The Balanced Educator Podcast

Looking for effective social-emotional learning (SEL) and self-regulation strategies to enhance your classroom? We've got a no-prep mindfulness activity that’s a game-changer! In today’s episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share one of our favorite mindfulness exercises that promotes emotional well-being and is a student favorite: A Memory That Brings Me Joy. This simple yet powerful...

Are you looking for no-prep activities that support social-emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share quick, enriching activities you can do with students of all ages, with little to no supplies, and that fit perfectly when time runs short. These activities are ideal for filling time during unexpected breaks, holiday season, or any moment w...

Are late assignments and student stress taking a toll on your classroom? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we reveal an effective strategy for helping high school and university students manage their time, reduce stress, and prioritize wellbeing. Learn how to guide your students toward better time management and a calmer, more focused mindset.

Struggling to stay on top of your teaching tasks? As a teacher, it can feel like you're constantly juggling a never-ending to-do list, struggling to catch up before and after school. But it doesn't have to be this way! In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share a highly effective strategy to help you stay on track and find work-life balance. We walk you through a quick week...

Talking about complex social justice topics like racism, sexism, and human rights with kids can feel daunting. How do you address these sensitive issues in a way that’s age-appropriate and honest, without oversimplifying? The key lies in how we, as adults, facilitate these important conversations. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’ve invited Shelby Kretz, an educational research...

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’ve made it easy for you by creating a free Introduction to Mindfulness video lesson, designed specifically for middle and high school students. Whether you’re teaching in person or online, simply press play and set your students up for success with their mindfulness routine! We’ll walk you through the key components of the lesson, how to use it...

Starting a mindfulness practice in your classroom can feel intimidating, especially when you’re unsure how to introduce it to your students. How can you get them on board and help them understand the benefits of mindfulness? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we remove that barrier by introducing our free mindfulness lesson plan—designed for primary and middle school students. We’ll...

As educators, we strive to create a safe, welcoming space where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to advocate for themselves. But what happens when conflicts or bullying threaten that environment? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into how to systematically teach kindness and compassion in the classroom, helping you build a caring classroom culture that aligns...

Struggling to manage classroom behaviour? Teaching self-regulation can make all the difference. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into part 2 of our series on how to teach self-regulation effectively! In our last episode, we explored how self-awareness and self-regulation can make classroom management easier and boost productivity. If you missed it, be sure to listen to tha...

Struggling with classroom management? What if you could teach your students the essential skill of self-regulation—helping them manage their emotions and behaviors independently? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we break down self-regulation into simple, actionable steps. With so much advice out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But we show you that teaching se...

As educators, one of the most powerful gifts we can give our students is the ability to believe in themselves. But how do we get started in teaching self-confidence, and where can we begin in the classroom? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re diving into a step-by-step approach to teaching self-confidence and positive self-talk in K-12 classrooms. Whether you're working wit...

Mindful movement in the classroom isn’t just for fun—it’s a powerful tool to help students manage their emotions and get ready for focused, effective learning. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we discuss how incorporating movement breaks can improve classroom management, promote emotional regulation, and set students up for success. We explore why mindful movement is so effective...

Talking about racism can feel intimidating, but avoiding the conversation can prevent us from better supporting all our students. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Noreen Sibanda, a Provisional Psychologist, to discuss how we can create safe, inclusive spaces where children from all cultures feel seen and valued. Kailey and Noreen dive deep into crucial topics, like...

Supporting struggling learners can be a challenge—especially when we don’t know the root cause or the right strategies to use. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts, educational therapists from Learn Smarter, the Educational Therapy Podcast. Together, they share valuable insights into how educational therapists support learners, teachers,...

In challenging times, sometimes we need the love and wisdom of a grandmother to help guide us. In this special episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re honored to have Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win share her powerful story of working with incarcerated youth. Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win reflects on the invaluable lessons she’s learned while building meaningful relationships with these youn...

Are you considering using Educalm, our social-emotional learning and mindfulness program, in your classroom? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Erith Thompson, a Grade 6 teacher who shares her firsthand experience using Educalm with her students and team. Erith discusses why she started using Educalm, the most valuable resources she found when getting started, and th...

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform classroom dynamics and help students develop a positive mindset. But how do we teach students to be grateful? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into practical strategies for exploring gratitude in the classroom. We’ll share an engaging letter of gratitude project that teachers can implement immediately, along with other easy-t...

Trauma can significantly impact a student's ability to learn, and there may be more students in your classroom who have experienced trauma than you realize. Understanding trauma is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Kimberly Mackey, a seasoned School Social Worker and certified...

Are you a parent or teacher struggling with managing big emotions or conflicts? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re interviewing Hunter Clarke-Fields, host of The Mindful Mama Podcast and author of Raising Good Humans. Hunter shares how she transformed her reactive parenting style into mindful parenting, leading to more peace and less conflict in her family. She offers practica...

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we tackle the challenge of self-care for teachers. Self-care doesn’t need to be a separate task or another item on your to-do list. We share how you can integrate simple self-care practices into your school day, benefiting both you and your students. Learn how to create a balanced, calm classroom environment while prioritizing your well-being.

Struggling to teach mindfulness in the classroom? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share 4 crucial do’s and don’ts for integrating mindfulness successfully. Learn from our experience and avoid the mistakes we made early on! With the right strategies, you’ll create a calm, focused classroom and see quicker results in your students’ emotional regulation.

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, Kailey reveals how she successfully integrates mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) in her high school classroom. She discusses the step-by-step process of introducing mindfulness practices at the start of the semester, creating a consistent SEL routine, and how her students responded to daily practices. Kailey tackles common concerns su...

Struggling with problem behaviors in the classroom? Discover how having more fun can transform student behavior and create positive relationships! In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we chat with behavior specialist Dr. Marcie Beigel about how infusing fun into your classroom can help students manage behaviors and build strong connections. Dr. Marcie explains how play, laughter, and...

Ready to help your students shift from "I can't" to "I can"? Learn how to teach growth mindset in your classroom with practical lessons and activities! How do we empower students to adopt a growth mindset and overcome challenges? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into growth mindset lessons, activities, and interdisciplinary projects that will help y...

Struggling to find time for self-care as a busy teacher? Try these quick and easy strategies to de-stress in 5 minutes or less! As a teacher, it can feel impossible to prioritize self-care with everything on your plate. But taking a few minutes for yourself can make a world of difference. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share a set of quick stress-relief strategies you can use...