Teaching to the TOP

244. Our Favorite Books So Far This Year

In this special episode, Bridget and Michelle dive into their favorite reads of the year across different genres. Whether you’re looking for a gripping fiction, a transformative non-fiction, or an insightful educational read, they’ve got something for everyone. Join them as they share the books that have captivated their minds and hearts in 2024.
Favorite Fiction Books:
Michelle's Pick: "Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone, a contemporary romance that captures the upheavals and surprises of life.
Bridget's Pick: "All Good People Here" by Ashley Flowers, a thrilling novel by the Crime Junkie Podcast host that delves into a journalist’s return to her hometown to solve a gripping murder mystery.
Favorite Non-Fiction Books:
Michelle's Pick: "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, which explores personal quests for happiness through monthly challenges and relatable goals.
Bridget's Pick: "The Impact Cycle" by Jim Knight, offering deep insights into educational coaching with practical strategies for teacher support.
Favorite Teaching-Related Books:
Michelle's Pick: "Productive Math Struggle" by John J. SanGiovanni et al., a guide to enhancing math instruction through strategies that encourage productive student struggles.
Bridget's Pick: "Comprehension Connection" by Tanny McGregor, a practical manual to improving reading comprehension through creative and engaging teaching strategies.
LINKS:
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight
Productive Math Struggle by John J. SanGiovanni, Susie Katt, Kevin J. Dykema
Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

243. The Mindset Every Teacher Needs to Adopt This School Year

After many years of challenges, changes, and a profession that struggles to keep people, this year is the year for impact. It is the time to fall back in love with the profession. Are you ready to transform your teaching experience this year? Join Bridget and Michelle as they guide you through crucial mindset shifts to start the school year refreshed and empowered. Discover how to embrace change, let go of perfection, and focus on positive solutions in your teaching journey.
Key Mindset Shifts Explored:
Embrace Change: View educational changes as opportunities for growth and adapt by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Give the Benefit of the Doubt: Understand the underlying reasons behind behaviors and decisions to foster empathy and improve communication.
Let Go of Perfection: Shift from striving for perfection to embracing 'good enough' to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Focus on Solutions: Cultivate a proactive approach by focusing on solutions, transforming challenges into opportunities for positive change.
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

242. Recess Digress: Back to the Classroom, Getting Older, & Funny Summer Stories

Join Bridget and Michelle for another laid-back, conversational episode of "Recess Digress." In this session, they dive into the realities of returning to the classroom in new roles, the personal reflections on getting older, and some light-hearted summer favorites to keep the mood buoyant.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Recess Digress: If you’re new to these special episodes, Bridget and Michelle explore a mix of topics in a relaxed, chat-style format. It's all about sharing experiences and stories that touch on their lives inside and outside the classroom.
Back to the Classroom: The hosts discuss their transitions into new positions and what it's like to return to the classroom after time away. They share insights on the excitement and challenges that come with these changes.
The Realities of Getting Older: From the physical tolls to mental shifts, Bridget and Michelle open up about how aging has affected their professional lives and personal well-being. They discuss everything from the need to adjust their routines to how their perspectives on teaching and life have evolved.
Some Current Favorites: Bridget and Michelle each share some of their current summer favorites. 
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

241. How to Organize a Classroom Inherited From Another Teacher

Walking into a new classroom only to find it filled with the previous teacher’s leftovers can be overwhelming. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a systematic approach to reclaim and organize your new space, turning what could be a daunting task into a manageable project. Perfect for first-year teachers or those moving to a new classroom, this episode provides practical steps to take control of your teaching environment.
Episode Highlights:
See the space and evaluate:: Begin by evaluating the space. Understand what you've inherited, how the previous teacher organized it, and what might need to go. This first look will help you plan your cleaning and organizing strategy.
Ask for clarification: Before throwing anything out, check with administrators or colleagues about what must stay and what can go. Understanding what’s essential and what’s expendable will streamline the entire process.
Clear the space: Pull everything out of cabinets and drawers to get a full view of what you have. This step not only helps in sorting but also in cleaning and reorganizing the space effectively.
Categorize the items: Dive into categorizing the items into keep, trash, and donate piles. Further organize the 'keep' items based on their utility and relevance to your teaching needs.
Disperse the items: Once sorted, strategically place items back into the space. Use bins and labels to create a system that makes sense for your daily teaching activities and maintains organization throughout the year.
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
 

240. Couch Chronicles: 5 Ways to Prepare for Back to School From Your Couch!

Join Bridget and Michelle for a relaxed session of the Couch Chronicles as they guide you through five simple steps to get ready for the new school year without leaving your sofa. This episode offers a blend of digital efficiency and creative planning, making back-to-school prep a breeze. Whether updating your introductory letter, organizing digital name tags, or planning your first week of lessons, these tips are designed to maximize your productivity while minimizing stress.
Episode Highlights:
Bridget and Michelle discuss the benefits of computer-based planning, allowing for multitasking with entertainment as you organize for the new school year.
They provide step-by-step instructions on using digital tools and templates to streamline everything from Meet the Teacher letters to setting up your digital classroom and first-week lessons.
Key Takeaways:
Digital Efficiency: Utilize templates for quick updates to introductory letters and presentations.
Organized Systems: Set up digital folders for name tags and other classroom essentials.
Creative Prep: Design and prepare bulletin boards at home to save time and hassle.
Engaging Presentations: Create compelling Open House slideshows to inform and connect with parents.
Lesson Planning: Gather and organize lesson ideas for the first week, using digital tools to keep everything accessible.
Next Steps: Try these strategies to simplify your back-to-school setup and share your experiences with us on how you’ve managed to prep from your couch!
LINKS:
Meet the Teacher letter template
Back to school open house template
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

239. Get Ready for the Next School Year in 1 Hour (Setting Up Your Digital Planner)

Setting up for the new school year doesn’t have to be a daunting, day-long process. In this episode, Bridget and Michelle guide you through a quick and efficient way to prepare for the upcoming school year using a digital planner. Learn how to streamline your planning process, saving time and energy as you head into a new academic year.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Digital Planning: Bridget and Michelle discuss the evolution of teacher planners from paper to digital, highlighting the flexibility and efficiency of modern digital planners.
Choosing the Right Digital Planner: Tips on selecting a digital planner that meets your needs, with a special mention of Bridget and Michelle’s own digital planner available in various formats.
Essential Materials: List of everything you need to get started, including your device, digital planner, stylus, and district calendar.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide:
15 Minutes - Important Dates: Start by entering key dates from your district calendar such as professional workdays, holidays, and special events.
10 Minutes - Intro Pages: Quickly fill out introductory pages of your planner, which may include special dates and basic schedule info.
10 Minutes - Weekly Planning Setup: Layout the structure of your weekly planning pages, deciding on blocks and headers to use throughout the year.
10 Minutes - Organize Stickers: If you use digital stickers, set aside time to organize and resize your favorites for easy access.
15 Minutes - Transferring Templates: Begin populating your weekly planning pages with the templates or layouts you’ve created.
Key Takeaways: A digital planner can transform the way you prepare for the school year, making it possible to set everything up in just one hour. By following this structured approach, you can enter the new school year with a clear plan and a calm mind.
LINKS:
Digital planners
Stickers
Free stickers
Michelle’s planning vlog
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

238. Stop Wasting Your Abilities and Start Taking Action

Ever find yourself inspired after reading a book but struggling to apply what you've learned? In this episode, Michelle and Bridget dive into effective strategies for utilizing the knowledge gained from books to enhance your teaching practices and personal development. Join them as they explore methods to ensure that the wisdom doesn’t just stay on the page—it comes to life in your classroom and life.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Implementation: The hosts address the challenge of applying what's learned from books rather than letting the knowledge fade after the last page is turned.
Optimal Reading Strategies: Discussion on different reading formats and techniques for note-taking that enhance learning and recall.
Effective Note Management: How to organize and revisit notes to ensure they serve as useful references for teaching practices and personal development.
Practical Application Tips: Techniques for integrating book insights into everyday professional activities and overcoming the overwhelm of new information.
Consolidating and Reviewing Information: Suggestions on how to keep notes accessible and engaging through digital tools and focused reading themes.
Key Takeaways: Implementing knowledge from books can be streamlined with the right strategies for note-taking, reviewing, and focusing on thematic reading, transforming insights into everyday educational practices and life improvements.
LINKS:
TBR: To Be Read
Readwise App
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

237. BOOK REVIEW: Tiny Habits (and How to Build Them as a Teacher)

Join Bridget and Michelle as they delve into BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits" to explore the profound impact of small behavioral changes. This episode provides a comprehensive review and practical applications of Fogg's method for teachers looking to enhance their personal and professional lives through tiny, sustainable habits.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Tiny Habits: Bridget and Michelle introduce the concept of tiny habits and discuss their own experiences and challenges with maintaining consistent habits over time.
Core Concepts of Tiny Habits: The hosts explain the book's main message, which emphasizes the simplicity of starting small to build lasting habits. They discuss the anatomy of tiny habits, including the anchor moment, the tiny behavior itself, and the instant celebration.
Behavior Design Steps: Detailed exploration of Fogg's behavior design steps, such as clarifying aspirations, exploring behavior options, matching with specific behaviors, starting tiny, finding a good prompt, celebrating successes, and troubleshooting.
Practical Applications for Teachers:Motivation and Matching: Bridget shares insights into the nature of motivation, highlighting its unreliability and how to harness motivation waves effectively.
Simplifying Actions: Michelle discusses the importance of reducing complexity in behaviors to increase consistency and the impact of making tasks as easy as possible.
The Power of Prompts: Bridget explains how to effectively use prompts to initiate behaviors, emphasizing the need for specific, actionable triggers.
Expanding and Scaling Habits: The discussion includes strategies for expanding tiny habits once they are established and how to scale them responsibly without overwhelming oneself.
Celebration and Reinforcement: The hosts talk about the importance of celebrating successes to reinforce habit formation, discussing how emotions play a crucial role in making behaviors stick.
Key Takeaways: Tiny Habits offers a powerful framework for teachers to incrementally improve their practices and personal lives. By focusing on small, manageable changes, teachers can create meaningful and sustainable impacts without feeling overwhelmed.
LINKS:
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg: https://amzn.to/4eRWSRA
SUBMIT YOUR TIME SUCKING HURDLE!
We want to know what is sucking up all of your time either as a teacher or just a person. Head over to our website and submit your TSH so that you can have a chance to be featured on the podcast!
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, We would be really grateful if you left us a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find our podcast and they’re also fun for us to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!