In this episode of The Education Connection, we're diving into simple, powerful attention-getters and classroom management tools that set the tone for a calm, focused classroom—without raising your voice or losing your mind. From classic clap-backs to the magical "Mystery Student" game, these strategies are perfect for the first days of school and beyond.

You'll walk away with 7 easy-to-implement ideas, including fun ways to manage transitions, end-of-day cleanup hacks (hello, mystery object!), and meaningful ways to reset the tone with quiet authority.

We’ll end the episode with a scripture and prayer to encourage you as you begin the school year—because what you're doing matters more than you know.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for social or email, or a bullet-point summary of the 7 strategies!

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

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In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm walking you through exactly how I structure and teach my procedures on the very first day of school — and why it matters so much for the rest of the year. From unpacking supplies and reading expectations to lunchroom behavior and packing up to go home, I’m sharing it all.

🗓️ First Day of School Schedule:

• 8:00 AM – Greet students & decorate name tags
• 8:30 AM – Independent coloring & begin putting away supplies
• 9:00 AM – Teach rug expectations & read aloud
• 9:15 AM – Dance break or playground procedure practice
• 9:30 AM – Continue supply organization
• 10:00 AM – Block play & practice sharing
• 10:50 AM – Practice lining up for lunch
• 11:35 AM – Recess
• 12:00 PM – Practice lining up after recess
• 12:10 PM – Read aloud & rug routine review
• 12:30 PM – “Get to Know You” activity or block station rotation
• 1:00 PM – Practice lining up & attend specials (Music)
• 2:00 PM – Afternoon recess
• 2:20 PM – Pack-up practice while watching PBS

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• The First Days of School by Harry Wong (Audible version recommended — listen to Chapter 19!)
• Take Control of the Noisy Class by Rob Plevin – My personal favorite
• What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker
• Better Than Carrots or Sticks – New read for this year (review coming soon!)

🛒 Bonus Resource: Check out my Back to School Packet for fun, no-prep activities perfect for the first few days of school.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

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Get Ready for Second Grade

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Back-to-School Reset: A Fresh Start for Teachers and Parents

In this episode, we're turning the page from summer to school with a practical and encouraging conversation about how to reset for the new year. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or both—this episode is your gentle nudge to breathe, refocus, and move forward with clarity.

We’ll reflect briefly on the 4-part Reset Series we just wrapped up and talk about what it means to truly feel ready—mentally, emotionally, and practically—for the back-to-school season. I’ll also share how my Get Ready resources can support your students as they transition back into routines, build confidence, and review important skills.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, behind, or just plain tired—this one’s for you. Let’s reset together.

👉 Grab the “Get Ready” packets in the links below!

🎧 Catch up on the 4-part Reset Series the last 4 episodes

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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Spiritual Rest: Reconnecting with God in Everyday Moments

Description: In the final episode of our 4-part rest series, we’re talking about the kind of rest that truly restores: spiritual rest. This isn’t about naps or time off—it’s about slowing down enough to reconnect with God. Whether through nature, devotionals, quiet reflection, or even church community (yes, even when it’s complicated), spiritual rest invites us back to our source of peace and purpose.

In this episode, I’ll share ways to look for God in your everyday routines—even in the midst of lesson planning, caregiving, or prepping for a new school year. I’ll also reflect on how I’ve felt God’s presence while creating things that bring calm and clarity to both kids and families.

Plus, I’ll leave you with a powerful scripture, a prayer, and a gentle reminder: God is with you—right now, right where you are.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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🎙️ Episode Title: Finding Emotional Rest — Exhale the Feelings You’ve Been Carrying

Description: Even during summer break, the weight of the school year lingers—and those "July Scaries" creep in as a new year approaches. In this third episode of our Rest Series, we're talking about emotional rest: what it is, why it matters, and how to find it even when your heart feels full of everything you didn’t have time to process during the year.

I’ll share signs of emotional fatigue and offer four gentle, practical ways to care for your inner world before the demands of August arrive.

Plus, I’ll tell you how my “Get Ready” printable packets for Kindergarten through 3rd grade can lighten your prep load, and give a quick update from the TpT Conference where I’m learning even more to serve you better.

We’ll close with a moment of peace—anchored in scripture and a prayer for your soul.

🛑 Disclaimer: I’m not a counselor—just a teacher and friend. This episode is for encouragement and entertainment only. If you’re struggling emotionally, please reach out to a certified counselor or healthcare provider.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

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Rest & Restore – Week 2: Mental Rest That Lets Your Mind Exhale ☀️🧠✍️

Your body may be on summer break... but is your brain?

In this week’s episode of the Rest & Restore Summer Mini-Series, we’re talking about mental rest—the kind that lets your thoughts settle, your shoulders drop, and your mind finally exhale.

If your teacher brain is still swirling with ideas, plans, and what-ifs, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through 5 practical ways to quiet the mental noise, including:

• A 5-minute “brain-dump and bless” ritual 📝
• A one-hour screen sabbath to reset your focus 📵
• Simple sensory cues to signal your brain it’s safe to rest 🕯️
• A scripture-based reframe with Philippians 4:8
• Encouragement from 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 to let God meet you in your weakness 💛

You’ll also hear about my updated Get Ready for 2nd Grade packets—designed to help you or your students ease into the school year without doing all the prep yourself. (Think: sip your tea, print, and go. ☕✂️)

👉🏻Get Ready for Kindergarten

👉🏻Get Ready for First Grade

👉🏻Get Ready for Second Grade

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Rest & Restore – Week 1: Physical Rest That Actually Restores ☁️🪴💤

You made it to summer… but why are you still so tired? 😩☀️

In this first episode of the Rest & Restore mini-series, we’re talking about physical rest — and what it really means to recharge your body without turning into a total couch potato 🛋️🍿.

From gentle routines 🕯️☕

to guilt-free naps 😴

and cozy corners outside 🌸🪑,

I’m sharing five simple ways I’m learning to rest with intention — and how I’m leaning on God’s strength instead of my own.

We’ll reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 📖:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” If you’ve been carrying more than your share lately, this one’s for you. 💛

You don’t have to fake being fine. You don’t have to earn rest. You’re allowed to breathe, heal, and let God carry what you can’t. 🙌

Let’s start this summer of restoration — gently and honestly — together.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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In this episode of The Education Connection, I share an honest look at what it feels like to hit summer break and still feel completely drained—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Three days in, and the rest hasn’t kicked in yet. Sound familiar?

We’ll talk about:

• Why post-year exhaustion is deeper than just being “tired”
• Simple, soul-filling ways to rest without guilt
• A quick devotional from Matthew 11:28 to remind us we’re not meant to carry it all
• And how Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule might just help when it’s time to slowly ease back into motion

If you’re feeling worn out instead of refreshed, this episode is your permission slip to pause. You’ve done enough. Let this be your gentle reminder: real rest takes time—and you deserve it.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Facebook

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Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle