solving. You’ll hear easy discussion prompts that hold two truths at once—“What felt hard?” and “What are you still grateful for?”—so kids learn to name the mess and the meaning without pressure to produce silver linings. Along the way, I talk about boundaries, breath, and the right to want systems that work while still showing up for students with a full heart.

If you’re craving practical, human-sized steps that build connection and calm in November and beyond, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with simple routines, kid-friendly language, and a new lens on gratitude that doesn’t erase the hard parts. Subscribe for more honest teaching talk, share this with a colleague who needs permission to rest, and leave a review telling me one small thing you’re grateful for today.

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

Gratitude Journal for Kids

Gratitude Craft for Kids

Thanksgiving STEM Story Stations

Kindness STEM Story Stations

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!

The quiet snap of November hits hard: the adrenaline fades, the sinuses throb, and suddenly “powering through” isn’t noble—it’s costly. We open up about the annual crash so many teachers face and lay out a calm, practical path to protect your peace without sacrificing your students’ progress. No fluff. Just a clear system for calling out with confidence, and a reminder that rest is part of the job, not a privilege you have to earn.

We walk through how to build reliable emergency sub plans that actually match your pacing in November—seasonal but standards-aligned, low-prep yet high-clarity. You’ll hear simple structures that help a guest teacher keep your room steady: time-stamped agendas, predictable routines, and tasks that reinforce learning rather than introduce fragile new content right before a break. We also cover how to reduce behavior friction with transparent student roles, quick-reference norms, and a single flow a sub can run across multiple sections. Think five days of coverage that preserve momentum, manage materials, and keep expectations consistent.

Along the way, we challenge the guilt narrative around sick days. A reactive, exhausted teacher isn’t a superhero; they’re a human running on empty. Preparation is the professional move: a sub binder with ready-to-go lessons, clear objectives, and built-in checks for understanding. We share free resources to help you start today and explain how to tailor plans for uneven attendance, end-of-term fatigue, and seasonal engagement. If your throat feels like sandpaper or your energy’s tanking, you deserve a plan that lets you step back and heal while your classroom keeps learning.

If this helped you breathe a little easier, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find practical support when they need it most. Your rest matters—let’s plan for it together.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Sub Plan Guide

November Sub Plans

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

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The birth of "The We Do Not Care Club: Teacher Chapter" might be the most honest conversation about educator burnout you'll hear this year. After discovering a hilarious TikTok creator who gave women permission to stop caring about societal expectations during menopause, I realized teachers desperately needed the same liberation.

What started as a few casual videos quickly erupted into a movement. Teachers everywhere began contributing their own "we do not care" statements—powerful declarations of boundaries that challenge the normalized absurdities of our profession. "We do not care if someone calls in sick. You did not hire us to teach two classes at once." "We do not care about every single data point. We're teaching children, not numbers."

This isn't about abandoning our dedication to students or education—quite the opposite. It's about reclaiming our humanity in a system that too often treats teachers as endless resources to be depleted rather than professionals to be respected. When we say "we do not care" about unpaid summer work, pointless meetings, or using our own money for classroom supplies, we're creating space to deeply care about what truly matters: our students, our teaching practice, and yes, our own wellbeing.

The laughter and validation flowing through this community reveals something powerful—we're not alone in our frustrations. For too long, toxic positivity has forced teachers to smile through impossible demands while questioning our own right to feel overwhelmed. The We Do Not Care Club offers a different path: one where humor becomes survival, community becomes resistance, and saying "nope" becomes an act of professional self-preservation.

Ready to join the teacher chapter? Download free sub plans from the link in the show notes, then share what you no longer care about. Together, we're building a more sustainable vision of teaching—one where educators can thrive, not just survive. Because you're doing enough, you are enough, and you absolutely belong in the We Do Not Care Club.

We Do Not Care Club Teacher Chapter on TikTok

Free One-Day Sub Plan

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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered. 

 👉  2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.”  Thank you!