Joyful in Primary Podcast

Hey there, teacher friend! The last couple episodes, we've talked about SuperStar Teachers and what sets them apart from even the great teachers. Today, let's get even more specific about what exactly makes a teacher a SuperStar and how to claim that identity. It's not about the recognition, but don't we want to make an impact so big people do appreciate us? Today I'm goin...

Teacher friend, I hope you're enjoying our series on relationships. If you missed the first two episodes, be sure to check them out. Today, I'm sharing three of my favorite tactics to build strong, beautiful relationships with the families of your students, including my all-time #1 tip. I know relationships are important, and I know you know that, too. But some years, like last year for...

Hey there, teacher friend! We're about to dive into another episode about relationships. If you missed last week's episode , go back and catch it! We talked about how the best teachers make relationships a priority. Today, we're going to look at how classroom management and relationships are related. I used to think they were pretty much the same. They're not! Let's make s...

Hey there, teacher friend! How's that best summer ever going? I hope you've been able to get some rest and renewal like we talked about in our Best Summer Ever! series ( Episode 1 is here in case you missed it). Now about the start to the new school year... I know, I know, it's only JULY but I can't help myself! I love education, and I want us to have an awesome school year. Si...

Teacher, we're on the last episode of our series! This might be the most important one, because it will be key to making sure you're energized in August for the start of a new year. Let's look at things that aren't serving us well and work on them. If it didn't work for you this past year, expect the same this year. But don't worry! I've got you. Here's how...

Teacher Friend, summer break is an amazing perk of our profession. We work hard, and we need it! So let's make the most of it. Part 2 of this series is all about finding ways to exchange habits that don't serve us well with alternatives that are more restful. After all, when we go back to school in August, we need to be recharged physically and emotionally for our next group of students....

Teacher Friend, summer is coming! I can smell the honeysuckle, taste the lemonade, and hear the alarm clock waking me up! Wait, did I miss something?? Nope! Because guess what? The way to have your best summer EVER is to use routines! Don't worry, I'm not here to crash your dreams of rest and relaxation. I'm actually going to help you find more of it while having a fulfilling summer...

Hey there, Teacher! Today's topic is a heavy one, but I truly believe that it is worth considering. It's easy to go through the routine of first bell, morning classes, special classes, lunch, recess, and bus duty and lose track of what we're doing along the way. Today, let's reverse engineer your teacher eulogy. This will put in crystal clear perspective what is important to yo...

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,...

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. Investigate - Take an honest look at what is going on. Ask people with experience for guidance. Plan - It's goi...

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...

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...

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. Be in harmony with your time See the harmony in every day Be in harmony with your purpose and passion Ready to talk about what each of the...

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 o...

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 th...

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...

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...

 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&ap...

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...

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...

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...

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 upcomi...

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 cl...

Teacher, if you feel like your get up and go has walked off without you, this episode is for you. This is the final part of our Summer-in-Sight series to help you finish the year with joy. If you missed the first two episodes, I highly recommend starting there. I'll be here for you when you're ready! Today, I'm sharing my top three strategies for teacher perseverance. It's easy...

Teacher, I see you trying to keep that smile as big as it was in the exciting days of the beginning of the year. Trying to keep your enthusiasm up for your lessons. Giving it your all. But at this point in the year, let's be honest, we're tired. Our excitement is harder to get a hold of. In spite of all that, we can finish the year strong, with joy and passion. Links in today's epis...