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Feeling that mid-fall classroom fatigue? You're not alone. The back-to-school adrenaline has faded, student behaviors are surfacing, and those carefully crafted routines are starting to fray at the edges. It's the perfect storm of teacher exhaustion that hits just as the calendar turns to October.

This episode tackles the very real phenomenon of "teacher fog" – that overwhelming fatigue that creeps in when the novelty of the new year wears off but the holidays still feel distant. I'm giving you full permission to recalibrate without guilt. Whether you need a mental health snow day or simply strategies to protect your dwindling energy reserves, we've got practical solutions to help you shake the fog.

The reality is that sustainable teaching sometimes requires a pause. We explore simple systems for regrouping your classroom routines, transitioning kids back into structure, and building in predictable activities that reduce decision fatigue. From emergency sub plans (including a free downloadable day) to creating "smart stations" that engage students while giving you breathing room, these strategies will help you navigate the messy middle of fall without burning out.

This season doesn't have to derail your teaching joy or your wellbeing. Take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and remember – it's okay to prioritize sustainability over constant innovation. Your classroom (and your health) will thank you. Ready to shake the fog and reclaim your teaching energy? Listen now and join our community of educators who are tired of pretending teaching isn't exhausting sometimes.

Free Sub Day of Plans:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/subplansdayone

October Sub Plans:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Emergency-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Sub-Tub-Sub-Binder-11981267

November Sub Plans:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/November-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Emergency-Sub-Plans-2nd-G

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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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Sugar highs, costume talk, and boundless energy—October's Halloween excitement can quickly derail even the most carefully planned lessons. But this seasonal shift doesn't have to steamroll your learning objectives or your sanity as a teacher.

This episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining classroom stability during the Halloween season. We explore why October presents unique challenges—from increasingly distracted students to disrupted routines and schedules filled with assemblies and special events. Rather than dreading this time, you'll discover how thoughtful preparation can transform your experience.

The key to October success? Strong anchors that keep your classroom steady. Maintaining consistent routines provides the stability students crave, especially those with special needs. Cross-curricular Halloween themes allow you to acknowledge the season while continuing meaningful instruction. And having backup plans ready—whether you need them or not—gives you flexibility when October exhaustion hits.

Most importantly, you'll learn that fun doesn't have to equal chaos. Students don't need elaborate celebrations to enjoy the season; they need engagement. Simple activities like Halloween-themed "Would You Rather" discussions that incorporate movement and opinion writing, spooky STEM challenges, and character analysis through costume themes can create memorable learning experiences without sacrificing classroom management.

Ready to embrace October's energy rather than fight it? Listen for practical ideas to keep learning both fun and focused during the Halloween season. And if you're looking for ready-made resources, check out Trina's TPT store for seasonal activities that maintain educational value while acknowledging students' Halloween excitement.

Halloween Resources

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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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Ever feel like science gets pushed to the back burner because reading and math dominate your teaching schedule? You're not alone. The struggle to fit everything in is real, especially when administrators sometimes suggest cutting science altogether.

Let me introduce you to a different approach: seamlessly weaving science into your ELA block. This isn't about adding more to your plate—it's about making what's already there work smarter. Your informational text standards (text features, cause and effect, visual literacy, main idea identification) pair perfectly with science content. Instead of teaching these skills through random topics, why not use the science curriculum you're supposed to cover anyway?

This integration works brilliantly because science naturally engages students, particularly those who might be reluctant readers. When kids are exploring force and motion, states of matter, or habitats, they have authentic reasons to read informational text. Science experiments create purpose for reading, which significantly boosts comprehension. The hands-on nature of science investigations gives students something concrete to write about, making writing tasks more meaningful and accessible.

Getting started is simpler than you might think. Choose one science standard, find a short nonfiction text that introduces the concept, pair it with a simple investigation, and use it during your reading block. Have students write about their observations and learnings. That's it! You've just taught reading standards, writing skills, and science content in one efficient, engaging lesson.

Ready to try this approach? I've created a free resource integrating informational text with the practice of science. Download it at trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/sciencefreebie and take your first step toward making science part of your daily teaching rhythm rather than an afterthought. Because we're all part of the "We Do Not Care Club: Teacher Edition" when it comes to skipping what students truly need to learn!

Free -The Practice of Science

Science Bundle for 2nd Grade

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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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Remember the days when getting kids to focus in class didn't feel like competing with a digital circus? Today's students—even third graders—are coming to school with phones in hand, already accustomed to constant digital stimulation and instant gratification. The result? Classrooms filled with children struggling to transition, wait, focus, and fully engage with real-world learning.

As teachers, we're facing unprecedented challenges. The dopamine-driven digital world has rewired how our students engage with information, making traditional teaching methods feel increasingly ineffective. But here's the good news: we don't need to perform circus acts to capture attention. What we need are intentional strategies that help students rediscover the joy of being fully present.

Focus isn't automatic—it's a skill that must be taught, practiced, and modeled. When we incorporate short moments of mindfulness, deep breathing, or simple yoga poses, we help students develop awareness of what being "tuned in" actually feels like. Remember that our own behavior sets the tone; if we're constantly checking our phones, we're modeling distraction rather than presence. By creating device-free activities and presenting unplugging as an opportunity rather than a punishment, we can gently guide students back to meaningful connection.

The most powerful moments in learning still happen when students connect with each other and with content in ways that feel engaging and playful. Try implementing no-tech mornings or device-free partner tasks that encourage real-world interaction. Help students develop the language to describe how they feel when fully present versus distracted. These small shifts can make a tremendous difference in classroom culture and learning outcomes.

Want to start immediately? Download my free device-free activity that helps students notice their habits and practice presence without shame at trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/device-citizenship. Let's reclaim our classrooms from digital distraction—because connection beats control every time.

Free Device- Free Lesson

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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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Ever found yourself sacrificing read-aloud time for pre-assessments and curriculum demands? You're not alone. In this heartfelt exploration of keeping reading routines strong, we dive into why those beautiful reading structures we create in August often crumble by September.

The paradox of early-year teaching hits hard when faced with pre-assessments that seem designed to highlight what students don't know. "No kidding they're not on level—they just started second grade!" This frustration resonates with teachers everywhere who see reading time compressed as curriculum demands intensify. But here's the truth we must remember: reading isn't fluff—it's foundation.

Through personal stories, including a memorable moment when students were shocked to see their teacher actually reading alongside them, we explore three powerful strategies to protect and enhance your reading block. First, establish predictable structures that incorporate interactive elements like turn-and-talk discussions. Second, maximize read-alouds by using them for character work, social-emotional learning, and cross-curricular connections. Third, choose depth over breadth—one rich discussion trumps five rushed activities every time.

Remember what matters most: the goal is connection, not checking boxes. The magic happens during reading time, when students laugh until they cry over Junie B. Jones' latest adventure or sit spellbound by a powerful story. You became a teacher to share stories and spark a love for learning. Your reading time isn't extra—it's essential. Need a reset? Grab the free four-week read aloud unit mentioned in the episode and reclaim the joy of reading in your classroom.

Free Reading Unit

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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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A worried watermelon might be exactly what your students need to navigate their big feelings this year. Meet Wally – the adorable protagonist of author Erin Waters' new children's book that's transforming how we approach anxiety in the classroom.

Drawing from her seven years as a first-grade teacher and her personal journey with worry, Waters has crafted a story that resonates deeply with both children and adults. "I've been a worrier since I was a kid," she shares, "and now that I have kids of my own, I see that same side of them." This authentic connection to anxiety makes Wally's journey particularly meaningful for young readers ages 4-8 who are learning to identify and manage their emotions.

What sets this book apart are Waters' innovative paper collage illustrations. Creating characters from colorful paper, household items, and even aluminum foil, she's developed a visual language that's both accessible and enchanting. The vibrant vegetable characters each offer Wally different coping strategies – from Teddy Tomato's "soup breaths" to other practical techniques children can easily remember and apply. One parent already reported her daughter successfully using "Teddy tomato soup breaths" during a stressful softball game, proving these strategies transfer seamlessly from page to real-life application.

Teachers and counselors will appreciate the extensive support materials Waters has created to accompany the book. By scanning the QR code inside the cover, educators can access free printable posters for calm-down corners, bookmarks, worksheets, and digital slides that make implementation seamless. Whether used during back-to-school season to ease transition anxieties, during testing periods, or as part of regular social-emotional learning, Wally's story provides children with concrete tools for managing worry.

Grab your copy of "Wally is Worried" on Amazon today, and visit ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally to access all the free companion resources. Help your students discover that while worries may never completely disappear, they can learn strategies to make those big feelings more manageable – one soup breath at a time.

Wally Is Worried: A Book About Worrying for Kids

ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally

Free Day of Sub Plans

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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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Christine Devane takes us on her journey from classroom teacher to published children's author, revealing how patience and persistence led to the publication of her book "Elephant Beach" after nearly a decade of waiting. What started as a manuscript written during her teaching years perfectly aligned with her current life as a mother of three, creating a beautiful full-circle moment where she now shares her creation with both students and her own children.

Drawing from personal experience with shyness, Christine crafted a story about an elephant who needs time before feeling comfortable joining others in play—a universal childhood experience that resonates with many young readers. The book's gentle approach to social anxiety provides teachers and parents a valuable tool for discussing different comfort levels and emotional needs. As Christine shares, "I wanted to write a book about somebody that's shy and it takes her a little while to want to join the elephants... she learns that she can have fun joining a group."

Her classroom visits transform simple readings into immersive experiences complete with beach towels, sunglasses, and beach ball discussions—all while honoring children's different participation preferences. This thoughtfulness extends to Christine's approach with her own middle child who needed six weeks of attending soccer before feeling ready to play. "I didn't force him to do anything... it's just funny because sometimes when it clicks with kids, he was so excited to go last night." With a grief-centered book on the horizon and dreams of expanding the Elephant Beach series, Christine demonstrates how teachers bring unique insights to children's literature by understanding the emotional landscapes of young readers. Find "Elephant Beach" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Archway Publishing.

Elephant Beach on Amazon

Elephant Beach | Christine Devane

*small affiliate income earned if you buy with this link

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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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Struggling to establish reading routines that don't leave you exhausted? Discover the magic of sustainable reading practices that transform your classroom culture while building essential literacy skills.

The most powerful reading routines aren't complicated—they're consistent, joyful, and purposeful. In this episode, we explore how simple structures like read-aloud, turn-and-talk, and quick response activities create safe spaces where comprehension flourishes naturally. You'll learn why post-lunch read-alouds can completely reset classroom energy, turning potential chaos into calm, focused learning moments.

We dive deep into practical implementation, showing how character-driven stories naturally incorporate social-emotional learning without forcing connections. Books featuring characters like Junie B. Jones, Ramona, or Trixie from Knuffle Bunny create opportunities for rich discussions about emotions, perseverance, and problem-solving. These conversations build comprehension more effectively than multiple rushed activities ever could.

The true value of reading routines extends beyond literacy—they're relationship builders that strengthen your classroom community. When we slow down and enjoy stories together, we create shared experiences that bond students together while developing listening skills, discussion etiquette, and genuine reading joy. As you implement these routines, remember that quality trumps quantity every time.

Ready to transform your reading instruction? Grab our free four-week reading unit focused on establishing routines and exploring character development. Next week, we'll tackle another pressing classroom challenge: helping students re-engage with real life beyond screens.

What reading routine has made the biggest difference in your classroom? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments!

Free Reading Unit for Setting Up Routines and a Focus on Characters

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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!