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Halloween in the classroom can be a whole lot of fun, but when the excitement starts climbing, it can feel like you’re trying to teach a room full of caffeinated squirrels! In this classic replay episode, we’re sharing our Halloween survival guide for keeping the fun without letting your classroom structure fall apart. We talk about how to keep your core routines intact while sprinkling in just enough seasonal magic, how to plan ahead with a Plan B schedule, and how to manage parties, costumes, treats, brain breaks, and all that extra energy. The big idea? Follow the candy rule: a handful of fun can create some pretty magical classroom moments, but a whole bucket can lead straight to chaos. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/halloween-classroom-management/ Resources: Shop all our Halloween resources here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/product-category/halloween/Order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 33. Class Party Success - Our 7 Step Class Party Planning ChecklistEpisode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy StepsEpisode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

What if the behavior you’re seeing in your classroom is actually giving you useful information? In this episode, we’re looking at how to read the energy in your classroom, use (you guessed it!) structure and spark to understand what students need, and make small, targeted adjustments instead of changing the whole lesson. We’re sharing real classroom examples and talking about why observing before intervening can help you respond to student behavior in more effective ways. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-management-strategies/ Resources: Darling Desi on YouTubeMy Moonstone KitchenGhost figurinesOrder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom ExpectationsEpisode 175. 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start [Fan Fave]Episode 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved TechniquesEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersEpisode 246. Why Your Test Review Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead) Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those notes for study guides, retrieval practice, warm-ups, and exit tickets. The goal isn’t simply to keep kids busy. It’s to create meaningful opportunities for students to think and stay engaged while you teach! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/guided-notes/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkHalloween ResourcesVictoria MagazineJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved TechniquesEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersEpisode 33. Class Party Success – Our 7 Step Class Party Planning ChecklistEpisode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy StepsEpisode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating changes that support smoother classroom management and a more productive learning environment. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-seating-arrangements/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkEditable Seating Chart MakerJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them EffectivelyEpisode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student BehaviorEpisode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret WeaponEpisode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/weekly-reset-for-teachers/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkTheraICE Migraine Relief CapMuse Apothecary Pillow Ritual: Calming Pillow MistJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect PlanEpisode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 147. Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!Episode 228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Transitions can quietly eat up valuable instructional time, especially when students start moving before directions are finished. In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple framework for making prompted transitions smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage by standardizing your approach. We’ll walk through the key steps and how they can help students know when to listen, when to move, and what to do next. With a consistent format in place, transitions can become a smoother, more predictable part of your classroom day. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smooth-classroom-transitions/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkUngodly RichJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more ownership of how your classroom works. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/positive-classroom-culture/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkHangersJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 283. Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First MoveEpisode 245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your LifeEpisode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 278. Want Better Behavior? Start with RelationshipsEpisode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning and practice, your hallway procedures can become a simple but powerful foundation for a calmer, more successful classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/hallway-behavior-management/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkClassroom Procedures and Routines Teaching Slides BundleJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and RoutinesEpisode 75. Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 18. Procedures for Success!Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-classroom-management/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved Club!December Teacher PlannerDrive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. PinkSkylight CalendarDr Scholl’s Women’s SneakerConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 148, ​​How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not ToEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to SchoolEpisode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what matters, and create a classroom where students know they can count on consistent expectations! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-expectations/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkTraysTeacher Approved: Calming Piano Spotify playlistJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more grounded. Plus, we’ve got a fun way to celebrate surviving that first day with your teacher friends! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/ Resources: Freebie: Cheers and Chat InvitationGuided Discovery of School Tools Back to School Readiness ChecklistsThe Spellshop, by Sarah Beth DurstJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School PlansEpisode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day PlanningEpisode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of SchoolEpisode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a SuccessEpisode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t to become perfect teachers, it’s to be responsive ones! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-advice/ Resources: Last chance to preorder our book Structure and Spark!Color Stack Challenge GameYarn Fever! GameJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season – Our Best StrategiesEpisode 114. Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners!Episode 120. Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh from Rainbow Skies for New Teachers Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our approach to the first three days, plus share ideas for classroom jobs that actually matter and help students feel like they belong! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/ Resources: Pre-order our book: Structure and SparkFirst Day of School Lesson Plan GuideTell, Try, Tally, Talk Google SlidesDeleteMeOur Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Strong teacher student relationships are the foundation of effective classroom management! In this episode, we share practical ways to build trust from the very beginning of the school year and explain why cooperation is more powerful than compliance. You'll walk away with simple strategies to build a positive classroom community that supports learning all year long! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-student-relationships Resources: Preorder our book Structure and Spark (and get bonuses!)The First Six Weeks of School bookThe Art of GatheringFirst Day Wish GiftJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Ever wonder why some classroom procedures seem to run effortlessly while others constantly need reminders? In this replay episode, we're sharing how a few simple guiding questions can help you plan classroom procedures that actually work...for both you and your students! We'll walk you through 10 benefits of thinking through your routines ahead of time, from preventing common classroom challenges to creating more efficient systems that make the entire school year run more smoothly! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/planning-classroom-procedures/ Resources: Classroom Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistSun Shade Umbrella for CarPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 149, Go Time: 10 Things to Do After You Get Your Class ListEpisode 146, Never Pick up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 134, The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer BreakEpisode 89, Hallway Behavior Management: 4 Essential Plans for Improving Hallway Classroom ManagementEpisode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 18, Procedures for Success! Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club