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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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

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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

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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 delve into BJ Fogg's "Tiny Habits" to explore the profound impact of small behavioral changes. This episode provides a comprehensive review and practical applications of Fogg's method for teachers looking to enhance their personal and professional lives through tiny, sustainable habits.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Tiny Habits: Bridget and Michelle introduce the concept of tiny habits and discuss their own experiences and challenges with maintaining consistent habits over time.
• Core Concepts of Tiny Habits: The hosts explain the book's main message, which emphasizes the simplicity of starting small to build lasting habits. They discuss the anatomy of tiny habits, including the anchor moment, the tiny behavior itself, and the instant celebration.
• Behavior Design Steps: Detailed exploration of Fogg's behavior design steps, such as clarifying aspirations, exploring behavior options, matching with specific behaviors, starting tiny, finding a good prompt, celebrating successes, and troubleshooting.
• Practical Applications for Teachers:
  • Motivation and Matching: Bridget shares insights into the nature of motivation, highlighting its unreliability and how to harness motivation waves effectively.
  • Simplifying Actions: Michelle discusses the importance of reducing complexity in behaviors to increase consistency and the impact of making tasks as easy as possible.
  • The Power of Prompts: Bridget explains how to effectively use prompts to initiate behaviors, emphasizing the need for specific, actionable triggers.
• Expanding and Scaling Habits: The discussion includes strategies for expanding tiny habits once they are established and how to scale them responsibly without overwhelming oneself.
• Celebration and Reinforcement: The hosts talk about the importance of celebrating successes to reinforce habit formation, discussing how emotions play a crucial role in making behaviors stick.

Key Takeaways: Tiny Habits offers a powerful framework for teachers to incrementally improve their practices and personal lives. By focusing on small, manageable changes, teachers can create meaningful and sustainable impacts without feeling overwhelmed.

LINKS:

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg: https://amzn.to/4eRWSRA

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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!

As we reach the midpoint of 2024, Michelle and Bridget take a moment to review their goals for the year, discussing successes, challenges, and new directions for the upcoming months. Join them for a transparent look at personal and professional growth and get inspired to reflect on your own goals.

Episode Highlights:

• Reflections on the Year: The hosts discuss how quickly the year has passed and share their feelings about the rapid passage of time, emphasizing the importance of staying mindful and intentional.
• Progress on Set Goals: Michelle and Bridget review their accomplishments and setbacks in meeting their goals for the second quarter, including professional certifications and personal challenges.
• Setting Future Objectives: Looking forward, they outline their goals for the end of summer and early fall, focusing on both personal betterment and professional development.
• Adapting Goals: The importance of flexibility in goal setting is highlighted as both hosts adjust their objectives based on new insights and life changes.
• Encouragement for Listeners: Michelle and Bridget encourage listeners to engage in their own goal review sessions and share outcomes as a community for mutual inspiration and support.

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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!

Summer can be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation for teachers, but it also brings temptations to splurge. Bridget and Michelle offer practical budgeting strategies to help teachers manage their finances effectively during the off-season, ensuring a stress-free return to school.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Budgeting: Bridget and Michelle discuss their personal experiences with impulse shopping and the challenges of resisting sales, especially during summer.

• Assessing Needs vs. Wants: Learn strategies for evaluating true needs versus momentary wants to prevent unnecessary purchases.

• Inventory Management: Tips on how to take stock of existing supplies and prioritize future purchases to optimize spending.

• Routine Financial Reviews: Importance of establishing regular check-ins with your budget to maintain financial health and avoid overspending.

• Practical Spending Methods: Introduction to the envelope system for controlling spending and creative ways to repurpose old materials to save money.

Key Resources Mentioned:

• Teaching on the Double Personal Planners: Designed to help with financial planning, available at teachingonthedouble.com/store.
• Budgeting Apps and Tools: Explore tools like Rakuten and Honey for deals, and Jordan Page’s YouTube channel for budgeting advice.

Listener's Dilemma: A listener shares challenges related to budgeting with a fixed income and limited time, seeking advice for managing finances efficiently.

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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!

This episode of Teaching to the TOP brings you along on Michelle Emerson’s journey of professional change and personal insights. Tune in for her exciting announcement about returning to the classroom, a trip to NYC, and how she manages her busy life with passion and purpose.

Episode Highlights:

• Big Announcement: Michelle reveals she's going back to the classroom and shares the emotional and practical aspects of this decision.

• NYC Adventure: Insights from Michelle's trip to NYC for a secretive tech event, including her strategies for managing expenses and business travel.

• YouTube Playlist Launch: Introduction of "Falling in Love With Teaching Again Vlogs," capturing the behind-the-scenes of Michelle's return to teaching.

• New School Visit: Michelle tours her new school, discusses her initial steps towards additional teaching certifications, and her first impressions.

• Book Club Beginnings: A recap of the First Class Teaching book club’s first meeting, alongside Michelle's routine productivity tasks.

• Relaxing Connections: A less work-focused day with a fellow educator, highlighting the importance of community and personal time.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Falling in Love With Teaching Again Vlogs: Track Michelle’s journey back to the classroom. Watch here
• First Class Teaching Book Club: It’s not too late to join the next meeting on June 27. Sign up here
• Ninja Creami: Grab that here

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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 the Building the Literacy Block Bootcamp for $7 and get prepared with resources, guidance and more for the beginning of the school year! You can join now and receive updates when the group opens on July 6th. >>>CLICK HERE TO JOIN<<<

Dive into summer with Bridget as she switches from teacher mode to summer mode! This week, Bridget shares a real-time glimpse of her life, balancing the joyous freedom of summer with the necessary wrap-ups of the academic year. Tune in for personal stories, professional tips, and a sneak peek into upcoming events designed to boost your productivity for the next school year.

Episode Highlights:

• Last Day of Work: Bridget shares the mixed emotions of her final day, from closing out tasks to planning ahead and enjoying the first taste of summer freedom with family.
• Kickoff to Summer: Hear about Bridget's relaxing first day off, her new favorite K Drama, and updates on her Writing Strategies Playbook.
• Summer Preparations: Discover the exciting details of a new Facebook bootcamp for teachers, offering live trainings and resources to get a head start on the school year.
• Personal Reflections: From a spontaneous date night to a refreshing Sunday with family, Bridget emphasizes the importance of balancing work with cherished moments.

Key Resources:

• Writing Strategies Playbook: Enhance your teaching with Bridget’s practical strategies—available with the Writing Bridge Course.
• Teacher’s Summer Bootcamp: Ready to prep for next year? Join the bootcamp here for a minimal fee and gain valuable insights and tools.
• The Reading Comprehension Blueprint: Join Bridget and others as they work to unpack The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by joining the community.

Next Episode Teaser: Don’t miss our next episode where Michelle shares some BIG changes happening this summer and next 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!