Kick off your school year with confidence and less stress! In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we’ll share the top 5 back-to-school routines that save time, how to model and practice them so they stick, and simple ways to track student progress. Whether you’re a first or second grade teacher or just want smoother classroom management, these time-saving tips will help you start strong and stay organized all year long.In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:The top 5 routines that save time in your classroom.How to model and practice these routines for success.Simple ways to track student progress and tweak as needed.Resources Helpful with Today’s Episode:CLASSroom Management Adventure Course - build your classroom management plan with a course you can complete in a weekend day!Episode 92: My Back to School Must HavesRate, Review, and Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.
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171: Word Work Activities Without the Overwhelm: Take the Stress Out of Your Centers
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-work-activities-without-overwhelm/In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:Why consistent word work activities are key to saving your sanityHow to set up sight word centers that last all yearMy favorite hands-on activities that require zero re-teachingThe 5-step system I use to introduce and differentiate sight wordsWhy heart words matter (especially for second grade!)Resources Helpful with Today’s Episode:Sight Word Play Dough Mats (TpT)Sight Word Letter Boxes (TpT)Sight Word Interactive Notebooks (TpT)Words Their Way Primary Spelling InventoryEpisode 29: How to Introduce Sight Words in 5 Powerful WaysEpisode 80: Science of Reading and Sight WordsRate, Review, and Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.
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170: What to Prioritize During Your Teacher Planning Time
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 feeling more accomplished and less stressed.BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/what-to-prioritize-during-your-teacher-planning-time/In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:Why instructional planning should be your top priorityHow to create daily routines for your planning timeWhat to avoid doing during back-to-school prep periodsUsing student data to plan effective small groupsTips for organizing your materials and lesson plans ahead of timeIncorporating differentiation into your weekly planningThe importance of “white space” in your prep time scheduleTime-saving systems for newsletters and emailsResources Helpful in Today’s Episode:Episode 111: Making the Most of Your Planning PeriodEpisode 113: Sight Words for Second GradersEpisode 29: How to Introduce Sight Words in 5 Powerful WaysEpisode 80: Science of Reading and Sight Words: Making Your Centers WorkSight Word Interactive NotebookSight Words Ideas for ParentsRate, Review, and Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.
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169: Setting Realistic Goals for Teachers
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.BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/realistic-goals-for-teachers/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 intentionsExamples of teacher goals based on different teaching rolesWhat makes a goal “realistic” for teachersHow to use SMART goals the right wayBreaking down big goals into manageable stepsHow to track your goals and adjust when things aren’t workingSpecific goal ideas for classroom teachers and support staffResources Helpful With This Episode:Episode 163: Reflecting on Your Writing InstructionRate, Review, and Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.
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23:11
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168: Setting Up Student Writing Folders Like a Pro
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 practical advice to help you hit the ground running. Grab your favorite folder and let’s get started!In This Episode, We’ll Talk About:The exact type of folders I use and why they work bestWhat to include inside student writing folders (and what to leave out!)How to label, store, and manage folders for classroom successTips for building writing routines and student independenceTeaching students to care for and use their folders effectivelyResources Mentioned in This Episode:$5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )Student Writing Goals in my TpT shopShared Teaching Writing CurriculumRate, Review, and Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.
Teaching is too hard of a job to try to do alone. Every week join Susan, a veteran teacher, as she discusses the power of sharing in the workload by offering tips for organization, teaching strategies, classroom management, and more. If you are a primary teacher looking for help and motivation to survive the ups and downs of teaching, this podcast is for you. Visit http://sharedteaching.com/shared-teaching-podcast/ to find show notes and how to contribute to an episode.
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