During this episode we talk about important ways we can help our youngest students learn and grow. We talk about what teacher clarity looks like with preK and kindergarten students as well as the different types of play. Kateri’s book has real-life examples on some of the best teaching practices for student learning and I can’t recommend it enough.   KATERI'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3W1b3d3   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about what culturally responsive teaching looks like and why it is so important for our students. Diane and Sydney also share ideas on how to help students feel safe and valued through an assets-based lens.   THEIR BOOK: https://amzn.to/3BzNq2Y   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how to be culturally responsive in our classrooms. Dr. Budhai and Dr. Grant also help us understand unconscious bias and microaggressions that might occur in a classroom setting and what we can do to show micro resistance. They also share ways you can understand and utilize a student’s cultural capital.   THEIR BOOK: https://amzn.to/3hsAbdK   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about math fact fluency. We cover some of the misconceptions on what fluency is as well as the best ways to teach math facts to our students. They also give me some great insights on the dreaded timed tests as well as how we can help students better develop a positive math identity.   THEIR BOOK: https://amzn.to/3PbK4Yh   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about what clarity is and why it is so important. Tony talks about how creating effective success criteria around the most important elements in our core subject areas is the best way to not only check for student understanding, but ensure that it’s there.   TONY'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3bjoind   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode, we talk about the difference between personalized and individualized learning. Paul also shares ideas on how to really humanize our learning in a way that is effective for all of our students. He also shares some ideas on how we can incorporate 3D learning into our classrooms effectively.   PAUL'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3uWnPOG   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how understanding the generational gap is crucial to helping our schools (and teachers) function at their best. Mark dives in to how all generations provide deep wells of knowledge and why it is so important to share that knowledge with others.   MARK'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3yCNzAB   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how understanding the perspective of our students can change lives. He talks about the difference between mindset and perspective and the importance of active listening. He also talks about how empathy is critical in creating safe spaces for our students so they can all learn.   TOMMIE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3ASdtTP   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how to create a positive math community inside your classroom by looking at students through an asset lens instead of a deficit lens. They give great ideas on how to get to know your students mathematically that go beyond the test scores.   THEIR BOOK: https://amzn.to/3NQBDk8   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Introducing Teacher Approved, an amazing podcast by Emily and Heidi from Second Story Window. This episode is all about the secrets to student engagement. They talk about the balance between novelty and routine as well as how to incorporate something known as surprise and delight.   TEACHER APPROVED PODCAST EPISODES: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast-home/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk all about writing. She gives some great examples of how to have authentic writing conversations with your students, creating a common language in your writing community, and looking at all written work as an asset.   MELANIE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3Aqz5Gy   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about goal setting in the classroom. We know that having our kids set and reach goals in incredibly motivational for them and can be a powerful tool in the learning process. Chase talks about how goal setting can bring a number of effective practices together to increase growth, motivation and agency.   CHASE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3HTQWXZ   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how to create a community of classroom readers where all students feel seen and safe. We also talk about how to set up your reading instruction and some key components to keep in mind.   CHRISTINA'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/39U3hPj   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk all about SEL. SEL can feel like a term that is being thrown around constantly, but Mike breaks down how you can easily integrate SEL skills into your day without a lot of materials, prep, or some big program or curriculum. He also shares a website at the end with a lot of free resources he has compiled to help you.   MIKE'S WEBSITE: https://leadinggreatlearning.com/ LIVEBINDER WEBSITE: https://www.livebinders.com/b/2233092   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how we can help students feel safe and valued. She talks about how using things like cooperation, student voice, autonomy, and teaching for understanding can help every child feel safe, welcomed, and loved.   BECKI'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3NyCF59   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about why hope is so important and how we can foster it with our students. We also talk about how hope is not just a fluffy platitude, but something real and quantifiable. You can tell Cathleen is passionate about this work and I appreciate her insights.   CATHLEEN'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3lNEleY   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about teacher well-being. Teachers need more support, help, and encouragement and Carol’s book, Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration, is a great place to start. You can find all of her work at mentoringinaction.com.   CAROL'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3QcwJ3p   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about how we can more effectively communicate and engage with parents in our math instruction. We all know parents who don’t understand this “new math” and feel frustrated with what’s being taught. Hilary gives some great ideas on the why, how, and what to communicate with parents and caregivers.   HILARY'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3MPAsC2   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the sixth system for success: parent and caregiver communication. We talk about determining your communication channels, deciding on the frequency, and keeping communication logs.   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the fifth system for success: classroom layout, storage, and organization. Mapping out your space, thinking through how each area will be used, and finding the right storage materials are crucial to a successful school year.   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the fourth system for success: rules, rewards, and consequences. Defining clear, explicit, and fair rewards and consequences is a crucial piece of any classroom. I'll walk you through how to create your rules, define your consequences, and establish your rewards!   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   https://create-abilities.com/wow-board-classroom-management-tool/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the third system for success: managing student work. There are so many moving pieces to managing all aspects of student work. I'll walk you through how to define your system for storing and passing out materials, dealing with no name papers, tracking, and grading, and more!   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   https://create-abilities.com/wall-folders-management-tool/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the second system for success: routines and procedures. Your routines and procedures are crucial for setting up a classroom that is efficient, effective, and empowering. I'll walk you through how to define, simplify, teach, and adapt your routines and procedures for a smooth and successful school year.   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Today we talk about the first system for success: teacher planning and prep. I'll walk you through how to define, simplify, and adapt your planning and prep to create a system that works for you!   COM PRODUCTS: https://bit.ly/COMproducts   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Maria Walther joins me today to talk about the benefits of shared reading. Shared reading builds oral language as well as language and listening comprehension. Maria also shares some of her current favorite pictures books.   MARIA's BOOK: https://amzn.to/3MvFSSC   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Michelle Trujillo joins me today to talk about her book Social Emotional Well-Being for Educators. During this episode we talk about how we can create a system of hope, even in this tumultuous time. She gives some great examples of small, actionable things you can easily and quickly implement without feeling defeated.   MICHELLE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/399tKHV   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Heather Rubin and Andrea Honigsfeld join me to talk about how we can use multiple modalities to help our English learners feel supported as they become more proficient in English. We also talk about some great platforms you can use to help them show what they know that goes beyond just speaking or writing.   ANDREA AND HEATHER'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3JyoLNH   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/  

Suzie Boss and Ken Kay talk about why creating creative problem solvers is so critical at every grade level. They talk about helping out students learn life-long skills that will serve them well into adulthood. You can find their book and freebies at redefiningstudentsuccess.org.   SUZIE AND KEN'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3O2Pk0Y   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Nina Murphy and Kellie McClain talk about why morning conversations are so important to our classrooms. They give some ideas on how to implement them and how easy it can be to get started. They also talk about how you can create a brave space, not just a safe space, to help every student feel comfortable being a part of the classroom community.   NINA AND KELLIE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3LuKMhB   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Marilee Sprenger talks about SEL and the brain. Social and emotional learning can be easily integrated throughout the day and lead to a greater classroom culture and higher academic achievement.   MARILEE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3Ngca4D   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Sara Moore and Kim Rimbey talk about mastering math manipulatives in our classrooms. We talk about the best practices for introducing and using them, as well as some of their favorite math manipulatives that can be used all year long.   SARA AND KIM'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3pXWd9a   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Pam Koutrakos walks us through finding mentor texts that multitask to help streamline and integrate literacy instruction throughout your day. Doing so can help you spend more time deepening student understanding, increasing engagement, and diving into rich texts.   PAM'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3J3CjBb   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

During this episode we talk about Dr. John Hattie's visible learning research. We focus on teacher efficacy and expertise and the impact those two things have on student achievement. He talks about the need for courage and the safety we need to create to be able to have the hard conversations that will change the face of education.   JOHN'S WEBSITE: https://visible-learning.org/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Angela Lalor joins me as we talk about curriculum design that empowers teachers. She believes that curriculum is an underused tool that can greatly improve student experiences in the classroom and empower teachers at the same time.   ANGELA'S WEBSITE: https://adlalorconsulting.com/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Joining me today is Julie Stern. During this episode we talk about small shifts we can make to really help learning that transfers across subjects into real contexts. Julie shares ideas on how to teach conceptually first and then narrow down into specifics to help students build a strong foundation of knowledge they can draw on for years to come.   JULIE'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3BT5uUT   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Debbie Silver joins me to talk about SEL, growth mindset, and self-motivated learners. During this episode we talk about helping our students develop a growth mindset to persevere through challenges. She also talks about ways we can encourage self-motivated learners and stop our kids from running away from hard things.   DEBBIE'S WEBSITE: https://www.debbiesilver.com/   BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Dr. Sheldon Eakins joins me as we talk about equity in education. We talk about why equity is more than an educational buzzword and things we can start doing right now to meet the individual needs of every student in our classroom. SHELDON'S WEBSITE: https://www.leadingequitycenter.com/ BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Meeting the needs of diverse learners is about utilizing the cultural capital each student brings into our classrooms. Susanne Stevenson walks us through how to use biography driven instruction to help each student feel loved, important, and successful. BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Assessing student learning is crucial in giving students the opportunity to show what they know, adapt to feedback, and report on their learning. Myron Dueck walks us through how we can use assessment strategies to empower and engage. MYRON'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3GzJUFJ BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Prepping for a substitute is never fun, especially when there subs are so hard to find. During this minisode, I'm going to walk you through 5 tricks you can use to set up your emergency sub plans for success. Join me as I share some ideas you can start using right away to take the stress away from planning for substitute teachers. SUB PLANS K-5: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Create-abilities/Category/-Sub-Plans-429169 BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/

Dr. Nancy Frey  knows that teacher clarity is one of the most important factors when teaching lessons to your students. It goes beyond just looking for a fun activity your students can complete. So what does it mean to have teacher clarity? Let's dive in. NANCY'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3G95Esm BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: https://create-abilities.com/afterthebell/  

Jessica is a huge advocate for exceptional students with extra needs and students that come from military families. As a military wife herself, she understands their unique needs and challenges and is working with her community and state to make sure these kids don’t fall through the cracks. BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Math fact fluency is an important part of your math instruction. Greg Coleman from Mr. Elementary Math walks us through the three stages needed to achieve automaticity. He shares some great ideas about understanding which stage your students are in so you can give them the activities they need. He also has a freebie to share! GREG'S FREEBIE: https://mrk5math.com/multiplicationfreebie BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Connecting with students has never been more important. Kelly Shrein, Alaska's teacher of the year, talks about the big and small ways she connected with her students even when forced apart. BECOME A PATRON. GET PERKS. patreon.com/createabilities BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

The pandemic seems to have brought us more behavioral and mental health challenges with our students. Allie Szczecinski talks about how we can deal with those behavior issues and build SEL during a challenging time. ALLIE'S WEBSITE: missbehaviorblog.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Arizona's Teacher of the Year, Lynette Stant, talks about the importance of building relationships and fostering cultural identity every day inside our classrooms. Lynette also talks about how we can better support our Indigenous students in a way that helps them feel safe, seen, and important. BECOME A PATRON. GET PERKS. patreon.com/createabilities BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Reading comprehension has long been taught using individual, somewhat disconnected, strategies. Dr. Douglas Fisher walks us through why that method isn't improving reading comprehension in our students and what we can try instead. DR. FISHER'S WEBSITE: fisherandfrey.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Writing can feel like a daunting subject area to teach. However, Megan Polk shows us how incorporating writing and engaging the reluctant writer is easier than you think. Megan talks about using writing centers, writing prompts, and other writing activities to help reach every student in the classroom on their level. MEGAN'S WEBSITE: theliteracydive.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Dyslexia is a huge issue inside every classroom. Emily Gibbons walks us through how to help students with dyslexia using structured literacy. Emily also talks about the signs and symptoms of dyslexia, as well as what classroom teachers can do to start help those kids right away. EMILY'S WEBSITE: theliteracynest.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

We need to prepare our students for the real world, not only through teaching skills like math and reading, but also by empowering their voices. We want our students equipped with the skills and confidence they need to take control of their education. How do we do that? Let's dive in. Want to be on the podcast? You can apply at create-abilities.com/guest BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating STEM projects into your classroom? Kymberli Cosner, elementary teacher and STEM expert, walks us through how to begin using STEM projects, where to get materials, and how to put it all together. KYMBERLI'S WEBSITE: http://www.soonandso4th.com/ BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

During this episode Natalie Wexler and I talk about what the science of reading is telling us about reading comprehension and reading instruction. Natalie talks about how balanced literacy and teaching discrete reading comprehension skills is failing our students and what we can try instead. NATALIE WEXLER'S WEBSITE: nataliewexler.com BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

This week on the podcast I was lucky enough to interview Jen Carver-Hunter. Jen is a 5th grade teacher from Salt Lake who focuses on science-integrated language arts. She uses STEM activities, student-led learning, and reading dyads to really help her students grow. BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

This episode is all about a major problem facing schools today: teacher retention. Dr. Katie Kimber spent years researching this problem, it’s causes, and some possible solutions. Dr. Kimber interviewed teachers, principals, and administrators to try and find out what can be done to help keep teachers happy, supported, and wanted. You definitely don’t want to miss this one. BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

All our thoughts on early intervention, building relationships, and working inside a broken system. BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Teresa and Cassie talk about the importance of gamification in the classroom and how that can be done easily through escape rooms. Teresa has created escape rooms for K-5 (yes, even kinders) and found some great insights to keep them motivated, engaged, AND learning. TERESA'S ESCAPE ROOMS: teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teresa-Kwant BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell

Struggling with writing in your classroom? This episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use to structure your writing block. From setting up writing groups, to figuring out goals for each student, to reaching reluctant writers, we cover it all! Jen gives great ideas from start to finish. JEN'S LATEST BOOK (affiliate link): amzn.to/3uSQenw   TO BECOME A PATRON, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL, AND MORE: create-abilities.com/afterthebell