The Classroom Collaborative Podcast

Join Adam Peterson, Deedee Wills, and Dr. Lori Elliott as they discuss Dr. Elliott’s exciting transition from educational consultant and university adjunct to 6th grade classroom teacher. Discover her hands-on strategies for building positive school culture, supporting new teachers, and adapting to the evolving needs of today’s students. Whether you’re a veteran teacher, new educator, or instructi...

In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson dive into everything teachers need to know about making the most of summer break! Tune in as they swap stories about their own summer plans, from staycations to travel adventures—including cruise experiences and camping tips. The conversation touches on practical self-care ideas like being intentional with your downtime, finding awe in nature, and ba...

Get ready for an insightful conversation with educator, author, and publisher Dave Burgess as he joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills on the Classroom Collaborative Podcast. This episode dives into Dave’s journey, his unique approach to professional development, and must-have book recommendations for teachers this summer. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The origin story of "...

Join us as we chat with Kaci Bolls—kindergarten teacher, accomplished children’s music artist, and author of "Dare to Be Me." Discover how she's blended her diverse talents and experiences in the classroom and beyond.• Kaci’s journey from country music songwriter to kindergarten teaching at 40• The story behind her children’s book "Dare to Be Me" and its empowering message• Blending music and teac...

Keri Brown shares K–5 math strategies using manipulatives to boost student engagement, classroom management, and deep learning in early math education. In this engaging episode of The Classroom Collaborative Podcast , I’m joined by southern teacher and educator Keri Brown from Enchanted Kindergarten to explore the powerful role of math manipulatives in K–5 classrooms. Whether you're teaching k...

Shannon Cunningham shares practical ways to use AI in education, including ChatGPT, STEAM tools, and classroom strategies to support teachers and student engagement. In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills chat with Shannon Cunningham , an instructional coach from North Texas, to explore how AI in education is reshaping the way teachers approach primary education . Shannon shares...

LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein shares playful learning tips, classroom strategies, and relationship-building ideas for early childhood education in this inspiring episode. In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson welcome LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein —the vibrant educator behind Wolkis Wonderland —to share her best tips for boosting student engagement , building a classroom family , and creating real co...

Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to discuss literacy, Tier 1 instruction, phonics, and teaching strategies to boost engagement and student success In this powerful episode, Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to unpack what effective literacy instruction really looks like in today’s classrooms. From foundational skills and phonics to student engagement and classroom...

Katie Blue shares transitional kindergarten tips, morning tubs, dollar store ideas, and her book Yanni the Yeti in this inspiring episode for teachers. In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills welcome special guest Katie Blue , an inspiring educator and author, to talk about all things teaching , transitional kindergarten , and creating a classroom full of joy and learning. Katie s...

In this special 100th episode, I’m joined by guest speaker Angela Griffith , a passionate reading specialist and ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative) Interventionist , to explore what structured literacy looks like in action—especially for students who struggle with reading. Angela shares her journey with the Alabama Reading Initiative and how her role supports effective reading intervention , phonics...

Deedee and Adam are back and excited to chat about all things education with amazing teachers and friends. Join them in their weekly discussions as they dive into trending topics, latest news, and whatever else comes up! Adam and Deedee recount multiple attempts to kickstart their podcast after a long break. They outline plans to feature teachers, counselors, and administrators who make a differen...

Deedee and Adam chat about teachers that had an impact on them. They share heartfelt stories about the teachers who left a lasting impact on our lives. Join us as we delve into the inspiring world of education, reminiscing about the dedicated individuals who shaped our early years. We'll explore the profound influence these teachers had on our journeys, discussing the teaching methods that mad...

Deedee and Adam sit down to chat with Shannon Olsen, second grade teacher turned best selling children's book author! Shannon is the author behind the children's books: Our Class is a Family   Our School is a Family   A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School A Letter From Your Teacher: On the Last Day of School  Join us as we discuss her inspiration for her books and how she...

Deedee and Adam chat about how to provide small group instruction in the science of reading world! Many of us were familiar with how to form small groups when we taught guided reading through leveled texts. Now that we know leveled texts actually hinder student reading progression, should our small group instruction look different? Deedee will share her ideas on forming skills groups and how to st...

Deedee and Adam get together to chat about what they've been up to, plans for the upcoming year, and goals they've set for themselves. A few reminders for teachers to take care of themselves are also included! Find more from Deedee & Adam: www.mrswillskindergarten.com www.adampetersoneducation.com

In today's episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee and Adam sit down with the creative genius that is Jerry Kolber!   Jerry is the co-founder and CEO of edutainment company Atomic Entertainment Group . He is also an Emmy-nominated co-creator and showrunner of Nat Geo's biggest hit series Brain Games and Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams. Beginning his career wi...

Let's Talk about Classroom Behavior!  We have heard from countless kindergarten teachers and first-grade teachers about how classroom behaviors are more prevalent in schools. In this episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee is joined by special guest Brandie Rosen.  Deedee and Brandie discuss a few practical ideas to include in your classroom to help students become more independ...

Elementary teachers in summer!   How are you taking a break and how can you fill your teacher bucket?  Adam and Deedee talk about some professional learning opportunities for kindergarten and first-grade teachers.  They offer suggestions on books to read and conferences that will get them excited for next year! Learn more about The Educator Summit by going to: The Educator Summit Catch up on all o...

Deedee and Adam chat about Adam's kindness movement that has spread globally.  His #betheyellow message challenges people of all ages to create brightness wherever they go! Adam's TEDx Talk Yellow Day Activities How can you include these kindness ideas in your own classroom?  Listen as Adam explains what Yellow Day looks like in his own kindergarten classroom.

Deedee and Adam continue their discussion on the Science of Reading. Specifically, they discuss blending and segmenting best practices.  Deedee was asked by a kindergarten teacher if teachers should include alphabet cards that include the key sound picture (mnemonics) on the card to practice blending and segmenting. Listen in to learn about how to make your instruction more efficient and more effe...

How Much Time Should a Phonics Lesson Take? Deedee and Adam discuss an article by Tim Shanahan where he answers the question about the length of a phonics lesson and best practices.  Deedee and Adam talk about phonics instruction AND application in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms through the lens of the Science of Reading. High leverage routines will have students actively apply phonics sk...

Deedee and Adam continue to talk about the Science of Reading and specifically get into the differences between sound walls and word walls in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. Read more about sound walls vs word walls: Turning Kindergarten High Frequency Words Into Sight Words (FREE FILE) READING ROCKETS ARTICLE: Transitioning from Word Walls to Sound Walls You can find the show notes and t...

Deedee and Adam discuss the Science of Reading and how it affects leveled texts in kindergarten and first grade.  Many teachers continue to use guided reading as part of their small group instruction or intervention instruction. Deedee and Adam chat about the texts we select to use in our classrooms.  They offer tweaks to instruction that will help teachers align their practices closer to the idea...

Deedee and Adam discuss social-emotional learning with Elizabeth Coller.  Elizabeth is a kindergarten teacher in California and teaches in a Montessori-inspired charter school that emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning from elementary school to high school. Elizabeth shares some classroom environment strategies that will change the way you approach classroom management and buildin...

Teaching writing to PreK, kindergarten, and first-grade students can be challenging. Deedee is joined by the author of Patterns of Wonder, Whitney La Rocca as she simplifies the process and offers advice to primary teachers!  This is a must-listen episode!  You can find Whitney's book on Stenhouse Publishers or on Amazon. Inviting Emergent Writers to Play with the Conventions of Language by Wh...