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Feeling that end-of-summer anxiety creeping in as the new school year approaches? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and there's a better way to start the year.

The transition from summer relaxation to classroom chaos doesn't have to leave you exhausted by September. In this episode, we explore three gentle, practical approaches that will help you ease back into teaching without burning out in the first few weeks. Rather than diving headfirst into curriculum, discover why a "soft launch" focused on relationships and routines creates a stronger foundation for the entire year. Learn how to transform your classroom into what I call a "calm command center" with simple personal touches that energize rather than deplete you.

Most importantly, we discuss the power of gradually implementing classroom systems instead of trying to perfect everything on day one. I share specific examples from my own teaching experience, including how I made learning procedures fun and engaging through movement and collaboration. These strategies aren't just about making the first week easier – they're about setting a sustainable pace that will carry you through the entire school year with more joy and less exhaustion.

As we prepare to welcome students back, remember this truth: "Kids benefit the most from a teacher who is grounded and not frazzled." Your well-being directly impacts your teaching effectiveness. So give yourself permission to start gently and intentionally this year. Your future self (especially that mid-October version who's usually running on fumes) will thank you!

Ready to make this your most balanced school year yet? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical teaching wisdom delivered with honesty and heart.

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Ever noticed how some kids love science and building but turn away from books? That disconnect isn't just frustrating—it's a missed opportunity for deeper learning. What if we could harness their natural STEM enthusiasm to ignite a love for reading?

In this episode, we dive into three exceptional STEM-themed books that captivate reluctant readers by connecting directly to their curiosity and creative instincts. Ada Twist, Scientist shows children that reading can be part of the investigation process, encouraging them to develop their own experiments inspired by Ada's adventures. What Do You Do With an Idea? transforms abstract concepts into hands-on building opportunities, allowing children to explore and express their own ideas through making. And Iggy Peck, Architect bridges engineering challenges with literacy, getting kids moving, building, and thinking critically while engaging with text.

These aren't just reading recommendations—they're complete learning experiences. For each book, we break down exactly why certain children resist reading, how these particular stories address those barriers, and step-by-step activities that extend the reading experience into meaningful STEM challenges. You'll discover how to transform reading from a passive activity into an active, creative process that honors how these children naturally learn and engage with the world.

Whether you're a teacher planning for the upcoming school year or a parent trying to keep learning alive during summer, these strategies require minimal prep while delivering maximum engagement. The secret lies in starting with books that connect to your child's natural curiosities, then giving them opportunities to create something meaningful from what they've read. Ready to make reading irresistible? Grab our free "After the Fall" building challenge in the show notes and subscribe for more practical ideas that blend literacy with hands-on learning.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
👉https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Send us a text

Ever watched a reluctant reader disconnect from a book before they've even given it a chance? There's a powerful solution hiding in your classroom supply closet.

Today we're diving into the transformative world of hands-on learning for literacy, especially for those students who struggle to see themselves as readers. When we shift from asking children to recall information to inviting them to solve story problems through making and building, something magical happens. Their focus moves from what they can't do to what they can create.

Take a book like "After the Fall" - instead of traditional comprehension questions, ask students what they would build to help Humpty Dumpty. Maybe it's a softer landing zone or a specialized climbing tool. This approach gives them time to sketch, question, build, test, and revise - all while engaging deeply with the story. The beauty is that it works with any book you already have in your classroom library.

Another game-changing strategy is announcing a makerspace extension before you begin reading. When students know there's a hands-on challenge coming after the story, they stay engaged through the entire book. With "The Three Little Pigs," they might design a better wolf-proof house, or after "Diary of a Worm," create a communication device for a creature with no hands. These projects don't require fancy supplies - just everyday materials like cardboard, tape, or Play-Doh.

Reluctant readers often thrive on movement and creativity. By providing projects that validate their ideas and contributions, we help them see that reading isn't about being right - it's about being engaged. If your students don't feel like readers yet, let them build their way into books. Download the free "After the Fall" challenge from the link below and watch how hands-on activities can reframe how students see themselves as readers and thinkers.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
For the Love of Reading
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!