Angela and Brandy candidly discuss the special exhaustion of the early weeks of being back at school—migraines, tech issues, drills, extra duties, and decision fatigue—and remind teachers they are not alone.

They share simple, realistic recovery tips like five-minute resets, lowering weekday expectations, and learning to say no, encouraging listeners to protect their energy and find joy in small wins.

This episode explains why greeting students at the door matters and reviews the neuroscience behind rapport—dopamine for motivation and oxytocin for safety—plus research showing long-term benefits like reduced aggression and improved engagement.

Hosts share practical actions (assess, address, respond, request, tell), the 5-to-1 positive-to-corrective interaction ratio, and a simple takeaway: start each day with warmth, a student’s name, and a quick connection to set the tone for learning.

The Science Behind Building Rapport: The How's & Whys

Welcome to The Joyous Classroom, a podcast dedicated to educators passionate about fostering a positive learning environment. Join veteran teachers Brandy and Angela as they share practical tips and insights to help you establish effective routines, teach essential procedures, and build a nurturing classroom community. Discover strategies to create a culture of consistency, connection, and calm from the very first weeks of school. Learn how to model and teach key procedures, engage students through community-building activities, and prioritize social-emotional learning. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the classroom, this episode offers inspiring and actionable advice to make your teaching experience more joyous and fulfilling. Tune in and transform your classroom into a place where students and teachers thrive together.

Routines & Procedures BOOK LINK