One Tired Teacher

What if the pages of a book could literally come to life in a child's hands? That's the transformative power of combining makerspace activities with reading—a strategy that's changing how kids experience stories.

When I first became a school media specialist, I inherited a neglected library where students dreaded their visits. Books were piled high, the space was uninviting, and enthusiasm for reading was no...

Does your active child struggle to sit still during reading time? You're not alone. That constant fidgeting, restlessness, and apparent disinterest in books isn't a sign they don't like reading—it's their body telling you they need to move to learn effectively.

I share the story of my son Jackson, who walked at nine months and was physically advanced but struggled with traditional sit-still activities l...

Reading doesn't have to be a battleground. After a long hiatus, I'm back with a critical message for parents and educators alike: we may be unknowingly turning kids away from books through three common mistakes.

The first mistake is forcing children to read only "just-right" books. When kids can only access books at their exact reading level, reading becomes a constant test rather than a joyful experien...

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a good old-fashioned Christmas story? 

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now,...

Forget about stuffing yourself with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a moment because we're going on a literary feast!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

...

Hi, I'm Trina Deboree from Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning and the podcast One Tired Teacher. I create engaging content for elementary teachers focusing on Science, reading comprehension, STEM, and Makerspace. My passion lies in giving teachers back a fraction of their time so they can put first things first. My ultimate goal is to offer creative content that helps teachers inspire students to learn, dream, think, and wond...

Picture this: a sanctuary known as the STEM Story Station, where scientific tales unfold not just in words but in actions, experiments, and hands-on discoveries. Our account commences with an open invitation, a warm, collective greeting that reverberates through the expansive halls of makerspaces, whispering of an unparalleled adventure just waiting to be unfurled. 

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re n...

Are you tired of seeing your students bored out of their minds in traditional classrooms where their common interests are ignored? Do you want to unleash their creativity and foster a love for hands-on learning? 

Well, my friend, it's time to jump on the makerspace bandwagon! But hold on, before you start picturing an expensive high-tech wonderland, let me tell you a secret: creating a meaningful makerspace doesn&apos...

I am calling all educators with the desire to inspire young minds through the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, and even literacy!

I've got a treat for you today - three mind-blowingly simple STEM activities that can be done in just 40 minutes. There is no need for complicated equipment or advanced knowledge; these activities are so easy even a hamster could do them (well, almost). Get ready to unleas...

Are you tired of the same old boring classroom activities? 

Well, it's time to break out the toolboxes and prepare for hands-on learning with makerspace! Makerspace is a revolutionary approach to education that allows students to unleash their creativity and develop critical thinking skills while tinkering with real-world materials. So gather your library staff, classroom teachers, and even your local community because it is ti...

In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape, being a good citizen isn't just about picking up after yourself or minding your manners anymore.

It's time to add digital to our citizenship checklist for young people! That's right; we're venturing into digital citizenship, where knowing how to navigate the virtual world with grace, wisdom, and a pinch of common sense has become essential for both students and ad...

In this digital age where cat videos and viral challenges reign supreme, it's easy to forget that there is more to being an online citizen than just knowing how to double-tap on Instagram. 

Yes, my dear friend, it's time we talk about digital citizenship skills and digital citizenship in a digital world – a concept that goes beyond posting selfies and clever hashtags on social media. So grab your virtual thinking caps and ...

As Halloween approaches, teachers search for creative ways to engage their elementary students while embracing the spooky spirit.

Look no further than the makerspace in your classroom! This innovative space promotes hands-on learning and allows students to explore their imaginations and tap into their inner mad scientists during Halloween. So why not blend the fun of Halloween with the educational power of STEM and a Makerspace Exte...

Halloween, the spookiest time of year, is upon us once again. 

And while little goblins and witches roam the streets searching for candy, why not bring some educational magic into your elementary classroom for elementary students? Forget about the typical Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving, and a spooky Halloween tune; it's time to take small steps toward giant leaps with thrilling Halloween STEM activities! Transform ...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween in your classroom. 

But why settle for boring old candy and costumes when you can infuse STEM magic and so much fun into this Halloween season? Get ready to turn your classroom into a makerspace filled with spine-tingling experiments, hair-raising challenges, and ghoulishly fun activities that will have your studen...

Are you tired of the same old monotony in education? 

Get ready to have your socks blown off because we will introduce you to Dr. Yen Verhoeven – the fearless leader of rebel teaching and the ultimate status quo disruptor. With her unyielding wit and unparalleled passion for teaching transformation, Dr. Verhoeven is on a mission to revive education from its slumber and breathe new life into classrooms across the globe whil...

Are your second graders struggling to comprehend what they read? 

Are you tired of the same old comprehension questions that elicit only one-word answers? Do you want your students to take reading to the next level and also profoundly fall in love with reading? Keep reading or listening for five genre studies to pique your students' curiosity and strengthen their reading comprehension skills. Plus, your students will ...

Oh, second grade. A time of innocence, wonder, and... you guessed it- reading comprehension? 

Yes, you heard it right. Understanding what we read is essential for success in almost every aspect of life and is honestly the whole point of reading. Yet, comprehension can get lost in a world where we focus a great deal on WPM (words per minute). And as much as we'd like to believe that kids naturally "get it," t...

Are you tired of feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to teach all the necessary subjects?

Do you find yourself wishing you could merge science and reading lessons to save time? Well, my friend, you're in luck. In this episode/blog post, we'll explore nine science topics and science units that can be integrated into your reading curriculum to make your teaching more efficient while covering info...