The Teaching Toolbox Podcast

This week we’re diving into three key areas that can significantly enhance the learning environment and set your students up for success: student neatness, class expectations, and classroom rules. We discuss the benefits of each and share some practical ideas on how to implement them effectively.

👉tune in using the link in profile!

podcasts

For any subject area! Pentominoes are great for math and non-math classes alike, so tune in as we explore all the benefits of using Pentominoes, especially at the start of the school year.

Topics Discussed
• What are pentominoes?
• What are the benefits for teachers?
• What are the benefits for students?

👉tune in: https://pod.link/1708462661

As you think about next school year, do you wonder what the best way to divide and level your classes for math and reading is?
Join us in this episode as we dive into the art and science of creating leveled small groups.

Topics Discussed
✔️The benefits of small group instruction at the middle school level
✔️Tips for setting up groupings
✔️Tips for managing group work time

👉 https://pod.link/1708462661

This week we’re diving into a fun and practical topic — the top favorite teacher supplies for middle school teachers! We asked members of our Facebook groups about their favorites, too, so we’ve got our ideas and some great favorites from many classroom teachers. Let’s see what rules the school!
Topics Discussed
• Favorites for the teacher’s desk
• Math supplies
• Social studies supplies

👉https://pod.link/1708462661

What can teachers do to make the first few days of middle school not only smooth but memorable?

This episode includes twelve ideas that could transform those initial school days into an exciting gateway for the rest of the year.

👉https://pod.link/1708462661

The Teaching Toolbox Podcast ✨🎤

Week 2 of our Back to School Series ✏️
Whether you clean house in May or June when you get out of school, or you run home and off to vacation and wait until July or August, classroom prep still needs to be done! Join us as we take the Teaching Toolbox into the realm of preparing your classroom for the fall.

Topics Discussed:
🌎 Clean, organize, donate, TOSS
🌎 The Walls
🌎 Materials
🌎 Layout

Join us next week for more BTS content!
PS - listen for the anniversary giveaway!

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - link in bio! 😋🔗

Classroom prep...when do you do it?

Whether you clean house in May or June when you get out of school, or you run home and off to vacation and wait until July or August, classroom prep still needs to be done, some years more than others. Join us as we take the Teaching Toolbox into the realm of preparing your classroom for the fall.

👉Listen here: https://pod.link/1708462661

Meal prep - how do you do it? Which meals do you prep for?
In this episode we dive 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

Tune in here: pod.link/1708462661

Classroom management in middle school DEFINITELY comes with its challenges. You might have questions about dealing with behavior issues, students being unprepared, and how to have smooth transitions between classes or activities.

While we can’t jump into your classroom to help, we can offer you our best pieces of advice and share what’s worked for us.

The episodes on this playlist will help make classroom management easier. And since they’re on a playlist, you don’t have to go searching through episodes for them!

👉head here to listen: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/6e13ab9e-e5d4-44a1-b061-b975f5f7267b

If you’ve heard of Reader’s Theater you’ll love today’s discussion about Radio Theater. Author Deb Baldwin at Dramamommaspeaks 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.

This episode, and her book, We’re Live! Radio Theater #101, describe her experiences in using radio theater in her own classroom and the successes she’s had boosting student engagement!

👉Tune in to this great episode: https://pod.link/1708462661

In this 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!

Tune in here: https://pod.link/1708462661

Cognitive Cardio Math The Colorado Classroom

Summer is coming (or here?) - 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!

In this episode we talk about…
✔️All of the personal to-dos to consider
✔️Professional development
✔️How to set up a win-win schedule

👉 pod.link/1708462661

It’s that time of the year when we reflect on all the growth and memories made throughout the school year.
In this episode, we 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

https://pod.link/1708462661

In this week’s episode, we discuss the dreaded 'summer slide' learning loss and how we, as teachers, can help prevent it. Let’s jump in.

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

👉What else would you add to the list of activities that help prevent the summer slide?

Tune in here: https://pod.link/1708462661

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.
We discuss what executive functioning skills are and why they’re so important for students to develop. We share how we can tell I’d students need support in this area and what percentage of students struggle with executive functioning.

And we provide 6 ways we can support students in this area.

👉listen on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1708462661

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.

👉 Tune in: pod.link/1708462661

Do you ever think about what truly drives us to achieve our goals and dreams?
Join us as we explore the age-old debate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and uncover the secrets behind what really fuels our actions.

👍🏻Tune in today! pod.link/1708462661

Classroom seating charts are an art form. Balancing IEP inclusions, student personalities, and the unique group dynamics from one class to the next can present some tricky puzzles.
In this episode we chat about some fresh ideas for middle school seating arrangements in today’s episode.

We discuss
✔️Survey results about what’s working in other middle school classrooms right now
✔️What to consider when creating a new seating arrangement
✔️How often to change seats
And more!
👉https://pod.link/1708462661

How often do you change seats?

We can learn so much about people and time periods by studying photographs! What a powerful tool to incorporate into social studies units.
If you’re craving a way to shake things up in your classroom, this episode is for you. We chat about using primary sources, how to use artwork from a historical time period, and more!
👉Tune in here: https://pod.link/1708462661

Whether you love or hate geography, we all have to know how to get from point A to point B, how to read a map, how to understand others’ perceptions, and to value each other’s cultures. Geography is important so let’s make learning FUN.

Topics Discussed
✔️The benefits of making geography fun
✔️Why you’ll want to incorporate unusual, weird facts
✔️Our tried and true fun activities for learning geography

Related Episodes
🎙️Episode 16 about beach balls
🎙️Episode 27 about integrating social studies and literature

Check out the episode: https://pod.link/1708462661

If you want students to remember your classroom for many years, hands-on learning is the way to go!
Today we're sharing social studies activities that will help make learning memorable and long lasting.

Tune in Here: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/teaching-with-a-hands-on-approach/


The Colorado Classroom Cognitive Cardio Math

If you’d like to make the most of your instructional minutes while also helping students understand how different subjects connect in real life, then you’ll love this episode about blending history and literature in the middle school classroom.

https://pod.link/1708462661

The home stretch is here! Whether you’re seeing a lack of engagement or behavior challenges on the rise, this episode is packed full of quick tips to make the end of your year a little bit smoother.
https://pod.link/1708462661