Good Morning Teacher
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsGood Morning, Teacher! A podcast for busy teachers who want practical solutions to those common classroom challenges -- because you can love your job and leave your work at school! Join host, Noelle Pickering as she shares tools and strategies that will help you maximize your time and effort… both in the classroom and at home. For more teaching ideas and math resources visit maneuveringthemiddle.com.
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Episodes
CRA Deep Dive: Why Models in Math are a Must
January 18, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle shares what the CRA (concrete, representational, and abstract) framework is and how to use it for students to grasp difficult math concepts. If you are looking to dive deeper into research-based instructional math strategies, then this episode will give you the start you need. Check back next week for part 2 of this series. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle bl...
Are you asking the right questions in your classroom?
January 11, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle shares strategies for facilitating and encouraging higher-level thinking from your students. This starts with the types of questions you are asking and how you are asking them. Plus, these two quick hits can be implemented today. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of up...
Don’t Make this Mistake When Looking at the Standards
January 04, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle discusses what unpacking math standards looks like by walking through our process at Maneuvering the Middle. She answers the question, “Why is lesson planning necessary?” Plus, a free lesson planning template for you! For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of upcoming episod...
Math Manipulatives for Every Budget
November 02, 2021 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBMath manipulatives can seem like extra work, but they are really the best way to introduce students to new mathematical concepts. In today’s episode, Noelle shares her favorite math manipulatives to teach concrete understanding of abstract concepts with a hands-on approach! Plus, she shares how to stretch your dollar with some budget ideas. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our...
Getting Started with Stations
October 19, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBMath Stations can solve many classroom challenges! They meet the needs of various learners, provide practice on spiraled concepts, and they put the responsibility of learning on the students. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses how to begin implementing stations by starting small and shares what best practices will keep your math stations on track. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog,...
Should You Assign Homework?
October 05, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBShould teachers assign homework? Teachers, parents, and researchers have been asking and answering this question for years. In today’s episode, Noelle dives into the academic pros and cons and social-emotional pros and cons of assigning homework to your students. If you are a teacher struggling with homework, then this episode is for you. Plus, find out the 5 questions you must ask yourself before you assign another homework assignment. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. ...
Overcoming October
September 28, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBOctober is just around the corner! While there are so many fun things that autumn brings, it can be a challenging month to be a teacher. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about why October is so difficult as a teacher and some tips to overcome these obstacles. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of...
Preparing for a Sub Before You Need One
September 21, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBPreparing for a substitute used to be so easy! Ha - I am joking, of course. We had no idea how easy it used to be. Now with COVID, quarantining, and technology, it can be pretty complicated. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about ways to prepare for a substitute today that will make your future self say thank you. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and f...
4 Tips for Making Math Meaningful
September 14, 2021 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.14 MBWe encounter math on a daily basis, but it can be challenging for students to connect what they learn in class to the outside world. In today’s episode, Noelle shares 4 ways to make math relevant and how to answer the age-old question, “When are we ever going to use this?” For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to b...
What You Need to Survive the School Year
September 07, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.92 MBTeachers spend 8-10 hours a day at school, so we need to be prepared for anything and everything. We also want to keep students from having to make unnecessary trips to the office for things that we can easily store in our classroom. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about what items you MUST have in your classroom to survive (and none of them are school supplies.) For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering t...
Stop Doing These 4 Things Right Away
August 31, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThe beginning of the school year is when we have the best intentions for how the school year will go. Let’s keep this positive energy up by committing to stop doing these 4 things. In today’s episode, Noelle dives deep into what is wasting your time and what you can do to fix it. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. W...
Why Your Students Struggle with Word Problems (and What to Do About It)
August 24, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBWord problems can be a challenge to teach. Perhaps, it is because we are trying to teach students to problem-solve: think about, observe, investigate, and reason through situations. Which, in my opinion, is quite the task! In today’s episode, Noelle discusses why problem-solving is so important for our students and provides some strategies to get students thinking. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering ...
5 Steps to Teaching Routines & Procedures that will Stick
August 17, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBYou may have the best routines and procedures planned for your classroom, but if you don’t teach students HOW to implement those routines, then you will not reap the benefits. In today’s episode, Noelle will share 5 steps to effectively teaching your students routines and procedures that will stick. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneu...
Must-Teach Routines and Procedures
August 10, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.82 MBThe first day of school is upon us! Which has us asking - should I teach rules/expectations on that first day or do something fun? In today’s episode, Noelle shares how you can do both. Plus, we talk about which routines and procedures are the most important to teach your students. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. ...
Back to School Prep: Do This Not That
August 03, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.19 MBIt is that time of year again: time to deck out our classrooms! Easily one of the best and most stressful parts of being a teacher. In today’s episode, Noelle shares the do’s and don’ts of classroom setup. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review. ...
Moving from Good to Great
July 27, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MBIf you are a teacher who is seeing the online teacher community buzzing with words like “grids” or “centers” and feel a little overwhelmed, then this post/episode is for you. Oftentimes, we see other teachers implement new strategies or techniques, and think to ourselves, “Should I be doing that too?” In today’s episode, Noelle discusses how to improve your classrooms using principles like the Flywheel Effect. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie ...
How Marissa uses small groups to reach her students
July 20, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBWe are so excited to have Marissa McCarthy on the podcast! Marissa is an expert at differentiating and supporting students through rotations and small groups. In today’s episode, Noelle and Marissa discuss effective ways to use Maneuvering the Middle resources and why there is no reason to reinvent the wheel in teaching. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community...
Your All Access Invite: Is This Right For You?
July 13, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle announces the launch of an all-inclusive membership for middle school math teachers: All Access. Find out what All Access is, how you can get it, and how it will help you be the best math teacher you can be. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subsc...
ICYMI: Three Simple Strategies to Help You Work Smarter Not Harder
July 06, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.03 MBTeachers have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. Check out 3 tips for increasing your productivity and managing your workload. Develop a plan for how to manage your to-do list and execute it efficiently. Plus, learn about a tool that helps students and teachers stay organized in the digital classroom (and find out how to get it for free). For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, ...
Exhausted by Multiple Preps? Try this!
June 29, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MBMost teachers manage multiple preps in their teaching careers. While there is nothing easy about teaching multiple curricula across multiple grade levels, there are a few hacks to save your time and sanity. In today’s episode, Noelle shares 6 tips for making the most of your time/energy while juggling multiple preps. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, an...
Running a Self Paced Classroom with Jodi Rookhuizen
June 22, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle interviews Jodi Rookhuizen about her success using the Grid Method with Maneuvering the Middle curriculum. If you are interested in adopting a self-paced classroom, then this episode is for you. Jodi shares her experience and some practical tips to get you started. Plus, a listener freebie to help you make that transition. For all the links and freebies mentioned in the show, click here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook c...
Are Video Lessons Effective?
June 15, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle answers the question - are video lessons here to stay? Most teachers relied heavily on video lessons during the pandemic, but what do we do with them as schools return face to face. Plus, Noelle gives a sneak peek into an exciting new resource from Maneuvering the Middle. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuve...
Are Video Lessons Effective?
June 15, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn today’s episode, Noelle answers the question - are video lessons here to stay? Most teachers relied heavily on video lessons during the pandemic, but what do we do with them as schools return face to face. Plus, Noelle gives a sneak peek into an exciting new resource from Maneuvering the Middle. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuve...
4 Must Do's for First Year Teachers
June 08, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.3 MBAfter many years of teaching math, there are still several things I wish I had known before I started. Today, I am sharing 4 tips for any new math teacher. Whether you are fresh out of college or shifting careers, this episode is for you. Plus, a free download that helps students move forward when they get stuck. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and fo...
Teacher Mistakes #1 - Not Setting Enough Boundaries
June 01, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.35 MBSetting professional boundaries as a teacher is tough but necessary. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses why teachers struggle with setting boundaries, what boundaries teachers should set, and how to put those boundaries into place. If you are a teacher looking for ideas to improve your work-life balance next school year, then this episode is for you. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle bl...
Don't make this common teacher mistake!
June 01, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.35 MBSetting professional boundaries as a teacher is tough but necessary. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses why teachers struggle with setting boundaries, what boundaries teachers should set, and how to put those boundaries into place. If you are a teacher looking for ideas to improve your work-life balance next school year, then this episode is for you. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle bl...
Summer P.D. without Leaving Your House
May 25, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.4 MBBecoming a better teacher means making time to learn about new techniques and strategies to implement in the classroom. There is no better way to do this than to connect and learn from other teachers. This summer is a great opportunity to sharpen your teaching tools with a variety of online courses. In today’s episode, Noelle shares some summer opportunities for teachers and some low-lift ways to improve your teaching. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listene...
Summer Prep: Do This, Not That
May 18, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.87 MBSummer is fast approaching - a time to relax and not think about school for the first time in months! In today’s episode, Noelle covers what teachers can do to make the most of their time as well as what teachers should avoid doing this summer. Plus, Noelle shares a tip for how to make August/September the smoothest months of the school year. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join o...
8 Tips for Finishing the Year Strong
May 11, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MBThe end of the school year is fast approaching. In today’s episode, Noelle shares some easy ways to end the school year with your students. The end of the year can be stressful, but it can also be fun and memorable. Plus, a listener freebie to help countdown the days to summer. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want...
To Flip or Not to Flip (Your Classroom) with Mandy Rice
May 04, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn today’s episode, I chat with Mandy Rice, creator of the Flipped Classroom Formula and host of the Sustainable Teacher podcast. Mandy and I chat about the benefits and the challenges of the flipped classroom model, and she shares some of her best practices. If you are interested in changing the way you deliver your content, then this episode is for you. Follow Mandy on Twitter @teachonam1ssion or on Instagram @teachonamission For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. For more...
Why Fractions Are Still a Challenge in Middle School with Brittany Hege
April 27, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBIn today’s episode, I chat with Mix and Math’s Brittany Hege about using models to further students’ AND teachers’ conceptual understanding of operations with fractions -- specifically fraction division. If you want to further your students’ understanding past ‘keep, change, flip,’ then this episode is for you. Plus, find out how you can grab your own How to Teach Dividing Fractions Guide. Follow Brittany on Instagram @mixandmath For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. To ...
Why Fractions Are Still a Problem in Middle School with Brittany Hege
April 27, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn today’s episode, I chat with Mix and Math’s Brittany Hege about using models to further students’ AND teachers’ conceptual understanding of operations with fractions -- specifically fraction division. If you want to further your students’ understanding past ‘keep, change, flip,’ then this episode is for you. Plus, find out how you can grab your own How to Teach Dividing Fractions Guide. Follow Brittany on Instagram @mixandmath For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. To ...
4 Number Sense Strategies to Incorporate
April 20, 2021 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.3 MBNumber sense isn't just for elementary school. Middle school number sense is crucial for students to develop into flexible problem solvers. In today’s episode, we discuss what number sense is and what it is not. Plus, we share strategies for you to use with middle school students to take their number sense to the next level. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Books Mentioned in Today’s Episode About Teaching Mathematics |Quality Questioning |Developing Numerical Fluenc...
State Testing in 2020-2021: A Tough Conversation
April 13, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.61 MBFor some teachers, students have already taken their first standardized test despite the challenging year it has been. For others, test prep season is about to begin. In today’s episode, we discuss some of the positives of testing this year and some ways to make this testing season something your students will look forward to. Plus, listen to grab your free set of testing cheat sheets to help your students study. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freeb...
Why You Should Be Using Small Groups in Your Classroom
April 06, 2021 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.48 MBSometimes the most beneficial teaching practice for students can also be the most overwhelming. Enter small groups. Small groups are full of moving pieces, and they are a lot to juggle for even the most experienced teacher. This episode will break down the challenges, the benefits, and give you some practical tips to help you get started with your small groups tomorrow. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuv...
Breaking Down The Grid Method with Chad Ostrowski
March 30, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBIn today’s episode, I chat with Chad Ostrowski, creator of The Grid Method and CEO of Teach Better. We discuss how Chad’s hardest year of teaching led him to develop this new method of instruction and how it could work for you and your classroom. Listeners can save 25% on The Grid Method Course by using code: GoodMorningTeacher at checkout. Follow Chad on Twitter @chadostrowski or on Instagram @chad.a.ostrowski To follow Teach Better on Instagram or Twitter, you can follow them @teachbet...
More Feedback, Less Grading
March 23, 2021 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.7 MBIf you want to get off the hamster wheel of constantly grading and tracking down missing assignments, then this episode is for you. We breakdown why grading might not be the best way to motivate students or monitor progress and how feedback can be more effective for students in the long run. We share how to give more feedback and how to grade assignments in less time. Plus, learn which Maneuvering the Middle resources now have more self-grading features. For all the links mentioned in the s...
4 Things I Always Do When Lesson Planning
March 16, 2021 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.55 MBDoes lesson planning take up too much of your valuable time? I always do 4 things when lesson planning to help me stay streamlined, organized, and ready for any curveballs. Get more lessons planned in less time by looking at the big picture and finalizing the small details. Plus, grab some free digital performance tasks designed for middle school and Algebra students. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuve...
Productively Advocating for Yourself
March 09, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.83 MBTeachers are advocates. We discover a student has a need, we communicate the need to various stakeholders, and then we use our collective brainpower and resources to make sure that need is met. When a former student struggled to see the board, I worked with the counselor to help this student get a prescription and the glasses they needed. Teachers advocate for many people in their lives. Why do we not do it for ourselves? On today’s episode, we give you a 5-step process for advocating for ...
Five Tech Tips for Student Engagement and Teacher Happiness
March 02, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.62 MBLooking for some practical technology tools that will help students actually *practice* and not just *play*? We've got 5 ideas to help. Find out what we love about Blooket, GimKit, and Badgr, and find out what two Chrome extensions no teacher should live without. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified...
Life-Saving Math Activities that Work for All Classroom Settings
March 02, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.92 MBDo you want your students to get excited about math? Look no further -- digital activities can do just that. Teachers share all of the many ways you can use them in your in-person or digital classroom. Plus, get your own set to try for free! For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of upcoming episodes?...
How to Set Your Students Up for Success with These Two Quick Tips
March 02, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.49 MBIf managing your virtual classroom has you and your students feeling frustrated, then this is for you. Get back to the basics with these 2 tips that you can implement digitally TODAY. Your students will feel successful which means you will feel successful. For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle. Want to be notified of up...
Three Simple Strategies to Help You Work Smarter Not Harder
March 02, 2021 07:00 - 13 minutes - 9.24 MBTeachers have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. Check out 3 tips for increasing your productivity and managing your workload. Develop a plan for how to manage your to-do list and execute it efficiently. Plus, learn about a tool that helps students and teachers stay organized in the digital classroom (and find out how to get it for free). For all the links mentioned in the show, click here. Grab the listener freebie here. For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, ...
Introducing Good Morning Teacher | Trailer
February 03, 2021 16:00 - 59 seconds - 731 KBGood Morning, Teacher! A podcast for busy teachers who want practical solutions to those common classroom challenges -- because you can love your job and leave your work at school! Join host, Noelle Pickering as she shares tools and strategies that will help you maximize your time and effort… both in the classroom and at home. For more teaching ideas and math resources visit maneuveringthemiddle.com.