Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast
This is a podcast for busy teachers who want to engage their students in meaningful hands-on learning. You will receive simple, innovative and practical teaching tips and ideas for teaching math, reading and writing.
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What You Need to Know About Teaching Math Problem Solving with Brittany Hege
10/19/2020
What You Need to Know About Teaching Math Problem Solving with Brittany Hege
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Is teaching math kind of a struggle sometimes? I have just the girl for you. Today we are joined by Brittany Hege from Mix and Math. Brittany has a Master’s in Elementary Mathematics Education and she is incredibly passionate about teaching students math, as well as inspiring other math teachers to be more confident in the classroom. In this episode she is sharing her best tips for helping students with their word problems. She knows how difficult it can be to get your students to slow down, read the problem, and make a good plan to work through the process. It’s a struggle in classrooms everywhere. That's why on today's show, we are going to figure it out together. Episode 79 Takeaways: + There are ways that you can help students to love math. + Add meaning to your numbers as early as possible. + You can use problem frames to add meaning to numbers. + Use numberless word problems to ask what action is happening. + Problem solving isn’t a linear process. + Isolate the problem solving process into steps. + Give students time to understand the problem. + Praise students for the process, even when the answer is wrong. Brittany believes that anyone can be a math person if they just find the part of math that lights them up. I learned so much chatting with Brittany today and I feel super inspired, so I hope you do too. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share those with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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4 Ways to Make Reading Lessons Engaging (Virtually or In-Person)
10/12/2020
4 Ways to Make Reading Lessons Engaging (Virtually or In-Person)
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Are you struggling to get your students excited about reading? Today, I am going to be sharing some of my very favorite ways to make reading lessons more engaging for your students. Deciding what to talk about on the podcast has been a little tricky lately because school just looks so different for everyone! Some of you are teaching in your classrooms, some of you are teaching virtually, and some are combining the two. So today we’re talking about four of my favorite ways to make reading lessons engaging for students, that will work whether you’re teaching virtually or in-person. Episode 78 Takeaways: + Book clubs make reading more exciting than worksheets or stories from a textbook. + As a reading teacher, the most important thing you can do for your students is to help them learn to love reading. + Centers are a fun way to practice reading skills. + Whatever grade level you teach, students need to hear books read aloud to them. + Introduce your students to lots of different genres, authors, and series. + Offer choice as much as possible. Having teachers who loved reading truly shaped who I am as an adult and how much I love reading now. That’s the effect that you are having on your students. You’re shaping future readers! I don’t want reading to be a chore. I want it to be something that you and your students actually look forward to! I hope that the tips in this episode and the resources I shared can help you to achieve that. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share those with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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Teaching About the Election (Without Getting Political)
10/05/2020
Teaching About the Election (Without Getting Political)
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Today we’re going to talk about the election. Did you groan? If you did, I don’t blame you. I get it. But I want this to be exciting for you to talk about, because it is for me! We’re going to explore how to talk to your students about the election without getting political, the importance of having an unbiased lesson about it, and how you can help your students understand the importance and privilege of having elections. I know it can be scary, but stick with me, and we’re going to make it a whole lot more fun. Episode 77 Takeaways: + It is our job as teachers to help kids learn how to think. + It's important to cover the election because voting is a privilege and a duty. + We are shaping what the world will look like in the future. + Kids are going to hear about the election, so we can at least make sure they understand the facts. + Talking about the election leads to meaningful conversations. + There are topics you can cover without telling them who to vote for. + You can use fun activities to teach about the election. So, does that make it a little less intimidating? It’s not your responsibility to tell your students who to vote for, but you can teach them why we vote, and how they can make their voices heard. Don’t forget to take a look at our digital and printable election resource! It gives you a five-day plan for teaching about the election, so if this all feels a little scary to you, this resource is going to make your life so much easier! You can find a link in the “Resources Mentioned” section below. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share those with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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Book Clubs in a Virtual Classroom
09/28/2020
Book Clubs in a Virtual Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do you miss book clubs with your kids since going virtual? Maybe you’ve never done book clubs before at all but want to start? Well, I heard you guys asking, so I’m here to bring some answers. Today on the podcast, we are going to chat all about how to run book clubs in a virtual classroom. In case you didn’t already know, I am a very proud bookworm. I love to read, and I truly believe that it’s because I had teachers who were passionate about sharing reading experiences in the classroom. When I became a teacher, I knew that I needed to help my students to find their love for reading and book clubs were the answer! Whether your classroom is currently in-person or virtual, book clubs can help increase engagement and excitement about reading. Episode 76 Takeaways: + You can separate your kiddos into leveled reading groups. + You can assign different books to each of your groups. + Just about any chapter book will work for your book clubs. + Choose books that complement your students’ interests. + The books don’t all have to be the same length. It’s okay if one group finishes before another. + There are lots of ways to get books at a low cost. + Try reading together in small groups. + Try not to interrupt them with questions. + Consider assigning the same task to every student rather than individual roles. I can't wait to hear how your virtual book clubs turn out. I know that your students are going to be so excited about the books that you share in these clubs. I’d love to know how your book clubs are going and what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share those with me! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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7 Ways to Make Virtual Teaching Easier
09/21/2020
7 Ways to Make Virtual Teaching Easier
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! So…….. virtual teaching. How are you feeling? A little overwhelmed? Yeah, I see you. I know that you feel like you’re drowning with all the new technology, new strategies, and new concerns that come with teaching virtually. I have heard it over and over. Teachers feel like they are drowning, and I don't want anyone drowning on my watch! I'm not a very good swimmer, so I can’t be a good lifeguard, but I got together with my team and we brainstormed some ways to make virtual teaching easier. These tips will give you some of the tools that you need to make it to dry land, and I feel like right now a good tip or two could be our saving grace. In today’s episode, I am giving you seven different ways to make virtual teaching easier. Episode 75 Takeaways: + Use less technology. + Keep a daily schedule. + Create routines with your students. + Batch your lesson recording. + Assign less work. + Stop grading everything. + Give yourself grace. You are growing as an educator every single day. Focus on how far you have come, rather than the bumps in the road. The bumps actually helped you to learn something new, even if it hurt in the moment. You've learned to use all kinds of new technology and have created real relationships with a group of kids that you probably didn't even get to meet in person. You have faced your fear of being on video and you love your class fiercely. As far as I'm concerned, you are highly proficient. And I'd be happy to sign that observation form if you need me to. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share them with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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7 Ways to Make Virtual Learning More Fun
09/14/2020
7 Ways to Make Virtual Learning More Fun
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Raise your hand if you went to college to major in virtual education. Anyone? No, didn’t think so. In this episode, I want to chat about ways that you can make learning fun, even if you're teaching virtually. In fact, I'm going to be sharing seven different ways to make virtual learning more fun for your students. None of us really went to school and trained for this, but at a moment's notice we all became online teachers, and many teachers are now teaching online AND in person, which is just crazy! So now you’re figuring out how to get into staff meetings on Zoom, trying to learn new technology, and frankly just trying to get your kids to use the mute and unmute button properly. It’s exhausting! And yet, you still want it to be fun for your students. You don't want to do the bare minimum. You don't want your virtual classroom to be boring. You want it to be engaging! My team got together and we brainstormed some ways that you can make this whole virtual education thing more fun-- and in a way that isn’t overwhelming! Let’s talk about seven different (and easy) ways to make virtual learning more fun for your students. Oh- and for you too! Episode 74 Takeaways: + Keep your virtual classroom engaging by using centers. + Use book clubs. + Go on virtual field trips. + Consider adding lunch clubs to your virtual classroom. + Change the location of your virtual classroom. + Use music to keep students engaged. + Don't be afraid to mix in some nonacademic activities. I hope that some of these ideas got you thinking about ways that you could continue to make your virtual classroom even more fun. I want you to know that I am so amazed by what you are doing. You are learning so many new things, jumping in, and just doing the best that you possibly can for your students, even though there's a lot of pressure. I want you to pat yourself on the back and remember that you won't be perfect, your classroom won't be perfect, but you love your students and that's more than enough. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram to share those with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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Teaching Growth Mindset in the Classroom
08/31/2020
Teaching Growth Mindset in the Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Have you ever heard a student in your classroom say something like this? “I'm not good at math” or “it's too hard” or “I can't.” Yep. Me too. Did you know, research shows that students in the US commonly give up quickly on difficult tasks? These limiting mindsets can make it very difficult to teach new and challenging skills in the classroom. In this episode, I want to talk about how you can change their mindset so that your students aren’t afraid to take on challenging tasks or problems. The secret? You have to teach your students how to have a growth mindset. We’ll talk all about what a growth mindset is vs. a fixed mindset and how you can teach it in your classroom. Episode 73 Takeaways: + Recent studies show that the brain grows when we practice new things and give it challenges. + A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. Someone with a fixed mindset avoids challenges. + Change your feedback on tasks so students understand that their success is a result of their willingness to work hard on challenging tasks + It’s important to challenge all of your students, not just the high achievers. + Let your students see you try new things and be open about what you are trying and the challenges you are taking. Modeling is the easiest way to teach new things. + Share growth mindset books, and activities with your students. + It’s important to help our students know what a growth mindset is and have conversations about it so it becomes part of our classroom. By focusing so heavily on right and wrong answers, sometimes we forget to teach our students that getting the right answer might not be the most important thing. By teaching them how to have a growth mindset, we teach them to be more resilient, and better equipped to take on new challenges. Don’t forget to check out our that is packed with interactive growth mindset activities. You can use it in your virtual or in-person classroom. I’d love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to my Instagram to share those with me! Resources Mentioned: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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Hybrid Teaching With A Flipped Classroom
08/24/2020
Hybrid Teaching With A Flipped Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Is your school implementing a hybrid teaching model this year? It's basically a combination of in-person and virtual learning, usually with students split into two groups, each of them spending some time learning in the classroom and some time learning from home. One of the best ways to teach with a hybrid model is to flip your instruction. Instead of teaching in person and sending kids home to do the work, have them watch the lessons at home and come to school to do the work. This way they have your attention and assistance when they need it most…while they are doing the actual work. On today's episode, I'll walk you through some simple tips for flipping your instruction! Episode 72 Takeaways: +Record Whole Group video lessons +Keep video lessons short & don’t worry about perfection +Batch record and get a bunch done at one time +Share your screen to show powerpoint, passages or anchor charts (you can use your usual curriculum) +Do practice activities in class +If a student can’t watch the video at home, let them watch when they arrive I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is NO perfect solution. My heart goes out to you because I know how hard you are working. Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. It won't last forever. Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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Teaching Writing Virtually
08/17/2020
Teaching Writing Virtually
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Lots of teachers are faced with this new challenge: "How do I teach writing virtually?” The best thing you can do for your students, if you are going to be teaching virtually for long, is to teach the writing lessons yourself. I know that it might sound intimidating, but I hope these tips will help you to feel more confident. Episode 71 Takeaways: +You can choose to teach your lessons on live video or pre-recorded video. +Run your video writing lessons almost exactly how you would run the lesson in class. +Share your screen to show the mentor text and anchor charts. +Keep the video lessons super short (10-15 minutes). +Give them a SMALL independent writing task. Work up to longer times. +Don't aim for perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, just like if you were teaching in the classroom. +Students can do their writing digitally, on paper, or using a combination of both. +You can schedule Zoom calls or Google Meets with small conference groups. This year is certainly not typical, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still teach writing in an effective and engaging way. But remember that your students don’t need fancy video lessons with professional lighting or a fancy microphone; they just need you. So show up and do the best you can. You’ve got this! Check out my . Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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Using Digital Math Centers
08/10/2020
Using Digital Math Centers
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Our team has been hard at work this summer and we are SO excited that our new digital math centers have been released and are ready to go! We've had lots of questions about this popular new resource, so today I'm answering your questions about using digital math centers! Whether you are teaching virtually for all or part of your classroom experience this year, these digital math centers are a great resource to keep your students engaged and loving math. Episode 70 Takeaways: +These math centers are interactive Google slides +Any platform where you can assign a powerpoint can work with these centers. +The centers are not self-grading, but simple answer keys are included. +You can view each student’s answers on the Student Work page. +The digital center activities are comparable to our printable math center activities. +These are a separate resource, not an update to the printable version. These digital math centers have already been a best-seller in our Not So Wimpy Teacher TpT store because they cover so many standards, they’re engaging, they’re no-prep, and students will love doing them! to check out our new . If you or your students are new to Google classroom, then be sure to grab your of our . Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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3 Simple Ways to Integrate the Arts Into Your Classroom
08/03/2020
3 Simple Ways to Integrate the Arts Into Your Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! In this episode, I'm chatting with long-time teacher and author, Elizabeth Peterson, about how valuable the Arts are to students and how to integrate them into your classroom in simple ways. In her 20 years of teaching, Elizabeth has been a huge proponent of using the Arts to help students with social and emotional learning. Episode 69 Takeaways: + You don't have to be a musician or an artist to integrate the arts into your classroom in a helpful way + Teaching kids active listening is all about being active with your ears and brain, not just active with your body + Have "Listen Alouds" where you play a piece of music during snack time and let your students identify sounds, emotions, themes, etc. + Take "Brain Breaks" with your class and have them stand up, stretch or even dance to get their whole body moving + Try "Friendly Friday" and let your students use their creativity to make an encouraging card or note for another classmate + Consistency with these small additions is key The good news is you can even implement these ideas in a virtual classroom! Do your movement break on a zoom call by sharing your screen with the class and playing a Go Noodle or YouTube video for them to dance to. Do your listen aloud in your virtual classroom. Have kids write encouragements to each other on a google comment thread. The more your students see YOU expressing creativity with confidence, the more they will feel comfortable themselves. Integrating the Arts into your classroom can have a powerful effect on your students, helping them process and express their emotions in a productive way. You can find Elizabeth and grab your free resource at ! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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5 Things Teachers Will Need to Reconsider This Year
07/27/2020
5 Things Teachers Will Need to Reconsider This Year
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast. Whether you will be in-person or online, we want our classrooms to be just as safe as they are engaging. In this week’s episode, I am going to dive into five things that teachers will need to reconsider to make sure the upcoming school year is safe for everyone. COVID-19 is making things hard but not impossible!
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3 Strategies for Classroom Management with Ashley Marquez
07/20/2020
3 Strategies for Classroom Management with Ashley Marquez
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week’s episode we have an amazing guest, Ashley Marquez from Teach, Create, Motivate. Ashley is here to share three strategies to help teachers with classroom management. She brings innovative learning and fun to the classroom. She’ll teach how to calm the chaos while teaching engaging skills that help motivate independent learners. Teach, Create, Motivate was built because of her need for creative resources for her students. This need for her own classroom grew into helping other teachers and continues to grow. Takeaways from this episode: Be consistent with your classroom strategy. Use a tool to take control and manage behavior, but stay consistent in delivery and use. This should be maximizing your teaching time. Create student “buy-in.” Your students should be excited so they’re invested. This is all about presentation; your delivery could make or break this program. Choices! Give your students choices...these student-led programs are more successful when they choose themselves. They have more “buy-in” when they feel like their voice is being heard. Don't be afraid of "classroom management.” Not all classroom management looks the same. Get rid of overwhelm and create more engagement. Create a calm, confident learning environment by making the mindset shift. Ashley’s NEW PROGRAM! Great for any grade and any type of classroom. Access Ashley’s new program; Classroom Management Academy. This is an online course broken down into six modules. These are some of the best classroom strategies, tips, ideas and resources for you to create that positive and calm student-led program you want to achieve in your classroom. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll have unlimited access and can rewatch them any time. Take advantage of learning when it’s best for your schedule and have the tools you need at your fingertips. Maximize your time and see your students flourish in learning. Access a BONUS MODULE on Distance Learning! You can still implement classroom management virtually. This program is only available for a short time and won’t be back again until 2021. Register here: www.notsowimpyteacher.com/classroommanagement Connect with Ashley at or Follow her on Instagram @teachcreatemotivate I hope you are inspired by these tips and create great reading centers for you students this year. Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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Making Reading Centers Easier to Manage
07/13/2020
Making Reading Centers Easier to Manage
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week’s episode I am going to share tips on how to make reading centers easier to manage. Reading centers aren’t just about being busy; they’re about being busy with stuff that is helping to move them forward. Reading centers use activities that review and practice those reading skills that you absolutely need to have them master. Center time can get chaotic, so I learned how to make my center time more meaningful and better managed so I could handle it as a teacher. I know planning for centers can get really time consuming, so here are some tips to help you get some hours back in your life! I hope some of these spark ideas that will make a difference in how you create and run your reading centers. Tips from this episode: Spend all the time up front so you are prepared for the whole year, then review them a couple of times throughout the year. Model your center procedures and then model them again! Use anchor charts that record what it should look and sound like during center time. Have a student model what NOT to do! Then, have the students point out what he did wrong and model the correct behavior. Have students show YOU how to do center time. Get a few of the centers started during your reading groups to help students get started on the right track. Use consistent centers! Don’t waste time digging for new information each week. Use things that won’t change all year like read-to-self, reading response center stations, and center technology! Use centers that focus on a specific skill. Limit the number of transitions. Help yourself out by getting a whole bundle; you’ll thank yourself later! We want your students to do well independently, so plan for a variety of center activities that will set them up for success. I hope you are inspired by these tips and create great reading centers for you students this year. Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily! Will you please take two minutes to leave a review? Reviews are one of the BEST ways to support the podcast because it lets potential listeners know that there is something worth tuning into. to leave a review. Thank you so much for your support!
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How to Make Centers Safer
07/06/2020
How to Make Centers Safer
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is something I didn’t think I’d need to record a few months back, and that’s how to make the Centers safer. COVID has brought a world of uncertainty to what will come in the Fall. I wish I had the answers for everything, but what I can do is come up with some tips to help make things a little better. I am not a Doctor, these are just my personal tips, but please do make sure you’re following the rules at each of your teaching locations. These are just my personal opinions. I love the Centers so, of course, I am a little bit worried. The hands-on activities at Centers will be at risk this Fall, so think of ways to continue learning that is safe and still engaging. In this episode I talk about: Laminating your center materials so they can be more easily disinfected Creating a sanitization routine Having students use hand sanitizer BEFORE and AFTER using the activities Having plenty of activities so each student has their own at any given time Creating independent kits for the tools each student needs to use Using digital centers that make kids think deeply and not just play games BIG NEWS! We are working on making our Math Centers all digital on Google Slides. We are making them very engaging and creating opportunities for the students to really think deeply while still having fun! They’re so close to being finished, so keep checking back at and for these when they go live! There’s no denying that this school year will be a bit unconventional, but the students are so lucky to have you making their year great. Have a not so wimpy day! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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3 Masterclass Success Stories
06/29/2020
3 Masterclass Success Stories
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week with a new exciting episode. We had a Facebook live party this week and I invited some Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass Alumni to share their stories. In today’s episode we’re going to meet Dixie, BJ and Karen, and they’re sharing how they felt before and after the Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass last year. We’re going to dive in to see what they’re teaching their students now and how excited they are for you to have the opportunity to take this class now. We might even have a surprise if you listen until the end! We want to support teachers and help them prepare for the unknown year in teaching ahead. In this episode: Live conversations with Masterclass Alumni Dixie’s growth journey as a writing teacher BJ’s story of going from overwhelmed & overworked to getting her weekends back Karen’s experience of turning non-user friendly curriculum into simple & effective teaching Favorite writing teacher tips Alumni are using today Surprise announcement!! Registration closes on July 2nd, so make sure you sign up! Don’t miss it or you’ll have to wait until next year! Join the thousands of teachers who are loving the Not So Wimpy Masterclass today! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily! Head to Apple Podcasts to leave a review.
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How to Become a Not So Wimpy Writing Teacher
06/23/2020
How to Become a Not So Wimpy Writing Teacher
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is different from what you are used to — I’m popping in to invite you to something super special! I’ve been waiting a WHOLE YEAR for this moment! Let me start by asking you a question: Do your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students struggle with writing? Don’t feel bad, most students struggle with writing. The good news is that implementing a simple yet effective writing workshop can totally change the game. By the end of your writing workshop, students will be begging you for more writing time! In this episode I talk about: The Masterclass that has helped over 3,000 teachers flip the script on teaching writing The practical, actionable, and fun strategies that fill the Not So Wimpy Masterclass How we’re specializing in 2nd-5th grades to make writing fun and effective for teachers AND students How you can earn a 10-Hour Professional Development Certificate The Not So Wimpy Masterclass will walk you through how to become a successful writing teacher who inspires students and transforms them into powerful writers. My team has a collective of 35 years of education experience, and we’ve put everything we know into this course to help you succeed. Want to know some of the key elements this Masterclass includes? TONS of videos to help you learn to teach different procedures. An actionable course workbook, rubrics, and printables to make your life easier! A 10-Hour Professional Development Certificate 4 Incredible Bonuses: A members-only Facebook Group, Weekly Live Q&A with me, a Bonus Module for Video Writing Skills, and a Lesson Demonstration Video. Join the thousands of teachers who are loving the Not So Wimpy Masterclass today! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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5 Ways to Excite Reluctant Writers
06/15/2020
5 Ways to Excite Reluctant Writers
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! We’re getting close to the end of this series on teaching writing. This week we’re going to talk about ways to excite your reluctant writers. You know the ones I am talking about. They don’t have any ideas, they don’t want to try, and they get “done” really fast. These are the students we want to help teach with these five strategies to excite reluctant writers. Our goal is to create a positive experience around writing and build the confidence in your little writers. In this episode I talk about: Letting your writers choose their writing utensils, it’s more fun to write with a fun pencil, pen or marker Letting your writers choose their topic, let them use their imagination Give your students clear, daily writing tasks Give daily opportunities for students to share their writing Create writing celebrations, make this a quarterly event I used to dread teaching writing until I mastered the best way to teach it. Now, it’s my favorite subject and it could be yours, too. Join me for a FREE Live Training called; "Confidently Teach Writing Mini Lessons, Even if You Feel Like Your Writing Curriculum is Boring and Your Students Hate Writing.” Join me live for one hour to learn 4 strategies that make writing more enjoyable. Let me teach you how to make your writing curriculum work better for you. Make sure to stay the entire time and you could get a free Poetry Writing Mini Unit, not available on TPT. Anyone who signs up will get a 1-Hour Professional Development Certificate to show to your administration. Sign up here: Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website Follow me on Instagram where I share daily! @notsowimpyteacher
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How To Be A Kick-Butt Writing Teacher Even If You Hate To Write
06/08/2020
How To Be A Kick-Butt Writing Teacher Even If You Hate To Write
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today’s episode I want to talk about how you can be a kick-butt writing teacher, even if you hate to write. I want you to become more confident when teaching writing. Let’s dive in! In this episode I talk about: The importance of using mentor text, you don’t have to be their only example Anchor charts will help keep you organized Work with me, sign up for The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass …and so much more! If you’re interested in building your confidence in teaching writing, join me at The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass. It is my online professional writing course for teachers in grades two through five. I will provide you with step-by-step strategies you’ll need to implement a successful writing workshop in your classroom. I want to take you from a place of feeling overwhelmed and anxious to being fully confident as a writing teacher. so you can receive an email message from me about the opening of the course. Mark your calendar for June 22, 2020. This course won’t be back again until June 2021! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily! Head to Apple Podcasts to leave a review. Waitlist Full URL: https://www.notsowimpyteacher.com/waitlist
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5 Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Writing
06/01/2020
5 Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Writing
Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today’s episode, I am sharing about the 5 mistakes I see teachers making when teaching writing. Don’t get me wrong, I have made these same mistakes too, but I’m going to break them down for you so you can become more confident when teaching writing. Let’s dive in! In this episode I talk about: How we unintentionally decrease our student’s love for writing The importance of spending time on revision Less perfection, more celebration ...and so much more! If you’re interested in diving deeper into The Not So Wimpy Writing Process, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It’s called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into the process we talked about in this episode today. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to so you don’t miss out! To take the FREE quiz that I mentioned in this episode head to . Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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3 Ways to Have More Fun Teaching Writing
05/25/2020
3 Ways to Have More Fun Teaching Writing
Welcome back to another episode of The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This week we are continuing on with our series on writing curriculum. I have had so many teachers tell me how much they HATE teaching writing. They don’t feel confident when they teach writing and that makes total sense. As humans, we don’t like doing things that we don’t know how to do or don’t feel confident doing, right? So in today’s episode, I am going to share 3 tips that you can use to make teaching writing more fun for YOU. We always talk about making things fun for our students, but today is all about you. Let’s dive in! In this episode I talk about: How to make teaching writing fun for the teacher, not just the student Giving students a choice Growth over perfection Investing in trainings to become more confident as a writing teacher If you’re interested in diving deeper and want to become a more confident writing teacher, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It’s called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into all of the things we talked about in today’s episode. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to get on the waitlist by heading to so you don’t miss out! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!
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How to Make Writing Workshop Less Chaotic
05/18/2020
How to Make Writing Workshop Less Chaotic
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! For the past few weeks, I have been talking on the topic of writing curriculum. This week, we are talking about writing workshops, specifically how to make them less chaotic. I’ve heard so many teachers complain about how their writing workshops are a hot mess. I completely understand because I had that issue for a long time until I created The Not So Wimpy Writing Process. If you feel like your writing workshops are a hot mess, this episode is for you. In this episode I talk about: The traditional model of the writing workshop How I took that model and made it my own How The Not So Wimpy Writing Process works The “Extra Stories” How this process is an incredible combination of structure and encouraging independence If you’re interested in diving deeper into The Not So Wimpy Writing Process, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It’s called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into the process we talked about in this episode today. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to head to so you don’t miss out! Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources at and follow me on Instagram where I share daily!
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How to Turn Boring Writing Curriculum into Fun and Engaging Lessons
05/11/2020
How to Turn Boring Writing Curriculum into Fun and Engaging Lessons
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we are talking all about how to teach writing to our students in a fun and engaging way. When I talk about teaching writing, I often hear teachers say, “But I HATE my curriculum. It’s so boring.” I totally get it. So in Episode 57, I am going to teach you three strategies that you can use to turn boring curriculum into fun lessons that you AND your students will enjoy. Are you ready? Let’s dive in. In this episode I cover: The truth about writing curriculum The magic of the mini-lesson Steps to preparing a mini-lesson The power of giving students A LOT of choices Daily share time Ready to take this a step further? to get on the waiting list for our upcoming course, the Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass, that will be available in June! For more teacher tips and tricks, head over to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Want to connect outside of the podcast? Give me a follow on I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts on writing curriculum. Will you please take two minutes to leave a review? Reviews are one of the BEST ways to support the podcast because it let’s potential listeners know that there is something worth tuning into. to leave a review. Thank you so much for your support!
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Celebrating Teacher Appreciation
05/04/2020
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation
It’s Teacher Appreciation week! I know that things are very different this year, but I wanted you to feel extra spoiled and loved. After all, you are pretty darn amazing! I planned a HUGE week of giveaways, promotions and freebies. I explain it all in this episode. Monday 50% off End of Year Awards 9-10 PST 50% off Math Journals 11-12 PST 50% off Grammar Bundles 1-2 PST Resource Giveaways one hour before each sale! Tuesday 25% off everything in my store Giving away ten $10 TPT gift cards Wednesday 25% off everything in my store Giving away three Not So Wimpy Teacher cups Thursday 20% off everything in my store Giving away twenty $10 TPT gift cards Friday Special freebie for everyone!
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Increasing Writing Test Scores
04/20/2020
Increasing Writing Test Scores
I’m back and I’m excited to get back to business! Let’s chat about how we can help our students to be better writers and pass the writing standardized tests next year. I have four tips for you...
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Make Your Reading Lessons More Engaging
03/09/2020
Make Your Reading Lessons More Engaging
Are your students truly engaged in your whole group reading lessons? Are they excited to read and talk about text together? If not, no worries! I’ve got you covered with three of my favorite ways to make your reading lessons more engaging. Read Alouds PowerPoint Lessons Reading Interactive Notebooks
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Test Prep Review Games
03/02/2020
Test Prep Review Games
Test prep is 100x more fun when you incorporate games into your review! In this episode, I am going to share several fun games that you can use to review math, language or reading skills before testing. All of these games are simple to prep and plan! Connect Four Jenga Stinky Feet Cups Candyland
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Math Test Prep Activities
02/24/2020
Math Test Prep Activities
Testing is no fun, but test prep can be loads of fun! In this episode I share math test prep activities that are easy to prep and will have your students begging for more review time. Trashketball Stinky Feet Kahoot
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Reading Test Prep Activities
02/17/2020
Reading Test Prep Activities
Making test prep fun and meaningful can be a challenge. But you have me, and I take care of you! I have collected some reading test prep activities that your students will enjoy! I dare say that you might even have some fun! In this episode, I share five different activities that you can. use for reviewing reading skills and standards before testing. Reading Gallery Walk Prosecution and Defense Work Hard. Play Hard.
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Celebrating Black History Month
02/11/2020
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Will you be celebrating black history in your classroom? I am a white teacher and I taught at a predominately white school. I am being very vulnerable here when I tell you that I felt uncomfortable teaching black history. I was scared that I would say the wrong thing, choose the wrong book, or offend someone. I wanted to be culturally sensitive, but I wasn’t always sure how to go about it. Have you ever felt that way too? I hear ya. On this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat very Vera Ahiyya- also known as the Tutu Teacher. Vera is a kindergarten teacher in Brooklyn and she is passionate about helping teachers to be more diverse in the classroom. Some of my big takeaways from this conversation with Vera: Black History Month is a great time to celebrate the history of blacks and not just a time to talk about civil rights and slavery. Share stories of the beautiful and not just the hardships. Use books as a platform to have conversations about black leaders and heroes such as artists and musicians. Black History Month is a great time to start the conversation, but then you can think about how you can weave more stories into the curriculum throughout the year. Your job is to teach every student and be inclusive. Even if you teach at a predominately white school, you still have an obligation to include all of the people of the world. You can’t help kids to be better if you are exclusionary. If you are uncomfortable with teaching black history then you must educate yourself. Vera recommends that teachers read the book by Jason Reynolds. Never have students reenact or do a role play of enslaved people. It is offensive. Slavery should not be made into a board game. Vera recommends using the resource . Do a survey of your classroom library! I also asked Vera to share some of her favorite culturally sensitive picture books that teachers should add to their classroom library. Here are links to the books that she recommended. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to have conversations about topics like this. But being uncomfortable is an opportunity for growth. Ignoring black history would be a shame. If you want to learn more about Vera, you can find her on Instagram:
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