Do you ever feel like managing your word work centers takes more energy than it gives? You're not alone! In today’s episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how I simplified my word work routines to make them sustainable, effective, and way less stressful. These tips are especially helpful for 1st and 2nd grade teachers who want activities that support reading growth without reinventing the wheel every week. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/word...

Feeling overwhelmed during your prep periods? In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, Susan shares practical strategies to help you make the most of your teacher planning time so you can stop working late and start sticking to your contract hours. Learn how to create a weekly routine, batch tasks for maximum efficiency, and stay focused on what matters most. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with a plan to stop wasting precious planning time and start fe...

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reflect and reset your intentions. In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I walk you through how to set realistic, purposeful goals that you’ll actually stick to all year. Whether you’re in the classroom or a support role, these ideas will help reduce burnout and increase your impact. In This Episode We’ll Talk About: Why teachers often struggle with following through on goalsHow to reflect on last school year to build better intentionsExa...

Feeling overwhelmed planning your writing block? In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I'll walk you through my tried-and-true system for creating student writing folders that build independence, boost organization, and streamline your teaching. Learn what to include in the folders, how to label and manage them, and clever storage tips to make them last all year long. Whether you're prepping for back to school or looking to refresh your writing routine, this episode is packed with p...

Feeling overwhelmed by your writing block? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is packed with answers! I’m sharing a recent conversation I had with Kelsey Sorensen on her Educate & Rejuvenate podcast, where we talked all about how to simplify your writing instruction, engage students with the writing process, and actually look forward to teaching writing again. Whether you're short on time, struggling with student motivation, or just not sure where to start, this episode will leave you f...

As the school year ends, it's the perfect time to refresh your classroom centers. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a simple system for evaluating what’s working, what needs to go, and how to plan for centers that support student learning all year long. From low-prep routines to student-centered planning, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to make next year’s centers better than ever. BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/how-to-update-classroom-centers/ ...

Teaching second grade can feel like a big leap—whether you’re brand new to the grade or just looking to make this your best year yet. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips for starting the year strong, including how to set up your classroom, build meaningful routines, and support your students academically and emotionally. Plus, I’ll walk you through how I communicate with parents using a “What to Expect” guide that’s helped build trust and clarity from day one. BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK...

Ever feel like your classroom library starts off strong, then slowly slips into disorganized chaos? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the classroom library system I’ve used for years that’s simple, low-maintenance, and totally manageable. Type A organizers are not required for this system to work! It’s all about helping students find and return books independently while keeping your sanity intact. BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/classroom-library-sys...

You've reached the end of the school year which means it's the perfect time to reflect on your writing instruction in order to improve next year. In this episode, we'll go over some categories for reflection. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/writing-instruction-reflections/ In Today's Episode We'll Talk About: Why reflection is importantThe 4 key reflection areas:Mini LessonsIndependent Writing TimeStudent GrowthLesson Planning and ManagementMaking a Keep, Change,...

Publishing is an important step in the writing process that helps students feel proud of their work. In this episode, we’ll explore easy ways to celebrate student writing without adding extra stress to your teaching routine. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/ideas-for-publishing-student-writing/ In Today's Episode We'll Talk About: Why publishing is important for young writersSimple ways to publish in the classroomHow to make publishing meaningful without extra wor...

Editing is where students refine their writing, but it can often feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll talk about breaking editing into simple steps and making it fun for elementary students. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/editing-strategies-for-students/ In Today's Episode We'll Talk About: How to introduce editing in an age-appropriate wayFocusing on one editing skill at a timeSelf-check strategiesFun ways to practice capitalization, punctuation, and spell...

Revising isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about making writing clearer and more interesting! In this episode, we’ll explore easy ways to teach revision, even to young writers, and help students see it as a natural part of the writing process. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/teaching-revising-skills-to-elementary-students/ In Today's Episode We'll Talk About: The difference between revising and editingHow to teach students to add details and clarify ideasPeer ...

Writing can be intimidating for young learners, especially when they worry about spelling or making mistakes. In this episode, we’ll discuss ways to create a low-pressure writing environment that encourages creativity and confidence. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/getting-students-to-write/ In Today's Episode We'll Talk About: How to help students write without fear of mistakesStrategies for encouraging reluctant writersThe role of sentence starters and writing ...

Planning is the foundation of strong writing, but many young students struggle with getting started. In this episode, we’ll explore simple strategies to help first and second graders generate ideas and organize their thoughts before writing.SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: In Today's Episode We'll Talk About:Why planning is essential for young writersDifferent types of planning (brainstorming, graphic organizers, drawing)Easy strategies to help students get ideas on paperScaffolding techniq...

When it comes to wanting to improve student writing, it really comes down to having our students practice more. But how do we get them to do that when they hate writing or find it boring?SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/improve-student-writing/In Today's Episode, We'll Talk About:Free writing and how it benefits our studentsAdding more writing across content areasIncorporating writing centersResources Helpful in Today's Episode:Episode 115: Teaching Writing ...

Welcome back to the new year and another Writing Tip Wednesday episode! Understanding the writing process is crucial for the writing development of our students. One of the most important things we should be teaching our students is the steps of the writing process. I feel it’s important for them to see what’s coming up so they can begin to understand writing is a process, just like math or science have a process. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/steps-of-the-writ...

Returning from a two week winter break can be challenging on the best teachers and students. Both are probably feeling like they are not ready to be back! After the break is the perfect time to revisit your classroom management plan and make some tweaks. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/revising-classroom-management/In today's episode we'll talk about:Things not working in my classroom (2021)What IS working for meCreating a new rewards systemResources Helpful...

Welcome to another episode of Writing Tip Wednesday! Playing games in the classroom isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful way to help students remember and apply new information! In this episode, we’ll explore engaging activities that make teaching fact vs. opinion and opinion writing a breeze. From a simple "Would You Rather" game to a creative twist on Go Fish, these ideas will get your students excited to share their thoughts and identify facts in no time. SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: ...

Welcome to another episode of Writing Tip Wednesday! Do you feel like your students are getting bored of writing? The holidays are the perfect time to take a short break from your regular lessons and do something to get your students more engaged with writing.SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/improve-writing-engagement/In Today's Episode We'll Talk About:Holiday Themed Mad LibsStudent Relay WritingShared Report WritingJoin me at the FREE Educate & Rejuvenate Wi...

Welcome back to Writing Tip Wednesday! Learn the 4 main components to include in every writing mini lesson.SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/writing-mini-lessons/In Today's Episode We'll Talk About:What is a mini lessonThe structure of a mini lessonThe 4 main components needed in every lessonRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 121: Keep Mini Lessons MiniEpisode 52: 3 Steps to Planning Your Writing Mini LessonsEpisode 40: Writing Mini Lessons You Must Not S...