Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more ownership of how your classroom works.
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/positive-classroom-culture/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Hangers
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Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 283. Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move
Episode 245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your Life
Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
Episode 278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships
Episode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School

Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning and practice, your hallway procedures can become a simple but powerful foundation for a calmer, more successful classroom.
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/hallway-behavior-management/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Classroom Procedures and Routines Teaching Slides Bundle
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Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
Episode 173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines
Episode 75. Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach Them
Episode 18. Procedures for Success!
Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction.
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-classroom-management/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Join the Teacher Approved Club!
December Teacher Planner
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Skylight Calendar
Dr Scholl’s Women’s Sneaker
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Shop our teacher-approved resources.
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Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 148, ​​How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
Episode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not To
Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School
Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School

By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what matters, and create a classroom where students know they can count on consistent expectations!
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-expectations/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Trays
Teacher Approved: Calming Piano Spotify playlist
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Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and Endings
Episode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a Year
Episode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not Harder
Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more grounded. Plus, we’ve got a fun way to celebrate surviving that first day with your teacher friends!
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/
Resources:
Freebie: Cheers and Chat Invitation
Guided Discovery of School Tools
Back to School Readiness Checklists
The Spellshop, by Sarah Beth Durst
Join the Teacher Approved Club!
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Shop our teacher-approved resources.
Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School Plans
Episode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day Planning
Episode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery
Episode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
Episode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a Success
Episode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School