Your planning period is an important part of ensuring you get everything done at school, but how often do you ACTUALLY get that time to yourself and to plan? 

In this episode, Bridget and Michelle discuss planning time and share their experiences of planning periods over their teaching career and how they had to change the way they "Got Things Done" when their planning time was nonexistent. 

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!

The beginning of the year is well underway and for so many it feels like you are still trying to keep your head above water. You are planning day-to-day, taking home work to get done at night, and getting to school early and staying late. Sound familiar?

But at some point, you'd like to get to the point where you are planned ahead and feeling more in control of your daily schedule.The question is... how do you make that happen? 

In this video we are talking all about what is needed to make that transition from surviving to thriving. Listen in as we share our own experiences and the challenges you might be facing to make this transition. 

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!

It is that time of the year to check in on our goals before wrapping up the the year with the final quarter. First, can you believe that we are in the final few months before entering into a brand new year! It blew my mind as well. 

In this episode we are taking you through our own goals and discussing how things change based on our season in life. Listen in as we share our reflection and upcoming goals for 2024. 

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!

Join Bridget and Michelle as they catch-up and share their experiences, stressors, and lessons leading up to the beginning of the school 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!

Bridget and Michelle have some BIG changes coming to the podcast. Join our hosts as they both share the changes and why they came to this decision. This episode serves as a reminder that finding balance is an ever-changing target as we enter new seasons in life. 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!