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Teaching to the TOP

Teaching on the Double

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Two teachers dedicated to helping you master your time, organization, and productivity!

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02/13/20 • 22 min

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This is a topic that we think you all are going to absolutely LOVE! Today, we are talking about lesson planning. Yup. We said it. Lesson Planning. We want to dive deep into getting your lesson plans done so that you can leave on Friday feeling ready for the next week.

But here is the thing, lesson planning is NOT a to-do. It’s not something you write to write down on your checklist because lesson planning is a project. In this case, it is a recurring project. When we understand that lesson planning is a project then we are more capable of tackling it with a separate process. A process that is unique to project planning.

Now, if you are already asking the question, “Am I able to apply this to any project?” Absolutely! You can! We are using lesson planning as an example for this episode because it is a project that EVERY teacher has on their plate, but you can use these steps for any project no matter if it is a one-time project or recurring project.

7 Steps to Lesson Planning Like a PRO!

[6:50] Step #1: Define your End

[8:37] Step #2: Set Your Deadline

[10:13] Step #3: Brain Dump

[14:03] Step #4: Create a List of Materials

[15:28] Step #5: Group Related Tasks Together

[19:10] Step #6: Find the Time to Batch

[20:20] Step #7: Monitor Your Progress

[20:58] Review of the Steps

CONCLUSION

Leaving school at the end of the week knowing that your plans are ready all the way down to the copies is truly life-changing, but it’s not rocket science. In fact, it’s quite simple when you break things down into actionable steps that allow you to see the whole process. Give this a try and be sure to share how it has worked for you!

Click HERE to download the FREE Project Planning Organizer!

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!

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We have all felt it. You know. That feeling of success and that feeling of complete and utter defeat. When you feel really good in one area, another area suffers, and this leads you to feel self-doubt and anxiety that you are not performing the way that you should be. The answer is not to be good at everything or get all the things checked off your to-do but more about finding the balance that works for you and those individuals that are in your life.

This is the one thing that so many people ask us: “How do you do it all?” People see us and the videos we put out, but they don’t realize that we had to sacrifice a date night or got into an argument for working too hard in order to make it happen. All you see in our social media presence are happy moments.

Now while you may not be on social media, you still have a lot of parts that you play in your own life. All those parts require your attention and in order to ensure that you slow it down and pay attention to your mental and physical health, we have some tips on how to feel like a good teacher without feeling overwhelmed.

[4:46] Tips for Feeling Like a good Teacher, Mom, Wife, etc... Without Feeling Overwhelmed

[5:20] Tip #1: Stop comparing yourself to other teachers

[8:07] Tip #2: Let go of perfectionism

[10:38] Tip #3: Say no to some things so you can say yes to other things

[13:55] Tip#4: Stop moving the goal post

[15:38] Tip #5: Return the focus to your students

Above all, remember that what you give every day in and outside of the classroom is appreciated by so many. You are making a difference and giving back. Stop being like everyone else and instead be you. There is, after all, only one you.

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!

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02/06/20 • 29 min

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We’ve all experienced the Neverending To-Do List. The list that makes you feel as though you can’t breathe and your heart is falling to the pit of your stomach. We have also experienced the satisfaction of marking items off of our to-do list and feeling the accomplishment that follows.

A To-Do list is an incredibly useful tool. It helps to keep our focus, provides us with things to accomplish when our brains are not functioning properly. A good to-do list also frees up space within your brain. Our brains, the majority of the time, cannot remember every to-do that you have thought of within any specific time frame. This is what causes the dreaded feeling of what was I getting? at the grocery store.

When we take the time to really think about all the tasks that we need to accomplish and we write them down, you also become more present at the moment and dare I say, sleep better.

So we know that a good to-do list is valuable. We know that we can feel less stressed when we have one, but how do you ACTUALLY get those items checked off?

[3:50] Steps to ACTUALLY finishing your To-Do list

[4:05] Step #1: Get it Down

In this step, the focus is on how to get your to-do’s down. Writing them on random pieces of sticky notes and leaving them around the classroom, may not be as productive as you’d think.

[13:20] Step #2: Sort It

Once you have your to-dos created and in one location, it is time to sort your lists. This step will help you to get rid of distraction and focus on accomplishing the to-dos that need your attention the most.

[13:55] The method that we use and that we find to be quite useful is The Eisenhower Method for Taking Action.

[16:05] If that method seems to overwhelm you a bit, start smaller by creating three categories: needs to be done today, needs to be done this week, and needs to be done this month.

[20:05] Step #3: Schedule It

When are you going to do it? Yes, you have your list and you have them sorted into the most important tasks, you still need to determine when you are going to do it.

[22:35] Step #4: Get It Done

Now, it’s the hardest part! Getting the list done. You have the tools, you know the strategies, but now it’s up to you to get it all done! Again, be like Nike and just do it!

Keep in mind that with these to-do’s you do not want to have tasks that are recurring. These to-dos should be built into your schedule already. These are tasks that come up time and time again and not only do they have a place in your schedule but they also have their own checklist. Adding every time that you can think of will only overwhelm you.

We will be sharing more about the projects or recurring to-dos later on in another episode! We hope that you feel inspired and equipped to tackle your to-do’s and take control of your time!

Click HERE to download your FREE Finishing Your To-Do List Cheat Sheet!

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!

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01/30/20 • 16 min

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We all know that the line of work that we are involved in *teaching* can be incredibly exhausting. We give so much of ourselves through our time, energy, understanding, heart, and we bare the burden of so many.

Therefore, it’s of no surprise that we take the time to remind ourselves of the importance of taking time for YOU. The more you give, the more time you need to recoup and regain your strength in order to continue giving day in and day out.

So, let’s chat about not only the why of putting yourself first, but also the how to put yourself first. These may be things that you know or have heard before but we all need reminders to ensure that we are following through.

[2:32] THE WHY

Listen and learn about the key reasons on why it is critical that you are giving back to yourself. These will be reminders but they just might be the reminders that you need.

[5:00] THE HOW-TO

Learn how we give back to ourselves! We share some of our favorite ways to make sure that we are thinking about us.

Click HERE to download the FREE Self-Care Calendar!

[11:40] GETTING IT ALL DONE

But what about getting it all done? Well, that is going to require some responsibility and commitment on your part. We share a few tips to help get you started!

CONCLUSION

Remember that in order for us to take time for ourselves, we also have to hold ourselves accountable in other ways, but if you feel like you are drowning, stop, breathe, and think about you. Refill that cup in order to pull yourself up on that raft at the end of the day.

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 in 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!

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04/16/20 • 16 min

We all love hacks that have a way to make your life a little bit easier. We have enough going on in our lives that finding simple ways to minimize friction is key. Gadgets are one way to create simple hacks to make life easier but no matter how fancy your gadget is, having hacks to help you with organization is essential.

Today, we want to share some simple decluttering hacks that have worked wonders in getting us organized and more importantly, staying organized!

SIMPLE DECLUTTERING HACKS

[3:51] Decluttering Hack #1: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and work through decluttering one area.

[6:08] Decluttering Hack #2: Create a list of things you want to declutter during the month and make it a challenge

[7:22] Decluttering Hack #3: Focus on one area at a time

[8:07] Decluttering Hack #4: Use a bucket to gather things that need to be decluttered.

[9:34] Decluttering Hack #5: Use your students to help

[13:06] Decluttering Hack #6: Create a space for everything

CONCLUSION

[15:00] All of these hacks will give you the results you need, but we have to give a little tough love and say that if you do not have an organizational system, things will get messy! You have to have a system in play in order to maintain the chaos that can be our lives.

Check out episode #015: 5 Easy Steps to Clean and Organize Your Classroom to help you with the decluttering process.

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!

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05/07/20 • 44 min

While we may not be in the classroom right now, there is something very motivating and inspiring about listening to others get through a work week.

Join Michelle Ferré in a week of teaching before COVID-19, and listen as she works to accomplish her goals and get things done. Michelle will share her tips and strategies that work for her as she gets through teaching, running a business, and completing grad school.

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!

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03/19/20 • 32 min

We pack our bags at the end of a school day with full intentions of grading the quizzes from math class that day, reading the novel that you just started with your group, or cutting out the circles that you need for tomorrow’s craft in science.

You take the treacherous walk to your car carrying your backpack, lunchbox, purse and now a bag filled with things to do. You drive up to your home and you suddenly feel this overwhelming feeling of tiredness. You still have so much to do, but instead of taking the actionable items out of your teacher bag you flop on your couch and turn Netflix on. It is so much easier to avoid the things we have because let’s face it, it’s not like you’ve been working all day *note the sarcasm. However, not getting the tasks done in our bags only leaves us stressed out and overwhelmed.

[3:23] TIPS TO FEEL MOTIVATED WHEN YOU ARE TIRED

[4:01] TIP #1: Reflect on your WHY

[6:44] TIP #2: Write the things you need to do down

[10:33] TIP #3: Start with one small thing

[12:38] TIP #4: Reduce distractions and change your scenery

[15:29] TIP #5: Surround yourself with things you enjoy

[19:01] TIP #6: Set a timer and work for that set amount of time

[22:12] TIP #7: Take short breaks

[24:23] TIP #8: Plan a reward for yourself

[28:01] TIP #9: Get active

[29:55] TIP #10: And if all else fails, take a power nap

CONCLUSION

Motivation can be difficult to find, but hopefully one or more of these tips help to inspire you to try and build the willpower to accomplishing that pesky tasks on your to-do list. Even if you are feeling completely defeated, try and find something that inspires you. Remember, we have all been there at one point in our lives; just know that there is a brighter side to the end of the rainbow.

Don't forget to download the FREEBIE: 7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Teacher Productivity

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!

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The older that we get, the more we wish would have started certain things sooner. Like putting on that under eye cream to help prevent wrinkles or saving for retirement sooner. Just like in our everyday lives, we even have things we wish would have made sooner as teachers.

We are sharing the 4 BIG organizational decisions that we wish we would have made sooner. Hopefully by us sharing these decisions, you might have an earlier start than we did or maybe even reconsider what you have been doing for years and finally make the switch!

4 BIG ORGANIZATIONAL DECISIONS

[3:42] Organizational Decision #1: Containers

[10:10] Organizational Decision #2: Anchor Charts

[16:34] Organizational Decision #3: Going Digital

[23:46] Organizational Decision #4: Logging Materials

CONCLUSION

There will always be those decisions that we wish we would have made sooner. The important piece is that we don’t dwell on the past but instead look to the future and begin making those changes. Hopefully, sharing our decisions will help to shed some light on how you can improve what you are already doing or you’ve gotten a little bit of inspiration on something you never thought about doing before.

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!

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04/02/20 • 21 min

Winter is on its way out and that means that it is time to start spring cleaning! It never fails that when this time of the year comes around you start to feel the itch. You know, the feeling where you need to clean absolutely EVERYTHING in sight.

However, if you are someone that starts to feel very overwhelmed by the thought of having to start cleaning and organizing your classroom, we’ve got you covered.

We are sharing our TOP must do when cleaning your classroom. Keep in mind that if this is a daunting task, recruit help from friends, family, or even coworkers by exchanging a I help you, if you help me deal.

CLASSROOM SPRING CLEANING MUST DOs

[3:53] MUST DO #1: Teacher supplies

[9:57] MUST DO #2: Paper filing system

[14:09] MUST DO #3: Manipulatives

[16:24] MUST DO #4: Teacher bag

[18:12] MUST DO #5: Digital files

Spring cleaning, while refreshing, can be very overwhelming, but remember that you need to go easy on yourself. These tasks do not need to be completed in a day! Choose one area and work on it over the span of a week or a few days. The important thing is to make it fit you and your lifestyle, but you MUST hold yourself accountable and get it done!

Click HERE to download the FREE Classroom Spring Cleaning Checklist!

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!

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04/28/20 • 53 min

Teachers all around the world are working to establish a new "normal" routine as schools are being shut down and teachers are asked to give instruction from home.

Join Michelle as she invites you to see how she navigates being a teacher during the COVID-19 shut down. You will hear how she works to schedule her day, accomplishes her goals and has to make adjustments because things just happen.

This is a week-in-the-life of a teacher at home.

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!

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