Épisodes

  • TWIC - Week 12 - Hard to Say Goodbye

    TWIC - Week 12 - Hard to Say Goodbye
    Apr 2 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned how moving desks can change classroom energy, how rewarding good behavior keeps students motivated, and why my class store is a game-changer.

    I also opened my classroom economy, tested new incentives, and realized the power of praising the whole class—not just individuals. But teaching isn't just about lessons and rewards.

    A student told me they’re moving, and I may not get a chance to say goodbye. It hit me how transient this journey can be. These kids come into our lives, we pour into them, and sometimes, they’re gone before we know it. How do you handle goodbyes in the classroom—or in life? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM me.

    Let’s learn from each other.

    Want to support my classroom? Check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let's make learning amazing together!
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    21 min
  • TWIC - Week 11 - I Am Mr Gregory

    TWIC - Week 11 - I Am Mr Gregory
    Mar 30 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned about:
    • making anchor charts
    • connecting with students over lunch
    • and why I might be starting a printer paper movement.

    But beyond that, I found myself reflecting on something deeper—why male teachers, especially Black male teachers, are so rare in early elementary school. From navigating teacher dynamics to seeing how representation impacts my students, this week gave me a lot to think about.

    Tune in as I share my experiences, lessons, and small wins from the classroom. And I want to hear from you—did you ever have a male teacher in early elementary school? What about a Black male teacher? Let’s talk about it.
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    21 min
  • TWIC - Week 10 - Fieldtrip!!

    TWIC - Week 10 - Fieldtrip!!
    Feb 27 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 10 - Field Trip!!!

    This week in class,
    • I learned the difference between a teacher workday and a professional development day (PDD)

    • figured out a better way to use the paper cutter

    • and went on my first field trip as a new teacher with my students!


    The PDD training emphasized the importance of building relationships with students—because if they don’t connect with you, they won’t want to learn from you. I also had a small victory in office supplies when I discovered the secret to using the paper cutter properly!

    The field trip was an adventure—imagine taking a group of second graders to a nature park where they have to be quiet. Spoiler: We didn’t see many animals! But they did get hands-on with a snake, a turtle, and a baby alligator. Plus, I got some great pictures to share with parents.

    This week also had me rethinking my classroom economy—should I shift from treasure box prizes to experience-based rewards? And I was reminded that if I want more positive behavior, I need to reinforce it intentionally. What are your go-to positive reinforcements? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!
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    20 min
  • TWIC - Week 9 - Florida Snow Days

    TWIC - Week 9 - Florida Snow Days
    Feb 27 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 9 - Florida Snow Days

    This Week in Class, I learned about:
    • getting help I don’t need as a new teacher

    • playing “teacher whack-a-mole” with student screens

    • the struggle of getting things home and back to school.


    With the hurricane cutting our school week down to just two days, things felt even more chaotic. As a first year teacher, figuring out when to accept (or redirect) help, to using GoGuardian to keep students on task, this week was all about balance. I even discovered that sometimes, kids will eventually just give up and do what they're supposed to do—if you make it hard enough to be off-task!

    I reflected on life’s deeper lessons too—like how asking for help is a skill in itself. Sometimes, you need to know what you need before you can even ask for it.

    Listen to hear more insights, tips, and a challenge: How do you handle getting help when you don’t know what you need? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!
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    21 min
  • TWIC - Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp

    TWIC - Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp
    Feb 2 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp

    This week in class, I learned about
    • the power of parent conferences
    • the power of the stamp
    • the power of strategic printing!
    As a first-year teacher, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into my first parent conference, but I quickly realized that my ability to connect with people helped set the tone. I also discovered how much insight parents can provide about their children—sometimes, the smallest details make a big difference in the classroom.

    Speaking of small details, who knew that something as simple as a stamp could completely change student engagement? My second graders are all about earning their stamps—so much so that they’re even picking their favorites! And while managing a classroom economy is one thing, managing a school printer is another. Let’s just say I’ve learned some new strategies for getting my copies done without wasting time (or paper).

    Beyond teaching, I also had my first telehealth experience—quick, easy, and no waiting rooms! But back to the classroom: What’s one thing you wish teachers knew about your child during parent conferences? Or if you’ve had a memorable conference, good or bad, I’d love to hear about it! Drop your thoughts in the comments.

    If you want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM me to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!
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    19 min
  • TWIC - Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector

    TWIC - Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector
    Jan 20 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector

    This Week in Class, I learned about implementing a class economy to encourage positive behavior while balancing efficiency with my time and movements. From creating "Hero's Rewards" with custom superhero money to reflecting on classroom time management, this week felt like I was becoming both an economist and a strategist.

    I even discovered a funny parallel between running a class economy and national monetary policy—it’s all about balance! I reflected on how little things like student-created artwork can brighten your day, even in the midst of chaos.

    Teaching lower-grade students has its unique joys, like witnessing their kindness and creativity firsthand. Plus, I found myself laughing at moments like being called "Teacher" by a janitor—it’s a humble reminder of how others perceive you in this role. Watch to hear more insights, tips, and a challenge:

    What unique names have you been called in your interactions at school, work, or elsewhere? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist linked below. Your contributions mean the world and help make learning amazing for my students.

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S5ILEODBWSVJ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
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    13 min
  • TWIC - Week 6 - Getting My Steps

    TWIC - Week 6 - Getting My Steps
    Jan 12 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned about the challenges of classroom management and balancing teacher tasks, all while dealing with the high mental load of teaching. I also got some much-needed rest after a sick day, which led me to reflect on how important it is to take care of yourself as a teacher. One question I had was: Do teacher steps count toward fitness goals? How much does moving around the classroom really add up? I also shared some fun moments with the kids, including their favorite songs like "Banana Banana Meatball" and "Moose on the Loose."

    I reflected on the importance of classroom organization, like ensuring students have sharpened pencils ready before lessons start. And I learned that despite the stress, kids will learn regardless—if I stay organized and engaged, they'll get the second-grade experience they deserve.

    So this week’s challenge: What's your favorite kid's song, and what jobs do you think have a mental load as high as an elementary school teacher? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist linked below. Thank you so much to those who’ve helped so far!
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    19 min
  • Week 5 - Your Place in Line

    Week 5 - Your Place in Line
    Jan 11 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned the power of routines, purple glue sticks, and finding your place—literally and metaphorically.

    From creating slides to streamline morning, group, and goodbye routines to observing how systems empower students to self-manage, it was a week of growth. I even discovered how something as small as purple glue can make a big difference!I reflected on life's deeper lessons too—like realizing we each have our own 'spot' in line and that rushing to someone else's will only cause frustration.

    Listen to hear more insights, tips, and a challenge: What's your favorite school supply? Let me know in the comments!For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let's make learning amazing together!
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    14 min