Joyful in Primary Podcast

Teacher, it's coming! It's almost here! The end of the school year!

We've worked so hard all year that it would be a shame to not celebrate, don't you think? It's our last chance to connect with our students' families and acknowledge all the progress of this year.

Today, let's plan an end of year Grand Family Finale. It can be as simple or in-depth as you choose, but I'll sh...

Teacher, it's time for some strategies! If you missed the last episode, make sure and listen to Part 1 first. If you're ready for actions you can take, this short and sweet episode will get you started.

Today, we're talking about how to actively handle this situation.

1. Investigate - Take an honest look at what is going on. Ask people with experience for guidance.
2. Plan - It's going to take some thought ...

Teacher, today's topic is an icky subject, but it's so important. That's because it has, or will, happen to all of us! You know that kid, or kids, that make you want to quit? It hurts my heart to admit it, but it happens!

When this kid gains ground in your thoughts so much that your reactions are based more on feelings than thoughts, it's time for a reset. Maybe you can't fix the situation. What yo...

Teacher Friend, I see you over there caring for everyone in your teaching world. You place so much value on your students, their families, your coworkers, and your administrators. That's a good thing!

But what happens when you try to do so many things for so many people? Overwhelm. Burnout. Those might as well be four letter words, and you don't need any part of them!

So how about we set some boundaries ...

Hello Teacher Friend! It's been a while, but I am back, and I'm so happy to get to talk with you again. I'm going to share why I've been away and how I've grown in the meantime.

Today I'm sharing three tips for teaching in harmony.

1. Be in harmony with your time
2. See the harmony in every day
3. Be in harmony with your purpose and passion

Ready to talk about what each of these mean for you? Let&...

Now that we've got a solid foundation under us, let's add on the other layers of classroom management so that our teacher sunflower can sink its roots deep down and thrive.

It all started with last episode's bedrock principles. Now, we're going to talk about three other layers of classroom management that will lead to a joyful, efficient, wonderful place for our students, and ourselves, to thrive.
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If classroom management is a big, scary, eyeballs all over the place, monster of a blob to you, then this episode is for you! To be honest, my first few years of teaching, I thought a prize box and candy were the key to classroom management.

I have learned better.

And today, I'm going to help you on your journey to taming classroom management. I'm going to show you the framework I use that keeps my stude...

Teacher, last week we talked about building connections with our students' families. While these may be the most important connections, that doesn't mean we focus on our students any less.

Today's strategy will not only help us build connections with students, it will actually strengthen those connections with families, and it gives them a lifelong skill.

Depression and anxiety are major problems in...

Hey there, teacher! How about a secret weapon to deepen those relationships with the families of your students? This is super effective, and it isn't complicated at all!

Today I'm sharing three strategies to use your voice to connect with families. Think about how powerful a conversation is with someone you care about. Now imagine that your students' families get to hear your voice regularly.

I&apos...

 Dear Teacher, I'm back! Since the last time we chatted, the area in the Appalachians where I live has endured a historic flood. There has been so much devastation, loss, and grief.

Today, I'm sharing my story, because I think it may encourage you. You see, there are three things in particular that I appreciate so much more now. More than likely, you have these gifts right now.

So let's take a minu...

Teacher, we're at the end of our series! This is the perfect way to end out your school year. Today's episode will fuel you up so you're ready to start a new year.

Don't worry, this won't eat up your entire summer. But focusing purposefully over the summer will let you have pool time, family time, and jump start you for August.

Are you ready?

Links for today's episode:
To...

You have stressors. I have stressors. All of us primary teachers have stressors.

That's no secret. But what you may not know is that we can make them work for us. Those stressors can help us create a year with more joy than the last. If we put our focus there, we can design solutions so those stressors don't continue to steal our joy.

This third episode in our series will have you ready to tackle the par...

Teacher, your time is precious! This week, we're going to talk about how to eliminate the excess in your day. When you try to juggle too many things, some of them are bound to fall.

I can almost hear you saying, "But Toni, if I don't get everything done, the world will fall apart."

My friend, I promise you it won't. Come along with me and let's zero in on what matters most so you can ...

Teacher, we've almost made it to summer! These last few weeks are always so hectic, and to be completely honest, I'm having to budget my time more carefully than ever. So, we're going to do a recap of one of my favorite series that is completely relevant right now.

The end of the year is so busy. But what if we could finish with more joy, a brighter spirit and ensure that our upcoming year will have a fresh,...

Teacher, teacher, someone cut line! Someone is talking in the hall! Someone tore a piece from a bulletin board! Someone is running!

Oh, doesn't that just make chills run up your neck?

Guess what? That doesn't have to be your class!

I've developed some hallway behavior hacks this year, because it's the first year I've had to walk long distances through the school with my class. And...