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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From Overwhelmed to Accomplished: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Your Prep Time
04/06/2023
From Overwhelmed to Accomplished: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of Your Prep Time
Welcome to the podcast for elementary teachers who often feel burnt out and overwhelmed! In this episode, we are going to discuss the number one way to get more done during your prep time. As teachers, we are experts at planning every moment of our students' day, but we often forget to plan our own plan time. Instead of creating endless to-do lists that can make us feel busy instead of productive, we will be using a calendar and a 6 step process to help us prioritize our tasks and accomplish more. By following this 6 step process, you can increase your productivity, decrease the number of hours you work, and still watch your students thrive. Don't forget to order the brand-new book by visiting . This book is a practical guide full of strategies that will help you beat teacher burnout and rekindle your love for teaching. Thanks for listening to our podcast, and have a Not So Wimpy Day!
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Unleashing Your Potential: How to Be a Great Teacher on Your Own Terms
04/05/2023
Unleashing Your Potential: How to Be a Great Teacher on Your Own Terms
Welcome to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast, where we empower and inspire elementary school teachers to love teaching again! In this episode, we’re going to discuss how to define success as a teacher and work smarter, not harder. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re never doing enough, working too many hours, and sacrificing your personal life for your job, then this episode is for you. So, grab your coffee, take a seat, and let’s get started. Segment 1: What Does It Mean to Be a Good Teacher? There are many misconceptions about what it means to be a good teacher. In this segment, we’ll explore some of these misconceptions and why they’re wrong. We’ll also discuss the importance of defining success as a personal goal, not a societal one. Segment 2: How to Define Success as a Teacher in 5 Steps In this segment, we’ll walk through the 5 steps to defining success as a teacher. We’ll discuss how to identify the type of teacher you want to be, what results you want to achieve, and how many hours you want to work. We’ll also talk about how to find your “why” and use it as a motivator to work towards your definition of success. Segment 3: Take Action to Achieve Your Definition of Success In the final segment, we’ll discuss how to take action to achieve your definition of success. We’ll talk about how to prioritize tasks and set boundaries with parents and administrators. We’ll also explore ways to spend less time lesson planning and grading, and more time focusing on what matters most. I hope this episode has inspired you to define success on your terms and work smarter, not harder. If you want to learn more about how to love teaching again and get actionable strategies to increase productivity and work fewer hours, be sure to check out Jamie’s new book , available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target.com. For more information about the book and to grab some free bonuses, visit . Have a Not So Wimpy Day!
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How to Cut Your Lesson Planning Time in Half: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Teachers
04/04/2023
How to Cut Your Lesson Planning Time in Half: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Teachers
Are you tired of spending hours upon hours lesson planning each week? In this episode, we're sharing 5 time-saving hacks that can help you cut the time it takes to lesson plan in half. From batching your lesson plans to using routines, year-long bundles, lesson plan templates, and pacing guides, we've got you covered with strategies that can make lesson planning faster and easier. Plus, don’t forget to check out my new book, How to Love Teaching Again, which is packed with hands-on strategies to help you be more productive, eliminate classroom chaos, and bring back the joy of teaching. You can find more information at . Tune in to this episode to learn how to save time on lesson planning and enjoy teaching again!
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Become a Happier Teacher: Start Your Accomplishment Bank Today
04/03/2023
Become a Happier Teacher: Start Your Accomplishment Bank Today
Welcome to this episode of our podcast for burnt out and overworked elementary school teachers. Today, we'll be discussing the importance of celebrating your wins each week and how this can be a catalyst for continued success in the classroom. As teachers, it's easy for us to celebrate others but much tougher to celebrate ourselves. At the end of the day, we often find ourselves focusing on the negative - the unfinished to-do list, a student's poor assessment, or a rude email from a parent. It's important to remember that society, admin, and parents may not always remember to celebrate us, and even our own brain may not remember if we aren't intentional about it. So, what's the solution? Creating an "accomplishment bank" and making a deposit into it every week. In this episode, I will give you simple directions for to get your accomplishment bank started. Recognizing wins each week becomes a catalyst for continued success in the classroom. Our brain loves to tell us when we aren't good enough. It's time to remind your brain how incredibly amazing you really are. So, start making your own accomplishment bank and deposit into it every week. And if you're looking for more practical strategies to beat teacher burnout and rekindle your love for teaching, be sure to check out my brand-new book, How to Love Teaching Again. Learn more at . This hands-on guide is full of strategies that will help you stay in the classroom while still having time for a personal life. You can find it wherever books are sold online or head to notsowimpyteacher.com/book to read more about the book and some fun bonuses we've created for you. Thanks for tuning in and we'll catch you on the next episode.
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Connecting with Students Online with Jennifer Serravallo
02/22/2021
Connecting with Students Online with Jennifer Serravallo
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! I have a really special treat for you today. If you are teaching students online, whether it’s virtual or hybrid, this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Jennifer Serravallo, is a literacy consultant and speaker and has three New York Times best selling books! Her latest book is called “Connecting with Students Online: Strategies for Remote Teaching and Learning.” I asked Jen to join me today to talk through the idea of connecting with students online. We’re covering everything from how to form relationships with students to having realistic expectations for yourself and your students during a pandemic. Episode 94 Takeaways: + When the tech isn’t working, stay calm, and remind yourself that you’re doing what you can. + Ask yourself if the things that are challenging you are within your control. + Get your kids working off the screen as much as possible to combat Zoom fatigue. + The more we can get kids off the screen, the more engaged they'll be. + It is possible to build relationships even though you’ve never met your students in person. + Use breakout rooms to give students individual feedback. + Minimize the time you're spending on whole group lessons, and maximize your time with small group lessons. + Make sure that the students in small groups belong together. + Give yourself and your students grace. I really hope that this episode gives you a little bit of hope. Teaching is going to look a little different right now, but you have amazing teaching strategies in your tool belt, and you can take so many of them into a virtual classroom with just a few small tweaks! 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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A Simple Problem-Solving Strategy That Works Every Time
02/15/2021
A Simple Problem-Solving Strategy That Works Every Time
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Word problems... Yuck! They can be such a struggle. Today, we are going to be chatting about math word problems and I am going to give you a fantastic strategy to use with your students. This strategy will become a routine in your classroom that I think will help your students resolve more problems with any operation. I used this routine in my classroom and it made a huge difference and that’s exactly why I want to share it with you too! Episode 93 Takeaways: + Don’t use keywords as a strategy when solving word problems. + Teach your students to use all four steps every time they encounter a math word problem. + Have them read the entire problem without a writing utensil in their hand. + Tell your students to re-read as they draw a model. + Don’t let them start writing an equation until they have drawn a model that makes sense. + Answers should be written in a complete sentence. + Writing math answers in complete sentences is wonderful grammar and writing practice. I hope that you and your students have fun practicing this word problem procedure in your classroom and that it's a huge help to you. Be sure to grab the FREE posters to go along with it by clicking . 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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Giving Students Feedback About Their Writing
02/08/2021
Giving Students Feedback About Their Writing
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Today we are talking all about how to give students feedback about their writing. You know how much I love to talk about writing, but did you know that when I was a new teacher, I actually dreaded teaching writing? I just didn't know how to help my students be better writers. No one taught me that in college. My lessons were too broad, and I really struggled to give good feedback to my writers that would help them grow and make changes. Do you also struggle with this? If you do, you’re not alone! Today I want to share some tips and tricks with you that helped me. I know that they are going to help you give effective feedback as well. Episode 92 Takeaways: + Focus more on content than mechanics. + Pointing out every error doesn't help students to become better writers. + Feedback doesn’t have to be complicated. + Use a simple rubric to guide feedback. + Give one positive comment for every negative comment. + Frame feedback as questions. + Focus on the skill you're currently working on. + Giving feedback in small groups makes it easier for you to get to each student in less time. Don’t forget to take our quiz to find out what 90s pop star you are as a writing teacher. This quiz will give you tailored resources based on your results. It’s so much fun, and I can’t wait to see your results! 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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Virtual and Socially Distant Valentine's Day Activities for the Classroom
02/01/2021
Virtual and Socially Distant Valentine's Day Activities for the Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Are you excited for Valentine’s Day this year? If you told me a year ago that I'd be doing a Valentine's episode about socially distant Valentine's Day activities, I probably would have laughed at you. Now it is totally normal though and something we have to talk about! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re teaching online or in-person this year, it’s going to look a little different. Just because we're socially distant, doesn't mean we can't share the love. If you need some ideas for virtual or socially distant Valentine’s Day activities, I’ve got you covered in this episode. Episode 91 Takeaways: + Do something active because February is also Heart Health Month. + Have students write a couple of sentences about their favorite book. + Drop off postcards to your students telling them one thing that you love about them. + Have them create a Google slide filled with pictures of things they love. + Make Valentine’s Day paper bag books. + Do STEM activities. + Make cards for medical professionals or nursing home residents. + Write “I Love You More Than…” poems. + Do a project-based learning activity. I really hope that you have so much fun with your students this year for Valentine's Day, and I hope you're feeling the love. 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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How to Use Project-Based Learning in the Classroom
01/25/2021
How to Use Project-Based Learning in the Classroom
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Are you looking for a new way to keep your students engaged and motivated? Today we’re going to be talking about how to use project-based learning in the classroom. I fell in love with project-based learning when I first started teaching. As a student, I would always ask my teachers these questions: “when would I use this, and why do I need to know it?” Does this sound familiar? I know those questions can be super annoying sometimes, but as a learner, I really did need to understand the real-life application for the skills I was learning! When we help our students to understand when they will use all the skills we are teaching and to practice skills they're learning in school in a more life-applicable way, it motivates and encourages them. Episode 90 Takeaways: + Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching method that encourages learning through curriculum-based, real-world problems or challenges. + Project-based learning can help develop skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. + Learning should be fun for all students. + As students find solutions to challenges, they build confidence. + Your role is to be a facilitator or guide. + Your students should be challenged but ultimately able to succeed. Project-based learning is so much fun, and it’s really easy to add into your classroom a little at a time. Check out our Valentine’s Project-Based learning resource and see how it works in your classroom! 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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A Fun and Free Inauguration Day Resource
01/18/2021
A Fun and Free Inauguration Day Resource
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! You asked for an Inauguration Day resource, so I’m delivering. Today on the podcast, I am walking you through a resource for you to use with your second, third, fourth, or fifth graders on Inauguration Day. Talking about anything political can seem uncomfortable, but when it comes to the inauguration, you don't have to be political. This is a historical event! The idea behind teaching isn't to tell students what to believe but rather give them the tools and the opportunities to decide what they believe on their own. That is what this resource will help you to do. Episode 89 Takeaways: + It’s important to teach from both sides of the spectrum. + Give your students the tools and opportunities to decide what they believe on their own. + You don’t have to get political when talking about the inauguration. + The inauguration is a great learning opportunity as it only happens every four years. + Teach the terminology associated with inauguration. + Have your students take “friendship oaths.” You can grab the Inauguration Day freebie from the link below! I can’t wait to see how you use it and what fun things your students come up with! I hope this episode helped to see that you can teach about the inauguration without stressing about the political side of things. 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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Starting Writing Fresh at the Beginning of the Year
01/11/2021
Starting Writing Fresh at the Beginning of the Year
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do your students forget everything over winter break? I think that’s pretty normal for all of us. You’re likely going to need to review classroom routines and procedures with them anyway, so there is no better time to refresh your writing instruction with them as well. I want to chat about starting your writing instruction fresh in the New Year. A fresh start is exactly what I want this year. Does that sound good to you too? Don’t worry about what happened before break because we’re leaving that in the past and taking this opportunity to start fresh. Here’s to helping your students love writing! Episode 88 Takeaways: + Start fresh. + Focus on procedures. + Review things that might have been forgotten over the break. + It’s okay to change up things that weren’t working. + Get input on what’s working and what’s not from your students. + Celebrate good times. + Set writing goals. I’m super excited to see how your students grow in writing this year. Don’t forget to grab the free writing prompts from the link 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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Improving the Quality of Student Work in Centers
01/04/2021
Improving the Quality of Student Work in Centers
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do you think of centers as time-wasters? Today we’re talking about centers and why I’ve loved them ever since my first year of teaching. I love an activity that stretches my students’ learning, but they also think it is fun, and centers do that for me. I’m going to teach you how to improve the quality of student work in your centers so that you don’t have to worry about them wasting precious classroom time. By the end of this episode, you’ll know when and how to use centers effectively in your classroom. Episode 87 Takeaways: + Take time to model exactly what you want your students to do. + Review procedures that you taught your students before winter break. + Make sure your students are confident about what they’re doing. + Add consistency to your centers. + Use centers as a review. + Give your students some choice during center time. + Give students a simple rubric or checklist. + Make time for corrections. + Celebrate your students’ success. I hope these tips help you and your students to love centers even more. Improving the quality of student work will make them more valuable in your classroom. 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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How to Use Writing Prompts (and a Year of Free Prompts)
12/14/2020
How to Use Writing Prompts (and a Year of Free Prompts)
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! I have a special gift for you today. I have 60 free writing prompts for you in two different formats. A printable PDF or Google slides that you can use in the classroom. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Jamie, you HATE writing prompts!” It’s true. I’ve spent years teaching you why I don’t use prompts in my writing workshops. However, I recognize that there is a time and place for them, especially in a year like this. I also want to help you understand when and how to use them in your classroom, so that’s where this episode comes in. Episode 86 Takeaways: + Writing prompts are best used sparingly. + Prompts are awesome to use for pre and post-assessments. + Substitute lesson plans are a great time to use writing prompts. + Get to know what holidays your students celebrate. + When you have a fast finisher in your classroom, you can give them a writing prompt to work on. + Keep bell work short and sweet. I hope you can see now why I don’t think writing prompts are always bad. I actually think they can be beneficial in certain situations. We just have to be careful not to overuse them. 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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5 Ways to Spend Less Time At School
12/07/2020
5 Ways to Spend Less Time At School
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Are you a teacher who spends a little too much time at school or even a little too much time working at home? Then this is the episode for you. I want to challenge the idea that the only way that you can be a good teacher is if you work really long hours, and that only the teachers who work really long hours are doing a great job. News flash: your value is not tied to the number of hours you work. Your value is what you do with those hours. I’m going to share a little of my own story as well as some strategies that I used to take back my life while still being a great teacher. It doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Episode 85 Takeaways: + Your value is not tied to the number of hours you work. + It’s okay if being a mom isn’t your only calling. + You don’t have to give up your personal life to be a good teacher. + Taking back time for yourself will actually make you a better teacher. + Use your calendar wisely. + Decide on your work hours and put them in your calendar. + Batch your lesson planning to save time. + Protect your planning time. + Use routines. + Grade smarter. Here’s what I want you to take away from this episode: your value as a teacher is not determined by the number of hours that you work, but rather what you do with your time when you are working. You were meant to be a teacher. Your students need you, but they need the very best version of you. So rediscover who that is by spending less time at work and more time with friends and family, on hobbies, and just being alone and taking care of yourself. The teacher who has boundaries and balance will have the most energy to teach and make a difference in the classroom. 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 Students with ADHD with Jillian Starr
11/30/2020
Teaching Students with ADHD with Jillian Starr
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do you have students with ADHD in your classroom that you wish you could support better? Well wishes come true. Today’s guest, Jillian Starr, is a struggling student turned passionate educator. Her dyslexia, ADHD, and sensory/auditory processing issues went undiagnosed for most of her educational career. Now she uses her own experiences to help students in her classroom, as well as help educators have a bigger impact. She is the teacher behind the website and social media accounts Teaching with Jillian Starr. She has been in education for 15 years and has been a classroom teacher for the past 12 years in grades 1, 2, and 3. Teaching with Jillian Starr is based on the idea that it's really important that we serve all students, and we’re going to dive deeper into that today. Jillian is sharing her own personal experiences as a student and teacher, as well as some amazing and important information about how we can better serve students with ADHD in our classrooms. Episode 84 Takeaways: + ADHD will show up differently in everyone. + ADHD is not one size fits all. + If you have one idea of what ADHD should look like, you’re going to miss it in your students. + What signs to look for in your students. + Treating ADHD with medication is a personal decision. + The side effects of medication will be different for everyone. + Be on the same team as the parents. + There are strategies besides medication that you can use to help your students. I cannot stress how important it is for us to learn these strategies as educators so that we are better prepared to serve all our students. I’m so grateful to Jillian for opening up about some deeply personal experiences so that we can learn from her. Don’t forget to check out her resources 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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Teaching Students to Edit Their Own Writing
11/16/2020
Teaching Students to Edit Their Own Writing
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Today we are talking about one of my very favorite topics: writing. I know that writing isn't everyone's favorite subject to teach, but it is my favorite topic to help teachers with. Whenever I go on social media and ask what your least favorite subject to teach is, writing always wins out. I'm here to make teaching your least favorite subject so much easier. I know what it feels like to hate it. I used to hate it too. But I want to give you the tools and strategies you need to build confidence, and maybe even start to love teaching writing. Today we’re specifically talking about how to get your students to edit their writing. I've got nine tips for you that I think will help you to make the editing time in your classroom more effective. If writing is the subject that you dread every day, be sure to tune in to this week’s episode! Episode 83 Takeaways: + Mistakes happen. + All writers make errors. + Reward students for taking time to look for mistakes. + Leave room on the page for editing. + Don’t edit too soon. + Set aside a day or two for editing. + Give your students resources to help them edit. + Focus on one type of edit at a time. + Read the writing out loud. + Don’t edit for your students. + Perfection isn’t the goal. I hope this gives you a lot to think about as you help your students to become better writers. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal, growth is. If your student’s paper is better than the last one they wrote, that's a success that deserves to be celebrated. I’d love to know 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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Using Genre to Create Highly Engaged Readers
11/09/2020
Using Genre to Create Highly Engaged Readers
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do you love teaching reading? Whether your answer is yes or no, I know you will find so much value in this episode! I invited a good friend of mine, Sara Marye, to join us on the podcast today. Sara is a former teacher and administrator and she has a huge love for teaching reading. More specifically, she really wants to help her students find their love for reading and has so many great strategies to share! Today we are specifically going to talk about using different genres to get our students excited about reading. Yes, genres! Interesting right? Episode 74 Takeaways: + We’re all readers, you just have to find the right book for you. + Give your kids books that make them excited to read. + Let them decide what books they really like. + Genre helps students identify their reading preferences. + When students have a solid understanding of genre, it gives them a roadmap to understand the texts that they're reading. + Be intentional about using your read-alouds to introduce students to a wide range of genres. + You can include picture books in your read-alouds. + Give your students the tools to help them understand each genre. + You can study genres in your book clubs. + Validate your students’ reading preferences. I love learning new ways to get students excited about reading but have never thought about using genres this way! Take a look at the resources below to learn more about Sara, and catch some of the goodies that she shares with you in today's episode. 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 Grammar: Free Mini-Course for Teachers
11/02/2020
Teaching Grammar: Free Mini-Course for Teachers
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Do you find teaching grammar kind of a nightmare? Are you scouring the internet for new fun grammar activities every week? Yeah, I was you once too. Until I found a much easier way to teach grammar that saved me time and made learning easier for my students. So that’s what I want to share with you today. This episode is for you if you teach grammar in grades 2, 3, 4, or 5. And be sure to stay tuned until the end, when I’ll be sharing a freebie that I’ve created just for you. Episode 81 Takeaways: + Remember that grammar is hard for adults with degrees, so it’s going to be hard for your students. + There is a lot to memorize when it comes to grammar, and that can be very tricky for your students. + Trying to teach grammar without a curriculum can be confusing and time-wasting. + Routine makes it easier to plan your time and increase productivity. + When I found a routine for teaching grammar my students started to grow. + Your students won’t all be on the same level and that’s okay. Remember, grammar is hard for everyone, even us adults. If you could use some help figuring out your grammar curriculum, my team and I have created a to help you out. In this , you're going to learn how to keep students engaged when you're introducing a new lesson or skill, my secrets for using grammar interactive notebooks so they don't take so much time, a quick way to integrate grammar into writing, my favorite ways to use task cards for reviewing grammar, and my simple strategies for differentiating grammar for learners of all levels. The videos in this mini-course are short and easy for you to get through whenever you have time, so you can do it whenever you want! Head to to check it out! 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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5 Things You Don't Have to Do When Teaching Writing
10/26/2020
5 Things You Don't Have to Do When Teaching Writing
Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Are you feeling a bit exhausted from perpetually being told what to do as a teacher lately? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and you deserve a break! That’s why, in this episode, I’m going to be sharing a handful of things that you probably have been doing in the classroom but really don’t need to be doing. Did you just take a sigh of relief? We’re going to discuss how to decrease your prep and planning time every week, which activities are helping your students the most developmentally, and how to still be an amazing teacher without grading non-stop. I know it may seem difficult to overcome the pressure of being the perfectionist teacher with the craft filled whiteboard, but stick with me, and I’ll explain exactly why all of that extra stress is not really necessary or even beneficial. Episode 74 Takeaways: + Give yourself grace + No need to assign a writing prompt or project every single week + Your room doesn’t have to be filled with craftivities on every wall + Spelling errors can go uncorrected once in a while + You don’t have to grade-non stop So does that relieve a little bit of perfectionist teacher pressure? There’s no need for you to be stressed with creating a new craft every week that doesn’t really benefit your student’s writing skills. There is also no need to crush their spirit by pointing out every single spelling mistake on the paper they worked so hard on for the last week. We all deserve a bit of relief, especially these days, and this podcast episode is your permission to do so! I’d love to know 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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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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