We Teach So Hard!

All of us at We Teach So Hard felt like we needed an uplifting read, and listeners...THIS book inspired us! By the end of  Michelle Obama´s memoir, Becoming, we felt like we had just had a fabulous glass of wine and some girl time with the former first lady.  In this episode, we unpack our thoughts about her memoir, share how her story inspired us, and reveal our own sordid (just kidding) connections to her life story. If you´re looking for a great summer read, this book and podcast episode is just for you!

When you have to learn a lot in a short amount of time, it´s not unusual to feel overwhelmed. In fact, we´ve grown to expect those emotions! In this episode, we discuss apps, websites and online resources that we found when teaching in our virtual classrooms this spring. We unpack ideas for how to best use them and share what worked and what didn´t. If you´re worried about this fall and the possibility of teaching remotely again, this episode is just for YOU! BE SURE TO check out the links below. Many are mentioned in this episode!

Our first book in our summer read series, Untamed is the perfect avenue for self-reflection. Most have us have been in our own little physical cages over the last 3 months of shelter-in-place, but what about those metaphorical cages we find ourselves in? In this episode, we explore Doyle´s book from the teacher´s perspective. We know all too well about societal cages. And because we would not be true to ourselves if we didn´t explore some yummy recipes to accompany this summer read, we´ve included some INCREDIBLE food and cocktail recommendations to help you explore what it means to be UNTAMED! Think like a cheetah and give us a listen. Then make sure to check out our blog posts below where we´ve shared the recipes and resources. RAWR!

We know, we know. It feels like you just ended your school year...or maybe you have! But with all the uncertainty, we are already thinking ahead to the new school year. Will we be teaching remotely? Will we be back in our classrooms? Or, will we be teaching in a hybrid situation? No matter what, we will be making connections with a new classroom of students. This episode is about how to make those important connections...DIGITALLY. You do not want to miss this episode of We Teach So Hard!

Normally, you'd be breaking down your classroom, cleaning off shelves, recycling your piles of paper, and taking bulletin boards down. But in our virtual classroom, how do we close up for the end of the school year? CAREFULLY! If we want to face the possibility that we might be virtual at the start of the school year, how we close up our digital world now could make a big difference. Don't suffer from PANDEMIC PANIC! We all did this March, but we sure don't want to have to teach that way again in the fall! This episode outlines some Google tips and steps that you can take to close down, archive or organize your digital life so that you're read for next school year, come what may! You need to give this a lesson because you've been teaching TOO hard!

You don't teach sooooo hard...you've been teaching TOOOOO hard! We Teach So Hard is back with a new podcast episode about saying goodbye to your students in a virtual classroom. This episode is chocked full of ideas for celebrating your students' success with goodbye and gift ideas. With school districts and state governments limiting the type of contact we can have with our students, these ideas are sure to fill that huge void, just a little bit. Give this episode a listen. We promise you won't be disappointed!

Roses are red...violets are blue...we're feeling a little bit anxious, how about you? This past week has been mind-blowing, emotional, and anxiety-ridden for all of us-teachers and students. What better way to reclaim some calm (and maybe sanity) than to wax a little poetry. Poetry reminds us of our humanity, gives us an outlet for our emotions, and helps us stay in the present moment. Welcome to We Teach So Hard's monthly book talk theme talk where we share books around a common theme, along with ideas that you can use in your classroom or virtual teaching world. Tune into this episode for book recommendations and teaching ideas. After you listen, be sure to check out our blogs below. They're chocked full of poetry teaching ideas for April's National Poetry Month. 

It seems like everywhere we look on social media, we're seeing article after article about teaching empathy in the classroom. One of our favorite ways to teach empathy is to do service projects with our kiddos. Nothing develops empathy, belonging, and community quite like a service project. In this episode, we discuss a myriad of reasons to try service projects and share a wealth of service project ideas that we've tried with our own students. In fact, we have so many ideas, we had to cut ourselves short! If you're looking for a way to teach your students about caring for others, we've got you covered!

Project-based learning is sooooo much fun! Right? But it can be daunting, too. The preparation, the organization, the performance-based assessments- Ugh! Sometimes it feels like we're suiting up for a football game, only to figure out that we forgot the football once we get out on the field! All kidding aside, there's a lot that goes into a successful project-based learning opportunity. Join us as we give a play-by-play account of what you need to make it impactful for your learners. 

Welcome to our last episode in our Fostering a Culturally Responsive Classroom. In this episode, we relive our tragic elementary school cooperative project experiences and pick at the group-grade scabs and scars we all carry.  In a culturally responsive classroom, choice is offered to students. That doesn't mean it's a free for all. On the contrary, choice can be as simple as offering a couple of different ways for students to show what they have learned and retained after a learning opportunity. We discuss the rationale for this approach, as well as a myriad of ideas for how to incorporate more of this in your classroom.

Welcome to our sixth episode of Book Talk Theme Talk. This month, We Teach So Hard is discussing hope-themed books to enrich your reader's workshop. In this episode, we offer a wealth of kidlit recommendations and teaching ideas. Some of these ideas you can implement in your classroom the next day! With suicide being the 2nd leading cause of death in children under the age of 24, this theme seem especially important. You don't want to miss this one! 

When you're done listening, be sure to visit our blogs because we've linked up our ideas this month!

This episode has got us singing our Patti LaBelle! Some sequins, a few feathers, and a blinged-out mic... "I got a new attitude!"  In this 3rd episode of our 4-part series, we explore how culturally responsive practices can provide an attitudinal paradigm shift for our students. We include some tips and ideas for stretching your pedagogy so it's inclusive and responsive to ALL learners!

In this second episode of a 4-part series on the culturally responsive classroom, we explore how we foster student motivation and engagement. We muck around in four research-based conditions that must be present for student motivation and engagement: Establishing inclusion, developing attitude, enhancing meaning, and engendering competence. We know, we know. Those are some BIG WORDS, but we promise that there are some great ideas to get you started on the path toward increased student engagement!

In this first episode of a 4-part series on the culturally responsive classroom we explore how we build a respectful environment where our students feel safe and valued.  We answer questions like: How do we make sure that all students feel safe enough to take learning risks? We give tips for building a bridge with parents, educating ourselves on cultural norms, and setting up classroom structures (physical and pedagogical) that support all students. You don't want to miss this series! It's a biggie!

"Love is a Many Splendored Thing..."

"All You Need is Love..."

"Love Me Tender..."

Love IS in the air at We Teach So Hard! February is just around the corner and there's no time like the present to start gathering books to teach and think about the theme of love with your kiddos. This is the 5th episode in our Book Talk Theme Talk series. If you haven't listened to our previous Book Talk episodes, be sure to check them out!

In this episode, we talk about tons of texts and give ideas to go with them to explore LOVE with your students. Picture books, chapter books, lesson ideas, and paired texts, we've got you covered for the month of February. We recommend books about love for grandparents, pets, friends, and self! Give this episode a listen. You won't be sorry!

You're over the hump of the school year. January is here, and it's a new month, new year. If you're anything like us, January is for tweaking ... Sometimes we tweak classroom management strategies; sometimes we tweak instructional strategies. If you're looking to make some changes in your classroom, or with your students, this episode is for you. We explore the components of an action research plan, discuss what IS action research, and what isn't, and give some examples of successful action research we've tried in our own classrooms. 

We've all had those students. When you ask them how they think they did, they always say, "I did awesome!" Sometimes, they ask questions like, "What if we don't really think we need improvement? Then what do we do?" THAT'S CRAZY TALK, isn't it? In this episode, we discuss ways to move your students past the crazy talk, toward real self-assessment. If you'd like to stop banging your head against that metaphorical brick wall, give this episode a listen!

Another book list for you because no one has time to hunt for books when you're teaching themes. November's theme is HONESTY.  This is We Teach So Hard's fourth Book Talk-Theme Talk post. In this episode, we share fantastic children' books for teaching about honesty, along with tons of lesson ideas, too. We've done the hard work for you so you don't have to! Give this episode a listen. And, if you missed our first three themed book talks on BELONGING (EPISDOE 49), PERSEVERANCE (EPISODE 53), BULLYING (EPISODE 57), check those out, too!

Raise your hand if you have umpteen million learner needs in your one little ole' classroom. Differentiation is the name of the game, and yet it can be one of the most challenging things to implement in your teaching. In this episode we discuss ways to use technology to help you differentiate. We talk about apps and programs, and then go beyond to explore more creative ideas. Even the most technologically challenged can do this because we've got you covered!

What's a teacher to do with her reluctant learners? You plan, you agonize, you teach small group lessons... sometimes the urge to throw up your hands and yell, "I give up!" is overwhelming. Adding technology to your lessons can be that missing link. Our 21st century learners are different than we were in school. They come to us as digital citizens.  So why not meet them where they are at? In this episode, we discuss ways to infuse technology into your every day teaching. Purposeful technology planning can truly rock your classroom world. This is the third episode in our technology series. If you missed the first 2, be sure to check them out, too!

Want an engaging approach to collaboration? Try adding technology. Whether you're teaching kids how to podcast or setting up book discussion skyping sessions across your school district, state, country, or even the world, adding technology to any collaborative lesson can really motivate your learners. In this episode, we discuss ways we've used technology to teach collaboration...and we wouldn't be "us," if we didn't rant a little, too. This is the second episode in our technology series. If you missed the first, be sure to check that out, too!

What's that we hear? Is that wailing and the gnashing of teeth? Did someone say, "Technology?" All kidding aside, technology is a powerful teaching tool, but it can bring a teacher to his or her knees when it doesn't work the way it's supposed to.  In this episode, we explore different apps and websites that we've used in our classrooms to teach content. We also include some tips for getting started before you add the technology to your lessons. If you're looking for some new tech ideas, this one's for you.  Be sure to stop back over the next four weeks as we'll be exploring more technology in the classroom topics. 

Links mentioned in this podcast: 

JASON Project - Live STEM Role Models

We think behavior modification is like going to Weight Watchers. We plan ahead, set things up for success, buy a new scale, and then fall apart on the third day of the first week. In our classrooms, we plan ahead, put things in place so the behavioral plan is successful, create a new scale or feedback form, and then fall apart on third day of the first week.  CONSISTENCY is key, but if you're anything like us, consistency is hard, too.  In this episode we explore the what, the when, and the how of behavior modification plans. B.F. Skinner, eat your heart out! Pavlov! Leave your dog at home!

Sometimes, goal-setting with students can feel like a root canal. You know it's needed, but the time expense, effort, and white-knuckled anticipation can be daunting. We want our students to think about their learning and how it changed their thinking, but often times they're just not there yet. This episode breaks down some great approaches for leading your students to self-reflection. Self-reflection is necessary to cement learning, change behaviors, and continue on a life-long learning path. Don't miss this episode as we share practical advice for teaching reflective thinking skills.

The classroom that laughs together, learns together. That's our mantra at We Teach So Hard. Humor is such a powerful teaching tool. Whether we're laughing at ourselves or enjoying a good curriculum-based joke, when our students' eyes are shining, we know we've got them hooked. Listening to this episode will for sure make you chuckle, and we promise you'll come away with some new tricks to use the next day in your classroom!

We love book lists. In fact, we suspect that most teachers do because we have so much on our plates. Looking for books with similar themes so we can work our literary magic with cross-textual connections (sounds kind of kinky, doesn't it?) is so time consuming. This is We Teach So Hard's second Book Talk-Theme Talk post. In this episode, we share four fantastic children's books for teaching about perseverance. We share tons of lesson ideas, video links and a few freebies, too. We've done the hard work for you so you don't have to! Give this episode a listen. And, if you missed our first themed book talk on BELONGING, check that one out, too!

We've all struggled with cooperative learning, either as teachers of students. In this episode we explore ways to get your kids collaborating without waging war. We explore the HOW, laugh a little, and vent a little! It’s the perfect topic for your start of the school year!

Welcome to We Teach So Hard's inaugural themed book talk episode! Every 2nd week of the month, we'll be exploring books around a central theme. This month's theme is BELONGING. It seems like the perfect back-to-school focus. In each episode, we'll introduce 4 books and share lesson ideas for using them in your classroom. 

In this episode, we explore the theme of BELONGING and introduce a myriad of ideas for using our book recommendations in your classroom. Who hasn't ever felt the sting of exclusion? All of us have felt it in varying degrees. Our need to belong is a basic human need. We thrive on connection. Disconnection wreaks havoc on our cognitive and emotional development. At the start of a new school year, it is an optimal time to bond with our kids and make sure that they know that they belong. Belonging leads to feelings of trust and safety, two things that make for an optimal learning environment. Be sure to check out blog posts in the show notes, too. Each of us gives explicit lesson ideas for you to try.

Like what you hear? Follow us on Facebook where we share a wealth of knowledge and humor: https://www.facebook.com/Weteachsohardpodcast/

Or... follow us on our blogs!

Accountable talk. On-task talk. Turn and talk. No matter what you call it, we can all agree that it's really important that our students learn how to engage in discourse. They need to be able to share their thinking, provide evidence, build on each other's responses, and disagree with their peers without losing their minds. The beginning of the school year often causes us to miss our kiddos from the year before. After all, we had them "trained." They knew how to discuss and disagree. They could support their thinking. We worked hard to get them there. There's nothing more frustrating than posing a question to a new group of students and... CRICKETS.  Teaching discourse should begin at the start of the school year, right out of the gate. This episode is chocked full of strategies and ideas for getting your students started. 

Like what you hear? Follow us on Facebook where we share a wealth of ideas and resources: https://www.facebook.com/Weteachsohardpodcast/

Or, visit us  at our blogs. We'd love to hear from you!

We've all been there, and it's usually on the day before school.  We're trapped in a PD when we have 1,001 other more pressing things to do. Research says, however, that the best teacher professional development is teacher-driven and teacher-centered.  We're no different than our students when it comes to learning, so why can't we have choice, collaboration and fun? This episode of We Teach So Hard outlines some ways to hold your own "unconference" with your teaching posse. Taking charge of your learning can be a game changer!

Like what you hear? Follow us on Facebook where we share tons of teaching fun! https://www.facebook.com/Weteachsohardpodcast/

OR visit us on our blogs where we share our wit, wisdom, free resources (an a little bit of our insanity)!

Ahhhhhhhh... It's summer, finally. Welcome to the first installment of We Teach So Hard's Summer Reads Series where we suggest pleasure-read books and hold  book club discussions. This episode, our title is The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. This is the perfect first read for the summer, because the author tells an enthralling story about love, isolation, and honor. Matsu, Stephan and Sachi's story will leave you feeling like you've just completed a fabulous meditation. Seriously, her writing is that good. 

If you haven't read the book yet, then save this podcast episode for after. This is your only SPOILER ALERT!

The end is in sight, and you have to think about packing up your classroom for the summer. Whether you're required to pack up your entire room for the summer, or tuck your teaching goodies away in cabinets and closets, this episode is for you.  It doesn't have to be a headache.  Listen in as we discuss ways we keep ourselves organized... or not (SOME of us are a little unorganized, but we get an A+ for effort). We laugh a little, and bitch a little, but you'll come away with a new idea or two!

Like what you hear? Visit our Facebook page or blogs where we offer teaching tips, ideas, funnies, and goodies!

https://www.facebook.com/We-Teach-So-Hard-300984973941377

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day craft for your kiddos to do this week? SO ARE WE! Seriously though, sometimes Mother's Day can be difficult to navigate. We've all had students who have lost mothers, are in foster care, or have absentee moms. This holiday can be emotionally challenging. In this episode, we share creative writing and craft ideas, a few good books, and some ideas for helping our kiddos who struggle this time of year. This episode is for you because YOU TEACH SO HARD!

Like what you hear? You can follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/We-Teach-So-Hard-300984973941377/

OR visit our blogs where we share ideas, resources and freebies!

You're tired...bone tired, but someone has got to pay the bills, so you're teaching summer school this year! It doesn't have to be doom, gloom and drudgery. Summer school can be a fantastic time to try out new teaching ideas, themes, projects and lessons. It doesn't have to be worksheet-driven. For your sanity, and your kiddos' survival, give this episode a listen. We've got great ideas for you, because you TEACH SO HARD!

Like what you hear? Then check out our blogs and face book page!

WE TEACH SO HARD FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/We-Teach-So-Hard-300984973941377/

Do we hear wailing and the gnashing of teeth? The end is near, and your students are squirrely and CHECKED OUT. Don't freak out! Take them outside! In this episode of WE TEACH SO HARD, we share fun end-of-year ideas for taking the learning and teaching outside. Spring is in the air, don't despair! Take it outside. Student engagement will soar! 

Like what you hear? Be sure to give us a shout out. Leave a comment or rate us on your listening platform. We're always looking for podcast ideas, share yours in the comments! Or, stop by and visit our blogs. We write weekly about teaching, learning, and teacher life. 

We've got the future of the planet in our classrooms. Earth Day is a fantastic opportunity to begin conservation conversations and education with your students with the intent that Earth Day might be celebrated EVERY DAY. This episode is chocked full of ideas to use with your students throughout the spring months...literacy, math, science and social studies! We've got all the bases covered for your Earth Day celebrations. 

Like what you hear? Then give us a shout out, leave us a comment or a rating. Or better yet, comment with an idea for a future podcast topic. 

We're galloping toward the year's end. There's standardized testing to get through...HOURS of it, in fact. Field trips, assemblies, learning celebrations, and don't forget about your evaluation, report cards, common assessments, and closing up your classroom. When we think about our school life in the months of April, May and June, it's hard not to hyperventilate. BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TO TEACH, and let's face it-our students are checked out! Interdisciplinary projects can save your sanity. They really can! They'll keep the learning going, engage your kids, and help you get in all those standards you still have to teach.  TURN UP YOUR VOLUME and get ready to rock your end of the year teaching!

Like what you hear? Give us a shout out, share a podcast link with a colleague, or leave a comment.  OR VISIT OUR BLOGS! We have a ton of ideas to get you through the end of your school year. 

April is National Poetry Month and we at We Teach So Hard have collectively decided that it is one of our favorite months! Poetry can rock your readers and writers workshops. It doesn't have to be intimidating, and we show you how. This podcast is filled with fabulous ideas for incorporating poetry in your classroom. Be sure to check out our blog posts too! They are overflowing with  FREE poetry ideas this week, just for you! From free verse to formulaic patterns, from reading strategies to writing tools, we've got you covered!