The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we're unpacking our thoughts on 3 hot button topics in the world of education.

Topics Discussed

• Homework
• Uniforms
• Color Coding

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5



Resources

--> Learn more about homework on Ellie's blog HERE and HERE

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-homework-assignments/

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/making-math-homework-work/

Related Episodes

--> You might also enjoy Episode 11 about using colors in the classroom: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/color-in-classrooms/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her 

Today we’re talking about those teacher chores you don’t really enjoy but just have to do - duties.

Topics Discussed

• Duties teachers regularly encounter
• Duties we prefer, and why
• How to make the best of duties you don't prefer
• Tips for managing the many responsibilities on your plate

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5



Related Episodes

Episode 18 Clubs and Their Benefits:

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/clubs-and-their-benefits/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a...

Today, we are delving into meal prepping as busy teachers. Let’s see what we have cooked up for you today!

Topics Discussed

• Busy teacher friendly meal ideas
• Tips for meal planning as a busy teacher

Resources Mentioned

• Phomemo Printer: https://amzn.to/3UP3BDI

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

If you've heard of Reader's Theater you'll love today's discussion about Radio Theater. Author Deb Baldwin is joining the podcast today to share wisdom from 38 years of teaching theater to help you add some new skills to your teacher toolbox.

The book, We're Live! Radio Theater #101 describes her experiences in using radio theater in her own classroom and the successes she has had boosting student engagement. The book also contains a chapter on how to integrate drama integration (in this case, radio theater) into a teacher’s classroom with virtually any subject from grades fourth and up.

Topics Discussed

• Meet Author Deb Baldwin
• Reader's Theater vs Radio Theater
• How radio theater can help your classroom
• Radio theater for the social studies/language arts classroom
• Radio theater for the science/math classroom

Connect with today's guest:

-> Grab the book: “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” https://a.co/d/ghmUXcj

[This is an affiliate link for We're LIve! Radio Theater #101 from Dramamommaspeaks]

-> Check out Deb's blog: Dramamommaspeaks.com

-> Visit Dramamommaspeaks on Teachers Pay Teachers to browse over 400 drama education resources

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on 

In today's episode, we're diving into the trenches of middle school, but not just any trenches—those of a grade level leader. Imagine being the bridge between the admin and the other teachers in your grade level.  It's a role that's part superhero, part diplomat, and all heart. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and pros and cons, along with tips for being a great grade-leader!

Topics Discussed

• What is a grade level leader?
• Tips for being a great leader
• Pros and cons of this position

Check out the classroom forms discussed in this episode here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Forms-for-a-Successful-Year-as-an-Upper-Elementary-Teacher-1319781

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to...

Summer is coming - do you have big plans to take a break from your teaching-related activities? Or are you planning all the teaching things you’ll get done in the summer so you don’t have to worry about them in the fall? Or do you have plans for both? Whatever your plans, we’ve got some tips for how to make sure that at least SOME of your summer is yours so you can get some rejuvenation time!

Topics Discussed

• All of the personal to-dos to consider
• Professional development
• How to set up a win-win schedule

Resources

Check out the blog post discussed in this episode: https://leahcleary.com/a-secondary-summer-not-wasted-be-a-tourist-in-your-home-town/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on...

It's that time of the year when we reflect on all the growth and memories made throughout the school year. But before we get too sentimental, let's talk about some fantastic ways to wrap up the year with our students.

Topics Discussed

• Reflecting on Achievements & Growth
• Fun & Meaningful Farewell Activities
• Setting the Stage for Summer and Beyond

Check out these end of year activity ideas: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/end-of-the-school-year-activities/

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2020/04/end-of-year-activities.html

If you are a math teacher, take a look at this end of year activity: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/end-of-year-math-activities/

If your students love using wheels in the classroom, try memory wheels:

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/memory-wheels-end-of-the-school-year-activity/

Head to the VIP Vault to access the free reflection materials discussed in this episode:

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/reflection-materials

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s 

Today, we will discuss the dreaded summer slide learning loss and how we, as teachers, can help prevent it. Let’s slide right in.

Topics Discussed

• What is summer slide?
• Why does it happen?
• How can we help prevent it?

Resources

Check out this Cognitive Cardio Blog Post - https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/tips-for-preventing-summer-slide/

Check out this Colorado Classroom Blog Post - https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2022/05/prevent-the-summer-slide.html

Would you like to be a guest on the show?

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get...

Today, we're tackling a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of education, especially in middle school: Skills for Executive Functioning. It's about helping our students not just academically but also in managing their time, energy, emotions, and actions more effectively.

Topics Discussed

• What is executive functioning?
• Why are these skills so important for students to develop?
• How can we tell students need support in this area?
• What percentage of students struggle with executive functioning?
• 6 ways we can support students in this area

Resources

https://www.middleweb.com/48340/how-executive-function-links-sel-and-academics/

https://effectivestudents.com/articles/why-executive-function-is-the-bridge-between-sel-academic-success/

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/help-students-learn-to-manage-their-time/

https://learnfully.com/state-of-neurodiversity-2023-report/

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on 

Cheating in the middle school classroom is a multifaceted issue that demands attention from educators, parents, and students alike. By understanding the underlying pressures, promoting ethical education, and addressing technological challenges, we can create an environment where academic integrity thrives. 

In today's episodes we're unpacking this complex topic from many angles and sharing our tips and tricks for how to support middle school students through the temptation to cheat.

Topics Discussed

• Looking at cheating throughout history
• How we can guide middle school students through the temptation to cheat
• Cheating in the digital age
• Tips to prevent cheating and handle it once it has already happened

Resources

• https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1383405.pdf - Journal of Instructional Pedagogies

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way....