Shows
Regulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersThe Connection Between Teacher Wellness & Student SuccessYour well-being as a teacher matters — not just for you, but for your students. In this episode, I dive into the research and real-life classroom examples that show how teacher wellness directly impacts student behavior, engagement, and learning outcomes.You’ll learn about emotional contagion, co-regulation, and why taking care of yourself is a form of classroom leadership. I share simple strategies to integrate small wellness habits into your day, along with reflection prompts to help you notice how your energy shapes your classroom climate.Key Takeaways:Your...
2025-10-2421 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary Teachers7. Mindfulness Activities for the Classroom: Simple Practices to Calm & Focus StudentsDiscover 5 simple mindfulness activities you can use in your classroom to reduce stress, increase focus, and support student regulation—all in just a few minutes a day.Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean long meditations or total silence. In this episode, we’ll explore how short, practical mindfulness activities can transform the energy in your classroom, strengthen coregulation, and even improve academics. You’ll learn why mindfulness works, how to implement it in just a few minutes a day, and five ready-to-use practices: mindful breathing, grounding through the senses, mindful listening, mindful movement, and mindful...
2025-10-0317 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersBook Talk: What We Say and How We Say It Matter by Mike AndersonOur words matter. They can regulate or dysregulate, motivate or manipulate, build trust or create resistance. In this episode, I break down Mike Anderson’s What We Say and How We Say It Matter, a book I loved for its practical examples and immediately usable teacher talk strategies.Key takeaways include:Why sarcasm can backfire with studentsWhy “hope” is not a management strategy—and what to say insteadWhy threats, bribes, and “relationship-based” manipulation don’t create true motivationHow shifting language toward student ownership builds autonom...
2025-09-2624 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersThe ABCDs of Positive Language – What to Say & Why It Works for Navigating Difficult Classroom ScenariosEver catch yourself saying, “Stop that!” or “How many times do I need to say…” and wish you could rewind and say it better? Kinder? Clearer? More effectively? This episode is for you. We’re outlining the ABCDs of Positive Language—my signature language framework that helps you use your words to lead with clarity, kindness, and calm. Learn how to acknowledge student emotions, set boundaries, offer choices, and use descriptive praise to build a more regulated classroom culture. Plus, I’ll share real-world examples and go-to phrases you can use right away.In T...
2025-09-1221 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersClassroom Circles 101 – Building Community, One Talk at a TimeLet’s talk about circles—yes, literally sitting in a circle with your students. Whether you’re already using community or restorative circles, have tried them a few times, or are just circle-curious, this episode gives you the foundation you need to get started with confidence.I’ll walk you through why circles work, how they support trauma-informed and restorative practices, and the five key elements of an effective classroom circle: shape, talking piece, norms, opening, and prompts. You’ll leave with practical tips and a circle prompt you can try tomorrow—plus a free step-by...
2025-08-2528 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersMorning Arrival Routines for Teachers: How to Set a Positive Tone for the DayWhat happens during the first 10 minutes of your school day sets the tone for everything that follows. In this episode, we’re talking about arrival routines—and how creating a predictable, connected, and calming start can transform your classroom climate. I’ll break down the 3 essential elements of a strong arrival (Predictability, Connection, and Regulation), share some of my favorite low-lift ideas, and leave you with a few quick wins to start tomorrow. Plus, grab your free Guide to Arrival Routines for a Calmer Day!In This Episode, You'll Learn...
2025-08-1517 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersBack-to-School SEL: Starting the Year with Calm & ConnectionThe first few weeks of school are your golden window for setting the tone—so let’s make them count. In this episode, we talk about how to prioritize social-emotional learning from Day 1, why regulation and connection come before curriculum, and how to build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. I’m sharing three big ideas you can use right away to build calm and connection, plus easy wins to implement in your first week back.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why the first two weeks should be all...
2025-08-0838 minRegulated Classrooms: SEL Chats for Elementary TeachersWelcome to the Regulated Classroom: SEL Chats for Elementary Teachers!In this very first episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share who I am, why I created Regulated Classrooms, and how this podcast will support you throughout the school year. From my roots in theater to my work in inclusive classrooms and coaching teachers on SEL practices, this is a look at the heart behind it all. I’ll share what I believe about the emotional demands of teaching, how regulated teachers create regulated kids, and what kinds of episodes you can expect every Friday.In This Episode, You...
2025-07-3016 min
The Growth Mindset GalEp. 186 The Impact of the Language on Our Ability to Make Sustainable Habits w| Steph GencoHappy Mindful Monday Everyone!In this week's episode, our host Allie Brooke interviews fellow educator Steph Genco. Steph Genco Gasiecki from Buffalo, NY is an education consultant, speaker, and health and wellness coach specializing in teacher wellness, social-emotional learning, and creating empathetic classrooms. With over 12 years of experience as an elementary teacher and a background in general and special education, Steph now focuses on helping educators improve their health and self-care habits to show up for their students with energy, patience, and empathy. Through her Be Well to Learn brand, Steph provides coaching and professional development to...
2024-12-3051 min