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The back-to-school jitters aren't just for students—teachers face them too! As summer winds down and classrooms beckon, even the most experienced educators find themselves wrestling with familiar questions about those crucial first weeks.

This episode dives into three universal teacher concerns. First, we explore which classroom routines deserve immediate attention during those precious opening days. Beyond just covering the basics of lining up and supply management, you'll discover the game-changing "Three Before Me" strategy that transforms student independence while saving your sanity from endless interruptions. You'll learn practical ways to make routine practice engaging rather than tedious, and why focusing on just a few key procedures initially yields better results than overwhelming students with every classroom rule at once.

Next, we tackle the delicate balance of behavior management. Forget the outdated "don't smile until Christmas" advice—you can establish clear boundaries without becoming the feared disciplinarian. The secret lies in mutual respect and consistent kindness. Students who feel genuinely seen and appreciated naturally rise to meet expectations, creating a classroom culture where learning thrives. Discover specific language and strategies to redirect behaviors while preserving student dignity and strengthening your classroom community.

Finally, for those feeling overwhelmed before the first bell even rings, there's reassuring perspective about classroom readiness. The perfectly decorated, meticulously organized spaces showcased on social media represent an unrealistic standard. Real teaching happens in spaces built with flexibility, authentic connection, and responsiveness to the actual students who walk through your door. Your presence and relationship-building skills matter infinitely more than picture-perfect bulletin boards.

Whether you're stepping into your first classroom or your twenty-first, these honest, practical answers will help you approach the new year with confidence and calm. Remember—you bring the magic that transforms four walls into a place of growth and discovery. Here's to finding joy in the journey!

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Feeling that end-of-summer anxiety creeping in as the new school year approaches? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and there's a better way to start the year.

The transition from summer relaxation to classroom chaos doesn't have to leave you exhausted by September. In this episode, we explore three gentle, practical approaches that will help you ease back into teaching without burning out in the first few weeks. Rather than diving headfirst into curriculum, discover why a "soft launch" focused on relationships and routines creates a stronger foundation for the entire year. Learn how to transform your classroom into what I call a "calm command center" with simple personal touches that energize rather than deplete you.

Most importantly, we discuss the power of gradually implementing classroom systems instead of trying to perfect everything on day one. I share specific examples from my own teaching experience, including how I made learning procedures fun and engaging through movement and collaboration. These strategies aren't just about making the first week easier – they're about setting a sustainable pace that will carry you through the entire school year with more joy and less exhaustion.

As we prepare to welcome students back, remember this truth: "Kids benefit the most from a teacher who is grounded and not frazzled." Your well-being directly impacts your teaching effectiveness. So give yourself permission to start gently and intentionally this year. Your future self (especially that mid-October version who's usually running on fumes) will thank you!

Ready to make this your most balanced school year yet? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical teaching wisdom delivered with honesty and heart.

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Ever noticed how some kids love science and building but turn away from books? That disconnect isn't just frustrating—it's a missed opportunity for deeper learning. What if we could harness their natural STEM enthusiasm to ignite a love for reading?

In this episode, we dive into three exceptional STEM-themed books that captivate reluctant readers by connecting directly to their curiosity and creative instincts. Ada Twist, Scientist shows children that reading can be part of the investigation process, encouraging them to develop their own experiments inspired by Ada's adventures. What Do You Do With an Idea? transforms abstract concepts into hands-on building opportunities, allowing children to explore and express their own ideas through making. And Iggy Peck, Architect bridges engineering challenges with literacy, getting kids moving, building, and thinking critically while engaging with text.

These aren't just reading recommendations—they're complete learning experiences. For each book, we break down exactly why certain children resist reading, how these particular stories address those barriers, and step-by-step activities that extend the reading experience into meaningful STEM challenges. You'll discover how to transform reading from a passive activity into an active, creative process that honors how these children naturally learn and engage with the world.

Whether you're a teacher planning for the upcoming school year or a parent trying to keep learning alive during summer, these strategies require minimal prep while delivering maximum engagement. The secret lies in starting with books that connect to your child's natural curiosities, then giving them opportunities to create something meaningful from what they've read. Ready to make reading irresistible? Grab our free "After the Fall" building challenge in the show notes and subscribe for more practical ideas that blend literacy with hands-on learning.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
👉https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Ever watched a reluctant reader disconnect from a book before they've even given it a chance? There's a powerful solution hiding in your classroom supply closet.

Today we're diving into the transformative world of hands-on learning for literacy, especially for those students who struggle to see themselves as readers. When we shift from asking children to recall information to inviting them to solve story problems through making and building, something magical happens. Their focus moves from what they can't do to what they can create.

Take a book like "After the Fall" - instead of traditional comprehension questions, ask students what they would build to help Humpty Dumpty. Maybe it's a softer landing zone or a specialized climbing tool. This approach gives them time to sketch, question, build, test, and revise - all while engaging deeply with the story. The beauty is that it works with any book you already have in your classroom library.

Another game-changing strategy is announcing a makerspace extension before you begin reading. When students know there's a hands-on challenge coming after the story, they stay engaged through the entire book. With "The Three Little Pigs," they might design a better wolf-proof house, or after "Diary of a Worm," create a communication device for a creature with no hands. These projects don't require fancy supplies - just everyday materials like cardboard, tape, or Play-Doh.

Reluctant readers often thrive on movement and creativity. By providing projects that validate their ideas and contributions, we help them see that reading isn't about being right - it's about being engaged. If your students don't feel like readers yet, let them build their way into books. Download the free "After the Fall" challenge from the link below and watch how hands-on activities can reframe how students see themselves as readers and thinkers.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
For the Love of Reading
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Ever watched a child struggle to connect with a story, only to see their eyes light up when they get to build something with their hands? There's magic in that moment when reading transforms from a passive activity into an adventure of problem-solving and creation.

In this episode, we dive into practical ways to blend beloved children's books with STEM challenges, creating powerful learning experiences for all types of learners. For active kids and reluctant readers especially, these hands-on activities provide the perfect bridge to deeper comprehension and genuine engagement with stories. When children step into the shoes of characters like Mo Willems' Pigeon or Humpty Dumpty from "After the Fall," they're not just reading – they're feeling, thinking, and creating alongside these beloved characters.

We explore two primary approaches: building solutions for character problems and creating STEM story extensions. What would help Pigeon want to go to school? How could Humpty safely get back on his wall? These open-ended questions spark critical thinking and empathy while honoring each child's unique perspective. The beauty lies in the simplicity – these activities require nothing more elaborate than basic building materials like blocks, paper, or Legos, yet they yield remarkable results in comprehension and retention.

Most importantly, storybook STEM challenges help preserve the creativity that too often diminishes as children progress through elementary school. When we combine stories with hands-on exploration, we're not just teaching reading or science – we're nurturing imaginative problem-solvers who see possibilities beyond the page. Whether you're a classroom teacher, librarian, or parent looking to make stories come alive, these playful approaches will transform story time into an unforgettable journey of discovery and joy.

🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Reading becomes an adventure when students get to build, design, and create alongside their favorite stories. For too many children, books remain distant collections of words rather than doorways to imagination – but that changes when we introduce makerspace elements into our literacy instruction.

The magic happens when we invite students to physically recreate story settings using simple materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, and recyclables. Suddenly, Mr. McGregor's garden from "Peter Rabbit" or the shifting homes in "The Three Little Pigs" become tangible spaces students can explore with their hands. This transformation from abstract text to concrete creation helps struggling visualizers connect with literature in ways traditional reading approaches simply can't match.

Beyond settings, challenging students to solve character problems through design thinking creates powerful story connections. When faced with designing a way for Jack to safely descend from the giant's castle, students aren't just passive observers – they become active participants in the narrative. These open-ended challenges foster empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while making reading a collaborative, engaging experience. The third approach – extending stories by redesigning endings – ensures engagement doesn't end with the final page, encouraging students to see themselves as co-creators rather than just consumers of stories.

What makes these approaches so valuable is their accessibility. Using simple materials already found in most classrooms, these projects transform reading from a potentially intimidating experience into a joyful adventure that meets diverse learning needs. For reluctant readers especially, this hands-on connection creates pathways to comprehension and enjoyment that traditional approaches might never unlock. Ready to bring this magic to your classroom? Grab my free list of story-stem book ideas perfect for makerspace extensions in the show notes, and let's transform reading instruction one creative project at a time!

🎁 Grab my FREE Story STEM Book List here 👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace

Support the show

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Ever wondered why your child resists reading time, despite your best efforts? The solution might be simpler than you think. Rather than completely overhauling your reading routine, small, thoughtful shifts can create breakthrough moments where resistance transforms into excitement.

In this episode, I share three powerful yet incredibly simple tweaks that can revolutionize your child's relationship with books. First, we explore how shifting what we celebrate – from quantity of pages to qualities like persistence and courage – builds intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset about reading. When we acknowledge a child for sticking with a tricky word or choosing their own book, we're celebrating the reader, not just the reading.

Next, we dive into how physical environments dramatically impact reading engagement. That kitchen table with its distractions and clinical feel? It might be undermining your efforts. Discover how creating a designated cozy space – even just a corner with pillows and personal touches – can make reading feel like a special treat rather than an obligation. When children read in spaces they've helped create, ownership and enjoyment naturally follow.

Finally, I reveal how adding a "makerspace twist" to required reading transforms passive consumption into active exploration. By inviting children to solve story problems through building and creating, books become springboards for imagination rather than items to check off a list. This approach deepens comprehension as children must truly understand characters and conflicts to design meaningful solutions. Using simple materials like cardboard, Legos, or recyclables, children engage with stories in ways that build critical thinking alongside reading skills.

The beauty of these approaches is their simplicity – you don't need special training or expensive materials to implement them. Try just one this week and watch for shifts in your child's attitude toward reading. And don't forget to download my free STEM Story Station resource to get started with story-based creation activities. Together, we're creating joyful, confident readers, one gentle tweak at a time.

🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips to help kids love reading—for life!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

What if your child's biggest reading obstacle isn't their skills, but their belief about themselves as readers?

Many children struggle with reading not because they lack the fundamental abilities, but because they've developed a negative reading identity. When kids say "I'm not good at reading" or "books aren't my thing," they're revealing something profound about how they see themselves in relation to text. This identity shapes everything—their willingness to try, their persistence through challenges, and ultimately, their reading success.

This episode dives deep into three transformative strategies that rebuild a child's reading confidence from the inside out. First, we explore the surprising power of genuine book choice—why letting children select anything that excites them (yes, even those "too easy" graphic novels or Minecraft manuals!) creates the autonomy essential for developing reader identity. You'll hear a poignant bookstore story that demonstrates how well-meaning adults can inadvertently crush a child's reading enthusiasm, and learn how to create a "Yes Shelf" that rebuilds reading confidence through easy wins.

We also challenge the myth that read-alouds should stop once children can decode independently. Continuing to read to older children provides them with rich language exposure without the pressure of performance, creates positive emotional associations with books, and strengthens your connection. The final strategy transforms reading from something kids passively endure into something they actively do through makerspace thinking—building, creating, and problem-solving their way into stories.

Ready to help your child discover the reader within? Download our free STEM story station resource and join us on this journey to create joyful, confident readers—one page at a time. Subscribe for weekly tips that bring connection and confidence back to reading, because helping a child believe they're a reader doesn't start with fluency—it starts with how they feel about books.

🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!