Shows
Rockin This Teacher Thing6 Dos and Don’ts To Make Report Cards EasyIt’s report card time. Report cards are a great way to show student growth BUT you can spend a lot of time doing report cards. And if you don’t handle report cards just right, your best intentions can backfire and make your teacher life pretty miserable.Looking for the free Report Card Word and Phrase Bank with Report Card Template? Here's the link: www.makingthebasicsfun.com/reportcardcommentbankHere are the 6 Report Card Dos & Don’ts. Keep reading to get more info on each. Don’t re...
2022-05-0219 minRockin This Teacher ThingHow To Use Puppets To Teach Classroom RulesUsing puppets to teach (or reteach) classroom rules can help your students stay engaged and able to remember the classroom rules. A puppet is magical. Today you will get some tips and how-tos when it comes to making the most of puppet friend.
2022-02-1819 minRockin This Teacher ThingClassroom Jobs Are A Waste Of Teacher Time- Do This InsteadMaking a classroom job chart and assigning your students classroom jobs is a complete waste of time. If you have a job chart in your classroom it’s time to stop how you are doing classroom jobs and do this instead.You might feel like you have to set-up classroom jobs for your K-1 students. There’s the traditional way and the smart way.You don’t need jobs like librarian, weather reporter, line leader, or paper passer assigned to your s...
2022-02-0312 minRockin This Teacher ThingBest Activities For Independent Work StationsYou’ve set up your independent work station system in your classroom. The rotation chart is up. You’ve designated areas in your classroom for each station. Now you are asking yourself the hardest question of all. What are the best activities for my students to do during independent work stations?Listen in while we look at 6 stations that will make station time stress free. 1)Picture book with finger lights2) Independent word games- Buggy Wuggy3) Magnetic Alphabet4)Pocket chart sentence building 5)Independent game from TpT6) Fine-motor station
2022-01-1613 minRockin This Teacher ThingStudent Behavior During Independent Work StationsStudent behavior issues during independent work stations can make your life miserable.If kids can’t behave then your role of teacher shifts to judge and jury. That’s no fun.But how can you get your students to behave? You have to teach it. We will talk about set-up/clean-up, rotation, noise level, and partner problems.I’ve lived and fixed the mistakes so you don’t have to. Let’s dive in and get you started.
2022-01-0614 minRockin This Teacher ThingThe Not So Obvious Basics Of Setting Up Independent Work Stations In Kindergarten and First-GradeThe Not So Obvious Basics Of Setting Up Independent Work Stations In Kindergarten and First-GradeSetting up independent work stations in kindergarten and first-grade is might be a bit more complicated than you might think. We will talk about the basics of stationsHow big should each group be?What should you think about when grouping kids?How many stations?Is it okay for students to revisit a station?When and how should you swap out stations?How long should e...
2021-12-2613 minRockin This Teacher ThingStress Free Station Set-Up With These SuppliesWhat Do You Need To Set-up Stations in Kindergarten and First-Grade?If you want your students to be totally independent during station time you’re going to need to set-up your classroom with a few essential classroom supplies. You need a place where students can access the station materials.You need a rotation system and chart that they can independently read and follow. Optionally you need a timer that students and teacher can look at. We will talk about these and a few more teacher tips and help...
2021-12-1811 minRockin This Teacher ThingMistakes In Setting Up Stations In Kindergarten and First-GradeMistakes In Setting Up Stations In Kindergarten and First-Grade I love stations. But it wasn’t always blue sky and sunshine. I’ve made all the mistakes when it’s come to setting-up and running stations.Avoid the mistakes I made by getting the first hand account of all my mistakesGet the insights and help you are looking for to get off on the right foot when you do stations in your kindergarten or first grade classroom. Mistakes Made When Doing Stations:Puttin...
2021-12-0817 minRockin This Teacher ThingBehavior Management Help Is HereGood Behavior Management, -it’s probably the most important skill you can have as a kindergarten or first grade teacher. If you aren’t the boss of your classroom then those little lovelies are going to make life very difficult. You want to be the best teacher, but how do you make sure you stay in control of your classroom every minute of the day?How do you teach kindergarten and first grade students how to behave?
2021-08-2717 minRockin This Teacher ThingShould You Send Them To The Principal's Office?Should you send a student to the principal’s office?The frustration is real.Student behavior gets in the way of teaching. That’s a fact. Sending kids to the principal relieves the problem for a few minutes but then what?Today we are talking about the principal's office and how you can get the help you need. You can’t do this alone. That’s for sure. Stay to the end to get the...
2021-08-2517 minRockin This Teacher ThingTop 5 Ways To Give Yourself Teacher GraceGiving yourself teacher grace is something that we hear a lot about lately. But what does it look like in real life? Today you will get 5 ways you can give yourself some grace. And stick around to the end where I will be giving a special little surprise to help you to keep going with the important work of being a teacher. Are you ready to get your grace on and Rock This Teacher Thing? Alright, let's go.Mentioned Resource: Keep Going Poster https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/keepgoing
2021-01-1229 minRockin This Teacher ThingTeaching With A Heavy Heart2021 is here and your teacher heart is heavy and tired. A short episode for you to fix your attention on the good you do even in your weariness.A poem by Maya Angelou, ContinueRemember to rest and do good for yourself. The world needs you. You're a hero.See you in 2021.
2020-12-2907 minRockin This Teacher ThingLearning and Moving With Fluency and FitnessWouldn't it be great if kids could move while engaged in learning and skills practice?Can it be done from home or in a socially distancing classroom? Oh YES!!!!Today we have Brittany Lynch from Fluency & Fitness.She showing us how to get our students moving and learning at the same time.Anytime teachers can get students moving and learning students are going to be more engaged, happier and the extra blood to the brain is going to accelerate learning. }}}}}}}}}}} Stay to the end to get the special surprise she has for Rockin' Thi...
2020-12-1546 minRockin This Teacher ThingArt Teacher Matthew Sekerak, Becoming, Growing and Teaching Art in 2020Today I am happy to invite my former student Matthew Sekerak to the show. Matthew is now an art teacher and he’s going to be telling the story about becoming a teacher and being an art teacher in a pandemic. He made me laugh so hard with a couple of his stories. So if you are needing a good belly laugh. This is the place for you. Let’s start Rockin’ today's episode.Teacher Resource: https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/gratitude
2020-12-0154 minRockin This Teacher Thing3 Hacks To Stop Holiday Teacher StressHoliday celebrations, cultural traditions and stress. Now more than ever we want the next few months to be memorable, special and full of joy. Don’t be stressed instead get the 3 hacks you can use in your life to get organized quickly, plan efficiently and find some joy in the journey. You’re going to get some free printables to help so make sure you stay with me so you don’t miss those. Are you ready to face stress and beat it…. Me too. Here we go. Resources Mentioned:Holiday Stress Buster Printables: https://www...
2020-11-1725 minRockin This Teacher ThingReport Card Comments That Parents Will Love and You Can Write QuicklyGet your report card comments done fast and make them so amazing they will help strengthen your parent/teacher relationship. See the template below.Mentioned Resources:Get "Move It Like A Turkey" Early Finisher Solution Episode Website PageTemplate Example:I am enjoying watching ______(student) grow as a learner this year. (start positive- I see your child in a positive way and they are learning) He/She is________________. (tell one or two positive attributes you have observed) I am helping _____ (student name) improve on ___________ by ___________. (give an area that the s...
2020-11-0326 minRockin This Teacher ThingTips and How-Tos From Angie Holmes-Occupational TherapistReady for some easy to implement tools to help ALL of your students? Occupational Therapist, Angie Holmes, joins us today to give us useful tips on how to strengthen students' core, cross the midline, improve muscle control, improve focus, and give every student ways to improve their academic performance. All these tips will help your students be better readers, writers, thinkers and all around happier students. Don’t miss the tips on easy ways to collect data if you have a student in the referral process and some of her go-to OT tools to help struggling students. I can’t wait...
2020-10-2052 minRockin This Teacher ThingSetting Up Early Finisher Activities in a Social Distancing and Distance Learning Classroom Early Finisher Activities are a part of every K-1 classroom but with the new requirements brought by social distancing, and distance learning, using early finisher activities from the past might not be usable. Today we will talk about how to structure early finisher activities so that your little ankle-biters will be busy learning even when they finish their tasks early. You CAN keep them busy and learning and not spend hours prepping these must-have resources for our classroom. Lot’s to talk about today so let’s start...
2020-10-0631 minRockin This Teacher ThingLearn Some New Quick and Easy Greeting and Line Up Chants For Positive Classroom ManagementClassroom management and transitions are more fun with these easy to learn greeting and line-up chants and songs.These kindergarten and first grade chants and songs are easy to learn and use in your classroom. After 2 or 3 uses they will be cemented into your routine. Don’t forget to get the mentioned PDF of all the chants we used today so you can print it and use it to reference for when you need a quick reminder. You will use these to start the day with the greeting chants and you will use these chants to en...
2020-09-2223 minRockin This Teacher ThingSub Tub and Distance Learning Resource ReadyLet’s get some free resources into your sub tub. Or maybe you need materials for distance learning. Today you will get 3 resources. If you haven’t heard of the book "The Blueberry Pancake Problem" today is your lucky day. Use this picture book to do a bunch of reading and math activities. You'll also get a video to use with the book as well as a bunch of printables to practice reading, writing, and math skills. Don’t you love a resource that you can use again and again? Let’s start rockin’ today’s episode.Here We Go!!!
2020-09-0829 minRockin This Teacher ThingDo You Know About Flip Signs And Other Tools For The Virtual Classroom?Today’s episode is about flip signs and other tools you need for your virtual or distance learning classroom. It’s all about you getting equipped with a few simple tools so that you end your online sessions with a smile on your face.Time Stamp:Welcome: :06Encouragement: :50Virtual Learning Tools Fip Signs: 3:45A/B Signs: 7:20True/False: 9:35Question/Hand: 10:15Microphone: 12:07Music Stand:14:37Close:16:20Resources Mentioned:http...
2020-08-2516 minRockin This Teacher ThingHow Can An SLP Help Students In Your Classroom?Episode 18: Today we talk with Speech Language Pathologist extraordinaire Angie Dailey. Angie shares her insights as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She gives us information about what SLPs can do to help your students, gives us some speech and language milestones, as well as some practical tips to help all students in the area of better language skills. I’m excited for you to meet Angie. Let’s start rockin' today’s episode. Time StampWelcome Intro-:05Encouragement- :57Angie Dailey Conversation- 3:59Closing- 37:55Mentioned Related Links:
2020-08-1140 minRockin This Teacher ThingAre You Using Positive Teaching Language In Your Classroom? The answer might surprise you. Lessons from the book "The Power Of Our Words."Do you use teaching language in your classroom? The answer might surprise you. Lessons from the book "The Power Of Our Words." Teachers talk… a lot. But, knowing what to say and getting specific results can be trickier than you think. Today we talk with Amie Trudnowski about a book she read called “The Power Of Our Words.” Buckle-up because whether you are a new or seasoned teacher I guarantee there will be a nugget of gold in today’s episode. Also, find out how Amie and I met almost 52 years ago. Time Stamp:Welcome: 0:06Intro:1:0...
2020-07-2850 minRockin This Teacher ThingLooking For A Teaching Job? Here's One Principal's Ideals For A Perfect HireHow do you get a job as a teacher? Getting your first teaching job can be really stressful. What are hiring teams looking for in new teachers? Knowing what skills to showcase while applying for a teaching job and during the teacher interview is key in showing you are the best person for the job. Today we talk with Daryl Mikesell, a K-2 and middle school principal about the attributes he looks for in new (and seasoned) teachers. Use Daryl’s insights to guide you as you apply and interview for teaching jobs. Teacher Resour...
2020-07-1442 minRockin This Teacher ThingThe Summer Before Kindergarten- by Ashlie Buresh and Emily Hankins, Book Review “What can I do to make sure my child is ready for kindergarten?” It's a question every kindergarten teacher has heard hundreds of times. Now more than ever parents want to make sure that their child is ready for kindergarten. The standard response involves reassurance and the suggestion of daily reading. But what if there was a parent-friendly resource that would engage the up and coming kindergartner? Today we talk with Ashlie Buresh and Emily Hankins about their book “The Summer Before Kindergarten.” This teacher made and tested book is packed full of activities that will give parents a f...
2020-06-3030 minRockin This Teacher ThingTeacher Binder Palooza-Make It With MeHey teacher friends. I have a tool that’s going to give you an edge or an unfair advantage going into next school year. Using a teacher binder to organize your teacher life is one of the best things you can do to give you the edge you need to Rock This Teacher Thing. In today’s episode, you will get a Teacher Binder Starter Kit so you can actually take action today. The coming school year promises to be one of uncertainty but there’s one thing you can be certain about and that’s that you will be ready wi...
2020-06-1624 minRockin This Teacher ThingWhy I became a teacher. A male kindergarten teacher’s perspective.Should I become a teacher? Should I continue my teaching career? Becoming a teacher and staying in education is a big decision and teaching in the early primary grades isn't for everyone. Listen in on this conversation with Connor Kline, a male kindergarten teacher, who tells us why he decided to become a teacher and what motivates him in his teaching career. This conversation is going to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. The early primary grades need more male role models like Connor. If you know a yo...
2020-06-0237 minRockin This Teacher ThingThe One Thing You Can Do Now That Will Affect Next School Year’s SuccessIt’s Spring 2020 and school life is upside down. Right now you are probably surviving and looking forward to better days. Those better days are coming but we can make them even better. Every summer teachers prep for a new school year full of promise, hope, and excitement. But many teachers forget one critical piece that will ensure a school year in which they and their students will thrive. What is this missing link? We will find out today. (Here’s a clue… You are actually doing it right now.- Humm)My Favorite Podcasts That Interviewed Ian Morgan...
2020-05-1928 minRockin This Teacher ThingHow To Use Movement To Focus Students- Tips From A First Grade TeacherWe know that movement is essential in the early primary classroom. In today’s episode Renae Myers, a first-grade teacher, gives us insights into how to use movement to assist students in the task of focus. She’s done some great research on how movement benefits her students and when and what kind of movement has worked best in her first-grade classroom.Also, grab your 200+ Classroom Supply Checklist made especially for the early primary classroom. Use it when you are doing your ordering for next year. Pass it onto a first-year teacher to help with the question “What do...
2020-05-0519 minRockin This Teacher ThingPart 4-Don’t Make Boring Videos For Your StudentsLast in a series, you will get the last 3 of 12 strategies to make amazing videos for your students. After today you are more than equipped to make videos they need and deserve. You are adding a special time to their academic experience and they will be talking about it in the years to come. Truly, you are making a special impact on their lives. Let’s make it as joyful, engaging and effective as possible. You can do this. https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/videoguide
2020-04-2216 minRockin This Teacher ThingPart 3 Don’t Make Boring Videos For Your StudentsYou have 6 strategies in your toolbox from episodes 1 and 2. Today you will get 3 more to add to your growing skillset. I’m so proud of you for taking the time to make these online moments with your students the best they can be. Making boring videos is not an option. Instead, you are teaching students in an effective and engaging way using video. This is not lost time. Your students are going to tell generations to come about how their teacher gave them an amazing education through video. You are a part of their forever story. Let’s make it o...
2020-04-1414 minRockin This Teacher ThingDon’t Make Boring Videos for Your Students Part 2Teaching effective online lessons to your students requires a different set of engagement skills. You don’t want to make boring videos. Today we continue with the solution to boring videos. Using these next 3 strategies you will be making videos like a pro. Start making videos today that bring engagement and joy to your students. We will review the first 3 strategies from part 1 and then dive in with 3 more in today’s part 2 episode.https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/videoguide
2020-04-0917 minRockin This Teacher ThingDon’t Make Boring Videos For Your Students-Part 1You hit the record button. Then fear and uncertainty start to whisper in your ear. Sure you know how to bring joy and engagement to your classroom but you’re not in your classroom. You’re in front of a camera talking to a “no one’s there” class. Is your video going to be boring? Not if you use the strategies from today’s episode. Start making videos today that bring engagement and joy to your students. - Part 1https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/rockin-this-teacher-thing-episode-7/https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/videoguide Hey teacher frie...
2020-04-0213 minRockin This Teacher ThingHow To Safely Share YouTube Videos With StudentsSharing YouTube Videos can be unsafe. There are so many opportunities for your students to view inappropriate content and you don’t want to be the one who provides that kind of experience. But what do we do? YouTube is an amazing resource. SOLUTION!!! Today we look at 4 options for providing safe ways for students to engage with a YouTube video. I will give you my favorite tool. Then guide you through 3 easy and quick steps to take before you send a youtube video link to your students. This is a tool you'll turn to again...
2020-03-2512 minRockin This Teacher Thing6 Tips For Making Instructional Videos For Early Primary StudentsMaking instructional videos for your students is easier than you think. These 6 tips introduce you to making videos, for your students, that they will want to watch again and again. Make sure to download the free "Instructional Video Cheatsheet- Easily Create Videos For Primary Students" PDF We will be doing a series of episodes to help you meet the needs of your early primary students while you teach them from home. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss this important information. For more info and resources go to the shownotes at https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com...
2020-03-2020 minRockin This Teacher ThingUsing Early Finisher Materials to Differentiate InstructionDifferentiation and Early Finisher activities can go hand in hand. Find out how Nicole Anthony integrates these easy systems into her first-grade classroom. Also, need help finding grade-appropriate and leveled books for your classroom? Today we explore a website that takes the guesswork out of finding great books. Lastly, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Grab this freebie art project and fill your classrooms and hallways with these 24-inch green guys. You are sure to find a gold nugget in today’s episode. If you'd like to get the links, shownote...
2020-03-1019 minRockin This Teacher Thing10 Easy Ways To Build Teacher Self-Care Into The School DayHow do you keep your teacher mind happy? Teacher exhaustion is real, but is putting teacher self-care on the to-do list the answer?Here are 10 easy ways to build teacher self-care into your teacher workday so that you don't have one more thing on the to-do list.In this episode, we discussed (time stamped): 10 Easy Ways to Build Teacher Self-Care Into the School Day 1:00 Take a brain break with your students 2:17 Get Some Air 2:50 Leave Early 3:45 Mr. Rogers It 4:53 Secret Treats 5:52 P...
2020-02-2513 minRockin This Teacher ThingMath Instruction In the First Grade Classroom and Formative Assessment in K-1 Made Easy#002 - First-grade teacher McKenzie Reyant, joins us to talk about math instruction in her classroom. Then we'll look at how Formative Assessment can be easy, fast, and informative in the kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. In this episode, we discussed (time stamped):Intro (:05)Interview W/McKenzie Reyant (:48)Why Teach Math This Way? (2:31)Game Types To Use (6:34)Formative Assessment Intro (10:45)Quick Formative Assessment (11:56)Formative Assessment Printable (17:11)Conclusion (20:05) If you'd like to get the links, shownotes, and freebies from this episode head to: https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/rockin-this-teacher-thing-episode-2/
2020-02-2021 minRockin This Teacher ThingTrailer- Rockin' This Teacher ThingTrailer- Hello teacher friends. It’s Angie, inviting you to an episode of Rockin’ This Teacher Thing podcast show. Listen, if you are a kindergarten or first grade teacher, Rockin’ This Teacher Thing podcast show is for you. Being a teacher in an early primary classroom has its own set of challenges. It’s a fun job but let’s face it sometimes we need a quick little something-something to keep us going and at RTTT podcast show we are here to encourage, equip and energize you. No one can do this job alone.
2020-01-1601 minRockin This Teacher ThingWelcome To Rockin' This Teacher Thing#001- Kindergarten and First Grade Teachers, this one is for you. A podcast just for you and your specific teacher needs. It’s episode 1 of 1 million and we are talking about Attention Getters in your classroom. You need them but sometimes they get stale and ineffective. Here are some tips to freshen up your attention getters and use them to teach content. If you'd like to get the links for the freebie and the show notes for this episode head to:https://www.makingthebasicsfun.com/welcome-to-rockin-this-teacher-thing-episode-1/I hope you enjoy t...
2020-01-0612 min