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

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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!

Ever find yourself inspired after reading a book but struggling to apply what you've learned? In this episode, Michelle and Bridget dive into effective strategies for utilizing the knowledge gained from books to enhance your teaching practices and personal development. Join them as they explore methods to ensure that the wisdom doesn’t just stay on the page—it comes to life in your classroom and life.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Implementation: The hosts address the challenge of applying what's learned from books rather than letting the knowledge fade after the last page is turned.
• Optimal Reading Strategies: Discussion on different reading formats and techniques for note-taking that enhance learning and recall.
• Effective Note Management: How to organize and revisit notes to ensure they serve as useful references for teaching practices and personal development.
• Practical Application Tips: Techniques for integrating book insights into everyday professional activities and overcoming the overwhelm of new information.
• Consolidating and Reviewing Information: Suggestions on how to keep notes accessible and engaging through digital tools and focused reading themes.

Key Takeaways: Implementing knowledge from books can be streamlined with the right strategies for note-taking, reviewing, and focusing on thematic reading, transforming insights into everyday educational practices and life improvements.

LINKS:

• TBR: To Be Read
• Readwise App

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!