Teaching to the TOP

091. Google Slides: The What, Why, and How for Teachers

One of the most popular digital tools that teachers use is PowerPoint. This software has taken the education field by storm due to its versatility and ability to make reactive and engaging activities for kids. But what if we told you that there was another tool that would make your life even easier than PowerPoint. No more having to make sure you save the document, forgetting your laptop or flash drive at home, and experiencing crashes that lose all your work (we’ve experienced it all!). 
In this episode we are sharing the what, why and how of Google Slides. Because this platform has so many features and it can be overwhelming to list them all, we’ve compiled a few of our favorites and how you can use them. So even though you might already be using Google Slides we want to share a few features that can make your life even easier. 
In this episode we share:
The benefits of using Google Slides over Powerpoint 
How to create locked background elements
Exporting your slides as images
Converting your PowerPoint Slides into Google Slides
Products you can easily create using Google Slides
 
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090. Quick Tips for Teacher Time Sucking Hurdles

We have all experienced those moments when something happens that takes all your time away from getting your to-do list checked off for the day. Like when you have to deal with a behavior issue that erupted during recess in the middle of your planning period. When you have an emergency and need to rethink your plans for the week. When your coworker comes in to vent leaving you no time to make copies.
We get hundreds of messages from teachers just like you that share all kinds of situations that take up all their time. We call these Time Sucking Hurdles. Normally, we answer one TSH a week at the start of every podcast but because of the overwhelming response, we wanted to dedicate an entire episode sharing TSH’s from teachers all over and our response to them. 
We hope you can relate to these TOP Teachers and also get a little advice that you can take back to your own classroom. Keep those Time sucking hurdles coming!
 
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!

089. Does Balance Really Exist?

We are back with another episode discussing Does Balance Really Exist? Almost one year ago we had a great discussion on the reality of balance and how each task that we do is either a plastic ball or glass ball. As the many teachers online are sharing this lens of looking at balance, we want to set the record straight on how to view plastic and glass balls. 
We then dive into the discussion of whether or not there is such a thing as balance. You won’t want to miss this chatty and power discussion as we uncover the truths behind the many hats we wear as teachers and how changing our mindsets can help us achieve clarity into obtaining a work-life balance. 
In this episode we share: 
How we've changed in our thinking about the seasons of life
We all go through adjustment periods and while it may be wobbling at first, you have to know that it will take time to gain your footing and feel more in control
Balance is a sliding scale of work and pleasurable activities and we have full control of where we are on the scale
We need to recognize that balance looks different for everyone. You have to determine what this means to you. 
If you haven’t listened to our first discussion around balance, check out episode 045: The REALITY of Establishing Balance to take a listen. 
 
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!

088. Teacher Desk Organization 101

Your teacher desk is one of the first areas you probably set up at the beginning of the school year and one of the first places that becomes a dumping ground. Having a space that is organized can help you to feel less stressed and enjoy your day. No matter if you have an official desk or a teacher space this episode is just for you!
We are sharing 10 tips for making your teacher desk as efficient as possible. These tips can apply to any teacher work area (it doesn’t have to be a desk). Let us help you go from an overwhelmed, scattered teacher to an organized and efficient teacher who has it all together. 
In this episode we share:
How setting up your technology first can define the space you have left!
Tips for making all that tech feel less overwhelming and more tidy
A pro tip for organizing those cluttered drawers
Ways to utilize a paper sorter to your advantage
Where to store everything from planning materials, writing tools and that precious artwork from students
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!

087. Google Tasks: The What, Why, and How for Teachers

This is for every teacher out there that struggles with trying to create and maintain a to-do list! We’ve used it all from sticky notes to paper planners and nothing ever stuck. This however, if you choose to commit, will completely change the way you complete your tasks. 
In this episode we are continuing the series of digital tools for teachers. We are breaking down the what, why, and how for Google Tasks. We take you into a deep dive of how to get started, why you should be using it and how to create a system that ensures you are always moving the needle forward. 
If you would like to know what other podcasts are in this series, check out the links below:
059. Google Calendar: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
063. Notes App: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
068. Google Drive: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
074. Digital Planning: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
078. Email Folders: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
083. Google Keep: The What, Why, and How for Teachers
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!

086. The IDEAL Beginning of the Year Checklist to Save Your Sanity

The end and beginning of any school year is typically the most stressful time for teachers. With deadlines, to-dos from administration, gathering or packing items, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated even before you begin!
At the end of the year last year we shared 071. The IDEAL End of the Year Checklist to Save Your Sanity, and today we want to share the IDEAL checklist to help you kick off this school year. We are going to help you break down the categories that will help you brainstorm and prepare for that endless list of to-dos this fall. 
But we also have good news! If you want to follow along with the resource, you can find this and many other checklists in our digital planners available in our store. You can head over to Our Store and check out the tablet and Google Slides options to best fit your needs. 
In this episode we share:
How to prepare for name tags and more even without your class roster
Simple to-dos you can get done in front of the tv!
How to structure your lesson plans for the beginning of the school year
Every category you need to consider when planning our your BOY tasks
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!

085. We Watched The Home Edit... Here are Our Thoughts!

Are you a Home Edit fan? The clear bins, rainbow colors, and perfectly organized drawers have us drooling over this series. To make things fun we decided to watch the Home Edit and give you our honest thoughts. 
We all know that inspiration comes from so many locations. We can get inspired to engage through games we play at family dinners, inspiration for decor by incorporating our interests and inspiration on how we organize and maintain systems is no different. We wanted to look at how the girls from the Home Edit use actionable tips to help them structure and organize various locations. 
In this episode we share:
The structure of how The Home Edit organizes a space
How we can take specific elements to incorporate into the classroom
The importance of fitting for the space
How to stay in the zone…. What to do with overflow?
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!

084. TOP 5 Organizational Mistakes to Avoid This School Year

As we head back into the classroom this fall, many of us are looking to reorganize and start the year fresh. After all, having a neat and organized classroom will ensure that you maintain it, right? Well, that’s only if you are able to find the right organizational method that works for both you and your classroom.
Finding a streamline organizational setup can definitely increase your productivity and help you maintain some sanity this school year. But finding the right organizational system can be difficult. We’ve all experienced it in some form from buying containers that don’t fit to thinking too grand and having to restart part way through the year. 
In this episode we share the TOP 5 organizational mistakes that you should avoid this school year. Hopefully, by listening to the things we have done, you will be able to learn from them and make this year run a little more smoothly. 
In this episode you will learn:
Why purchasing bins on the whim can cause you bigger headaches
How to effectively plan and prepare for purchasing bins
How to store the items and materials in your classroom
The value of creating zones
How to create a habit for maintaining your new system!
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!