The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers

We’ve covered a lot in our 100 episodes, but now in our third season, we have decided to take a break, to re-energize, re-focus, and re-evaluate. We hope you’ve enjoyed listening, and that if you want to hear more, you reach out and let us know.

Today, we’re unpacking how perfectionism shows up in our work, what it costs us, and how to aim for purposeful progress instead of polished perfection. Because your students don’t need perfect—they need present. Topics Discussed How Perfectionism Shows Up in Teaching (and Why It’s a Problem) Why Middle School Teachers Are Especially Prone to Perfectionism Practical Mindset Shifts and Strategies to Let Go of Perfectionism Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

We’ve all been there—you're using your go-to behavior strategy... maybe proximity, a private redirection, or a behavior chart—and the student either ignores it, rolls their eyes, or doubles down. It’s frustrating for sure. And it’s happening more often. Traditional classroom management tools are no longer effective with some middle school students. So what do you do when the old systems don’t cut it? Topics Discussed Why Traditional Behavior Strategies Might Not Work Anymore What To Try When Traditional Strategies Aren’t Working Preventative Moves That Shift the Culture Long Term Resources Brittany’s Tools for Classroom Norms & Check-Ins: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Rules-and-Regulations-Lesson-Plan-Print-and-Digital-1331085 https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/mental-health-check-in Related Episodes Episode 57: Stress Management Techniques (for students and teachers) Episode 1: Establishing a Positive Classroom Culture in Your Classroom. Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website (https://www.thecoloradoclassroom.com/shop) or on TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom). Ellie’s resources can be found on her website (https://cognitivecardiomath.com/shop/)or on TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math). Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Reluctant learners aren’t new—but in today’s classrooms, they’re showing up in new ways. Maybe it’s disengagement. Maybe it’s anxiety. Maybe it’s resistance that masks a struggle. Today we’re unpacking who these students are, why they might be hesitant to engage, and most importantly, how we can help them re-engage, build confidence, and start to thrive again. Topics Discussed Who Are Reluctant Learners in Middle School? Why Do Students Become Reluctant Learners? Strategies to Reach and Support Reluctant Learners Resources https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-use-math-mistakes-as-a-teaching-tool/ https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/systems-for-student-success/ https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/first-week-growth-mindset-in-math/ https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-foster-a-positive-math-mindset/ https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/low-stress-ways-to-boost-student-motivation-in-math-class/ Related Episodes Episode 14: Effective Morning Routines and Classroom Greetings Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

When you think of classroom jobs, you probably picture elementary students passing out papers or feeding the class pet. But what about middle schoolers? Can classroom jobs actually work with tweens and teens… or will you just be met with eye rolls and resistance? Topics Discussed Classroom jobs that work at the middle school level Pros and cons of classroom jobs Tips for success with classroom jobs Resources Brittany’s Dot Dude Decor Resource Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

In a world where information is just a click away, are we doing students a disservice by banning cheat sheets… or are we setting them up to fail when they don’t have formulas, definitions, chemicals, and other important information memorized? Topics Discussed What are cheat sheets? Pros and cons of cheat sheets Tips for using reference guides effectively Resources Ellie’s Math Wheels/ELA Wheels https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-math-doodle-wheels-all-303188 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-grammar-doodle-wheelsnotes-303189 Brittany’s ELA/Math Reference Guides https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Upper-Elementary-Reference-Sheets-for-Privacy-Folders-or-Student-Offices-7108772 Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Today, we’re diving into a quick supply survival episode: what you actually need for middle school students, how to store it all without losing your mind, and how to make it work whether students stay in your room or rotate between classes. Topics Discussed Why it's worth worrying about supplies How to organize supplies Supply storage tips Resources https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Supply-Labels-Teacher-Toolbox-Organizational-Classroom-Labeling-System-5-Sizes-12356047 Related Episodes Ep. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

When students leave class for different services—like pull-out interventions or ELL support—it’s a great resource. But it can also mean missing key classroom moments and disruptions.. Teachers often ask: How do I help those students catch up without slowing down the class? And if service providers come into the room, how do we keep things smooth and focused? So today we’re diving into practical strategies for teachers to help students stay on track, collaborate with inclusion providers, and keep classrooms inclusive and productive. Topics Discussed How to keep pull-out students from falling behind How to make a push-in setup work for all learners How to deliver modifications and accommodations when you are solo Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to make parent communication more strategic, sustainable, and supportive for everyone involved. We’ll talk about why it matters, what methods actually work, and how to set yourself up with realistic systems that won’t take over your week. Topics Discussed WHY parent communication matters HOW to manage parent communication A parent communication game plan Resources https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/mkraft/files/kraft_dougherty_teacher_communication_jree.pdf Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Ever feel like the first few weeks of school are a tornado of papers, emails, meetings, and missed to-dos? You are not alone. But what if you could start the year with systems that actually stick—and save you time in the long run? Topics Discussed Digital organization The paper monster Communication systems Resources https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Meet-the-Teacher-or-Open-House-Activities-Forms-Resources-1315984?utm_source=TTPC&utm_campaign=August-Podcast-Episodes Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Today we’re throwing it back to Episode 40, where we chatted about one of the ultimate teacher survival tools—meal prep. If you’ve ever found yourself eating dry cereal out of a mug during your lunch break, this one’s for you. Ellie and I will be back next week with all-new back to school episodes! Resources Phomemo Printer: https://amzn.to/3UP3BDI Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

We’re rolling into late July with a replay of Episode 46—this one’s all about setting clear student expectations, encouraging neatness, and building those essential classroom habits. It’s packed with simple ideas that make a big difference. Don’t worry, Brittany and I will be back soon with new content in August! Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1327650?utm_source=TCCBN-POD&utm_campaign=Back%20to%20School%20Locker%20Organization%20Lesson%20Plan%20and%20Reward%20Cards1327650 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Expectations-and-Class-Rules-Wheel-and-Template-for-Back-to-School-3886499 Classroom Economy episode: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/classroom-economy-systems/ Behavior and Discipline episode: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/behavior-and-discipline-in-the-classroom/ Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

This week, we’re bringing back Episode 42 from last year, where we break down what to actually do on those very first days of school. From routines to relationship-building, it’s all in here. Keep soaking up the summer, and Ellie and I will be back in August with fresh back to school episodes! Resources: 10 Team Building Games: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/10-team-building-games Pentominoes Blog Post: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/first-day-of-math-class-activity-pentomino-exploration/ Systems for Success Blog Post: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/systems-for-student-success/ Get to Know You Wheel Activity https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-About-Me-Getting-to-Know-You-Activity-Meet-the-Mathematician-Wheel-4008159 Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Today’s replay is Episode 43 from last summer, and it’s all about one of our favorite things—teacher supplies. Yep, we’re talking flair pens, sticky notes, and the must-haves that make our teacher hearts happy. Take a listen, and don’t worry—Brittany and I will be back in August with brand-new episodes just in time for the new school year! Resources Ellie Blog Post: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/using-mini-whiteboards-in-the-classroom/ Brittany Amazon Store Front: https://www.amazon.com/shop/colorado_classroom Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

We’re taking a little summer break, but we’re kicking off our July replay series with one of our top episodes from last year—Episode 41, all about prepping your classroom for a new school year. Whether it’s your bulletin boards or your brain that needs organizing, this one’s full of ideas. Ellie and I will be back in August with fresh back to school content! Related Episodes Check out episode 31 on classroom seating Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Ready for a lightning round of games, creativity, and laughter? This episode is packed with ideas to add some FUN back into your classroom. Topics Discussed Low-Prep, High-Fun Classroom Games Let’s Build Something! Digital Fun That Feels Like Play Bring the Joy, Every Day Speed Ideas Resources https://cognitivecardiomath.com/digital-math-activities/ Related Episodes Episode 16: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/fun-review-activities-beach-balls-and-wheels/ Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Reading isn't enough. We want our students to truly understand the material, right? Today's guest, Tina, is sharing some fantastic strategies that work well with middle school students. Connect with today's guest Website - www.teachwithtina.com TPT Store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/tina-kolley-teach-with-tina Facebook - Teach-With-Tina - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089466229377 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teach.with.tina/ Resources Mentioned Reading Strategies Landing Page - https://teachwithtina.myflodesk.com/xgepdto9v7 Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

Is your teaching assignment moving to middle school for the first time? Don't panic! Today we're talking about what you need, like mental tools, physical tools, and all the in-between to not just survive but thrive during this season of transition. Topics Discussed Mindset Shifts – “You’re Not Starting Over” The Practical Toolbox Emotional & Social Tools Expect Chaos... and Embrace It Ellie’s blog posts about routine: Routines during 1st week: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/teaching-classroom-routines-the-first-week-of-school/ Beginning of class routines: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/middle-school-classroom-routines-to-begin-class/ End of class routines: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/middle-school-classroom-routines-to-end-class/ Related Episodes Episode 10: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/classroom-transition-ideas/ Episode 12: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/classroom-economy-systems/ Episode 14: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/effective-morning-routines-and-classroom-greetings/ Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

We're bringing back a favorite guest, Leah Cleary, to share her tips on preparing students to transition to high school smoothly. This conversation includes everything from critical thinking, writing, scaffolding, organization, mindset, and collaboration. Stuff your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas from Leah, today. Connect with today's guest Teach students to annotate standards. It’s the first step toward teaching them how to focus their attention, guiding them toward independent learning. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Studies-Literacy-Templates-for-Independent-Learning-Standard-Annotation-11886528 How to teach students effective note-taking skills using standards as a basis. It’s expandable into multiple types of writing. https://leahcleary.com/mastering-cer-paragraphs/ Option for giving students consequences for late work without making them dire. https://leahcleary.com/solving-the-late-work-problem/ The latest blog post, Teaching the Power of Context: https://leahcleary.com/context-getting-to-know-you/ Related Episodes You might also enjoy Leah's episode 2 conversation about scaffolding: https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/show-notes/scaffolding-learning-in-various-subjects/ Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616

In this episode, we have Andrea here from History Gal to talk about the transition to high school. Andrea had the opportunity to work in a freshman academy which gave students a year to prepare for transitioning to high school. Today she'll share some tips on how we can support middle school students during their transition to high school. Connect with today's guest: Andrea's blog: https://www.musingsofahistorygal.com/ Andrea's TPT shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/history-gal Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did. This episode may contain affiliate links. Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links. Let’s Connect To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT. Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website. https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/ Mentioned in this episode: Back to School Support If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616