One Tired Teacher

Trina Deboree

Teachers have important things to say and share about teaching, life, teaching, and learning. A podcast for teachers brings you the stories and inspiration behind the scenes from classrooms around the globe. Honest conversations about teacher tired and passion-filled teaching allow educators to speak their truth on the trials and treasures of being a teacher. read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

OTT 233: 3 Brilliant Ideas for Teachers to Use Simple STEM in Makerspace in Only 40 Minutes
Oct 23 2023
OTT 233: 3 Brilliant Ideas for Teachers to Use Simple STEM in Makerspace in Only 40 Minutes
I am calling all educators with the desire to inspire young minds through the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, and even literacy!I've got a treat for you today - three mind-blowingly simple STEM activities that can be done in just 40 minutes. There is no need for complicated equipment or advanced knowledge; these activities are so easy even a hamster could do them (well, almost). Get ready to unleash the mad scientist within, and watch your student's eyes light up with curiosity and excitement. Welcome to the world of hassle-free STEM education within your Makerspace, classroom, or media center!The Importance of STEM Education in Elementary SchoolsSTEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - the essential building blocks of a modern education. But why is STEM education so important, especially in elementary schools? Here's a secret: kids of all ages are like sponges! They have an incredible capacity to absorb information and develop skills that will shape their future. Introducing them to STEM learning early on is like giving them superhero powers - they gain problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creative confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives.Imagine this: you're an elementary school student with zero interest in science or math (I know it's hard to imagine because we all loved equations at that age! Ha ha!). Suddenly, your teacher throws some flashy experiments into the curriculum mix. Now, you're witnessing chemical reactions transforming ordinary substances into fascinating new entities right before your eyes. Boring becomes mind-blowing! By incorporating hands-on activities and engaging experiments into their education journey, students can experience firsthand how STEM isn't just a bunch of letters but rather a great way to learn about the world around us and build curiosity towards scientific concepts and life in general.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!
OTT 231: What is Digital Citizenship and Why Should Teachers Teach It?
Oct 9 2023
OTT 231: What is Digital Citizenship and Why Should Teachers Teach It?
In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape, being a good citizen isn't just about picking up after yourself or minding your manners anymore.It's time to add digital to our citizenship checklist for young people! That's right; we're venturing into digital citizenship, where knowing how to navigate the virtual world with grace, wisdom, and a pinch of common sense has become essential for both students and adults alike. So, teachers, put on your capes (metaphorical ones, unfortunately) because it's high time we dive into the wild world of digital literacy and equip our young learners with the superpowers they need to conquer this brave new frontier.If you tuned in last week, you know I shared a blog post/podcast episode called 9 Important Things Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship. In this episode, I spoke about nine things students should know. Be sure to check that out, as well.In the age of technology, elementary students must understand the concept of digital citizenship and develop essential skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. We all know that social media platforms have become second nature to children nowadays. From posting pictures with filters that make us look like cute little bunnies to participating in online dance challenges, they are immersed in a digital realm where their actions can have lasting consequences in online communities.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!
OTT 230: 9 Important Things Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship
Oct 2 2023
OTT 230: 9 Important Things Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship
In this digital age where cat videos and viral challenges reign supreme, it's easy to forget that there is more to being an online citizen than just knowing how to double-tap on Instagram. Yes, my dear friend, it's time we talk about digital citizenship skills and digital citizenship in a digital world – a concept that goes beyond posting selfies and clever hashtags on social media. So grab your virtual thinking caps and prepare to level up your digital literacy skills because, in this post/podcast, we'll unravel nine crucial things you really need to know about navigating the vast terrain of online communities like a true cyber-savvy pro. Buckle up, folks; it's going to be one wild (and educational) ride!If you need lessons for digital citizenship, I've got you covered:Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities BUNDLE K-3Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans & Activities for KindergartenDigital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 1st GradeDigital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 2nd GradeDigital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 3rd GradeAfter all, the internet is a vast playground filled with opportunities and dangers alike – it's up to us to teach them how to play.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!
OTT 229: 5 Imaginative Ideas for Halloween and Makerspace in the Classroom
Sep 25 2023
OTT 229: 5 Imaginative Ideas for Halloween and Makerspace in the Classroom
As Halloween approaches, teachers search for creative ways to engage their elementary students while embracing the spooky spirit.Look no further than the makerspace in your classroom! This innovative space promotes hands-on learning and allows students to explore their imaginations and tap into their inner mad scientists during Halloween. So why not blend the fun of Halloween with the educational power of STEM and a Makerspace Extension or Two? We've conjured up five imaginative ideas that will make your students howl excitedly as they bring their eerie creations to life. So play a spooky Halloween tune or two and prepare for a hair-raising adventure in the makerspace world this Halloween!After all, who knows? The next significant scientific breakthrough could come from an inspired mind that started experimenting during this enchanting season.More Resources on Teaching During the Halloween Season:OTT 228: Small Steps, Big Leaps: Halloween STEM Projects for the Elementary Classroom Halloween Story StationsOTT 227: STEM for Halloween: 3 Ideas for Integrating Seasonal STEM Activities into the ClassroomOTT 147: 3 Secret Tactics for Breathing New Life into Science in OctoberOTT 148: How to Use More Spooky Fun Halloween Books in Your MakerspacePrimary ClassroomOTT 149: 3 Interesting Ideas for Halloween in Your Primary ClassroomOTT 50: 7 Sensational Halloween Books Kids Will LoveOTT 51: How Teachers Survive Halloween!More ideasSubscribe 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!
OTT 228 Small Steps, Big Leaps: Halloween STEM Projects for the Elementary Classroom
Sep 18 2023
OTT 228 Small Steps, Big Leaps: Halloween STEM Projects for the Elementary Classroom
Halloween, the spookiest time of year, is upon us once again. And while little goblins and witches roam the streets searching for candy, why not bring some educational magic into your elementary classroom for elementary students? Forget about the typical Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving, and a spooky Halloween tune; it's time to take small steps toward giant leaps with thrilling Halloween STEM activities! Transform your classroom into a makerspace activity filled with fun and discovery as students embark on spooky scientific adventures based on some Halloween story favorites. So grab your cauldron and broomstick because we're about to brew up some wickedly witty Halloween Story Stations that will have your students screaming for more Makerspace moments!Why Halloween STEM Projects Are so Much FunWho says Halloween is all about costumes and candy? Sure, dressing up as a spooky witch, a fearsome vampire, or even as creepy crawlies can be fun, but why not take it up a notch with some Halloween STEM projects in the form of Makerspace Story Stations? These devilishly delightful activities combine the excitement of Halloween with the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math. It's like having a bubbling cauldron filled with maker space moments!One of the reasons why Halloween STEM projects are so much fun is because they allow kids to think creatively and problem-solve in a totally different way. Whether designing and building their own haunted house from scratch or figuring out how to create a device to give a monster a haircut, these projects engage young minds in hands-on learning experiences beyond textbooks. Who wouldn't want to impress their friends with mind-bogglingly cool creations to hold a load of candy?But it doesn't stop there! The beauty of Halloween STEM projects lies in their interdisciplinary nature. They encourage kids to explore deeper comprehension while also honing their technical and creative skills by solving the problems inside of favorite Halloween books for kids. From exploring pumpkin inventions to building a solution for a skeleton spook – these projects offer endless opportunities for kids to discover new connections between different ways of thinking.So forget about just bobbing for apples this year and dive into the world of Halloween STEAM (STEM + Art) activities.Exploring the Science Behind the Halloween SeasonIt's that time of year again when pumpkins are carved, costumes are donned, and candy corn seems to multiply overnight magically. Yes, Halloween is just around the corner - a holiday that never fails to ignite excitement and intrigue in people of all ages. But have you ever wondered what makes this spooktacular season so fascinating? Let's delve into the science behind it all and uncover some eerie insights.First, let's talk about everyone's favorite Halloween treat - candy corn. Love it or hate 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!
OTT 227: STEM for Halloween: 3 Ideas for Integrating Seasonal STEM Activities into the Classroom
Sep 11 2023
OTT 227: STEM for Halloween: 3 Ideas for Integrating Seasonal STEM Activities into the Classroom
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween in your classroom. But why settle for boring old candy and costumes when you can infuse STEM magic and so much fun into this Halloween season? Get ready to turn your classroom into a makerspace filled with spine-tingling experiments, hair-raising challenges, and ghoulishly fun activities that will have your students shrieking with delight while learning valuable STEM skills through fun STEM challenges, a Makerspace extension and spooky chemical reaction or two. In this blog/podcast, we'll explore three wickedly awesome ideas for integrating seasonal STEM activities into your curriculum, ensuring that this Halloween is anything but ordinary.Why STEM Activities are Important for HalloweenHalloween may be known for costumes, creepy crawlies, and candy, but it's also the perfect time to incorporate STEM activities into elementary students' celebrations. Makerspace moments can take a spooky twist as kids use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build haunted houses or create creepy crawlers using various materials. By engaging in these hands-on activities, students develop their critical thinking abilities and foster a sense of collaboration as they work with their peers to bring their terrifying visions to life.Additionally, Halloween-themed STEM activities offer a unique opportunity for focused close reading. While children may eagerly devour Halloween stories from cover to cover, incorporating science or math-related texts related to the holiday can provide a valuable interdisciplinary approach. For instance, exploring the oozy goo and thick eyeballs is an excellent way for kids to explore matter during this holiday and enhance their reading comprehension skills on the topic of solids, liquids, and gases. Educators can captivate young minds by seamlessly integrating these subjects into the Halloween spirit while encouraging them to connect STEM concepts with real-world applications.So this Halloween season, let's unleash our little scientists' inner monsters! Combining makerspace moments with focused close reading opportunities on spooky subjects like bats or cauldron chemistry can spark a love for STEM that lasts far beyond October 31st. Who knows? One day, these very same students will become inventors of ingenious gadgets that make trick-or-treating even more thrilling or discover innovative ways of tackling ghoulish problems like ghost repellents or zombie-proof shelters!Idea 1: Halloween States of Matter Experiment for This Time of YearWith Halloween just approaching, it's time to start thinking about spooky activities to get into the festive spirit. Look no further than a Halloween matter unit explicitly created for 2nd graders - the perfect way to combine science and scares foSubscribe 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!
OTT 226: Rebel Teaching: An Alliance Educator Breaking Down the Status Quo With Dr. Yen Verhoeven
Sep 4 2023
OTT 226: Rebel Teaching: An Alliance Educator Breaking Down the Status Quo With Dr. Yen Verhoeven
Are you tired of the same old monotony in education? Get ready to have your socks blown off because we will introduce you to Dr. Yen Verhoeven – the fearless leader of rebel teaching and the ultimate status quo disruptor. With her unyielding wit and unparalleled passion for teaching transformation, Dr. Verhoeven is on a mission to revive education from its slumber and breathe new life into classrooms across the globe while showing you new ways to transform your teaching. Buckle up, folks, because this alliance educator will take us on a wild ride toward a future where students are engaged, teachers are empowered, and education is anything but ordinary.Whether you are a public school teacher from high school to pre-K, you will want to hear what Dr. Verhoeven says. Think of this episode as a rallying call to shake things up in the classroom. Dr. Verhoeven shares the best ways to reach kids taking small steps along the way to make a significant impact on the learning environments for kids. If you consider yourself a rebel teacher, you will LOVE this episode. Rebel teachers- Join us. Past Rebel Teaching Episodes with Dr. Yen Verhoeven:OTT 73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational ReformOTT 117: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?OTT 161: How to Successfully Use STEM to Teach Social and Emotional LearningSubscribe 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!
OTT 225: 5 Intriguing Genre Studies to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the 2nd Grade
Aug 28 2023
OTT 225: 5 Intriguing Genre Studies to Strengthen Reading Comprehension in the 2nd Grade
Are your second graders struggling to comprehend what they read? Are you tired of the same old comprehension questions that elicit only one-word answers? Do you want your students to take reading to the next level and also profoundly fall in love with reading? Keep reading or listening for five genre studies to pique your students' curiosity and strengthen their reading comprehension skills. Plus, your students will fall deeply in love with literature and informational text. From mysteries to fairy tales, these genre studies will encourage your students to delve deeper into the text. So, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride through the literary world with these five intriguing genre studies for young readers. And don't worry; we will be looking at more than reading comprehension worksheets; we will be delving into fascinating books on essential events or using an old faithful favorite book or two along the way. 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!
OTT 224: How to Promote Effective Reading Comprehension in the in the Second-Grade Classroom
Aug 21 2023
OTT 224: How to Promote Effective Reading Comprehension in the in the Second-Grade Classroom
Oh, second grade. A time of innocence, wonder, and... you guessed it- reading comprehension? Yes, you heard it right. Understanding what we read is essential for success in almost every aspect of life and is honestly the whole point of reading. Yet, comprehension can get lost in a world where we focus a great deal on WPM (words per minute). And as much as we'd like to believe that kids naturally "get it," the truth is that effective reading comprehension needs to be taught and nurtured. So, if you're a teacher or a parent wondering how to impart this oh-so-important skill to your little ones, get ready because here we go! In this blog post or podcast episode, depending on whether you are reading or listening, we'll explore the best way to promote adequate reading comprehension in the second-grade classroom. We've covered you, from identifying the main idea to tackling those pesky comprehension questions.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!
OTT: 223 Efficiency in Education: 9 Topics for Saving Time by Merging Science and Reading Lesson
Aug 14 2023
OTT: 223 Efficiency in Education: 9 Topics for Saving Time by Merging Science and Reading Lesson
Are you tired of feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to teach all the necessary subjects?Do you find yourself wishing you could merge science and reading lessons to save time? Well, my friend, you're in luck. In this episode/blog post, we'll explore nine science topics and science units that can be integrated into your reading curriculum to make your teaching more efficient while covering information text standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. Gone are the days of frantically trying to cram in both science and reading instruction before the final bell rings. By merging these two subjects, you will save precious time, and your students will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of both areas by focusing on a specific science topic. 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!
OTT 221 Ready, Set, Teach: Preparing Emergency Sub Plans in the Elementary Classroom
Jul 31 2023
OTT 221 Ready, Set, Teach: Preparing Emergency Sub Plans in the Elementary Classroom
Ah, the joys of teaching! The laughter of children, the thrill of imparting knowledge, and the exquisite pain of preparing for every imaginable scenario. We're talking about sub plans - those magical documents that ensure your students don't go off the rails when you're out sick or stuck in a traffic jam, or worse, have a family emergency.Now, if you're an elementary school teacher, you know all too well that sub plans aren't something you can whip up in five minutes. Oh no. They must be detailed enough to cover multiple subjects and flexible enough to accommodate different levels and personalities. And if you teach 2nd grade? That requires some extra creativity (and maybe a dash of caffeine) and some extra luck to write just the right plan for even the pickiest of subs.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!