Welcome to the LaRocque Star Learning Podcast for elementary teachers! This is the place to learn how to rock your classroom management systems and find the teacher life balance one episode at a time. Let’s get started!
We’ve all been there—students finish their work early, and suddenly, they’re wandering the room, chatting, or finding creative (and distracting) ways to fill their time. But managing early finishers isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s about keeping them engaged with purpose!
In this episode, we’re diving into why having a strong early finishers system is essential for classroom management and how you can set up meaningful early finishers activities that reinforce learning. I’ll share three simple, low-prep strategies to help you create a structured plan that keeps students on task, minimizes disruptions, and ensures extra time is productive.
🎧 Listen now if you’re ready to stop the “I’m done, now what?” questions and set up an easy system for early finishers, this episode is for you!
👉 Resources Mentioned:
📌 Roll a Number Activities (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Early-Finishers-Math-Activities-Dice-Games-for-Math-12470746)
📌 Roll a Story (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Early-Finisher-Writing-Activities-12523880)
Additional Resources:
📌 Free Classroom Management Puzzle Framework (/framework)
8 Feb 2025
How Strong Classroom Communities Lead to Effective Management
Feeling like your classroom management could use a refresh? You’re not alone! February can be a tough time of year, but here’s the good news—focusing on how you build a classroom community can make a huge difference in student behavior, engagement, and overall classroom management. But the beautiful thing??? It can be done any time of year!
In this episode, we’re diving into why a strong classroom community isn’t just a nice extra—it’s a game-changer. I’ll share how fostering student relationships leads to fewer behavior challenges, increased participation, and a smoother-running classroom. Plus, I’ll give you three simple, actionable strategies you can start using right away to strengthen your classroom community.
If you’re ready to create a classroom where students feel connected, supported, and motivated to follow expectations, this episode is for you!
🎧 Listen now and start building the classroom community you’ve been looking for!
👉 Resources Mentioned:
📌 Free Classroom Management Puzzle Framework (/framework)
📌 Student Discussion Strategies Resource (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Discussion-Strategies-9056778)
📌 Seasonal Classroom Management Games (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Seasonal-Classroom-Management-Games-12575850)
19 Jan 2025
Time Management Systems for Teachers
In this episode, we’re diving into teacher time management tips to help you get out the door sooner without sacrificing what matters most.
I’ll share my go-to strategies, including teacher batch planning, grading tips for teachers, and how setting boundaries can transform your routine.
Tune in for practical, actionable steps to simplify your workload and reclaim your time!
Resources Mentioned:
Classroom Management Puzzle Framework (/framework)
Show Notes/Blog for this Episode (https://www.larocquestarlearning.com/blog/teacher-time-management)
3 Jan 2025
How to Make Effective Classroom Routines
In this episode, we're diving into the power of effective classroom routines and how they can transform your day into a smooth, well-oiled machine. I’ll break down the difference between routines and procedures, share real-life examples from my own classroom, and give practical tips to make your routines clear, consistent, and simple. Tune in to learn how refining just a few routines can improve your classroom management and help your students thrive.
Resources Mentioned:
Classroom Routines Checklist (/checklist)
Show Notes/Blog for this Episode (https://www.larocquestarlearning.com/blog/effective-classroom-routines)
15 Dec 2024
3 Must-Dos for Teachers This Christmas Break
LaRocque shares the 3 essential steps for teachers to recharge, reflect, and refocus during the Christmas break, ensuring a successful new year.
23 Nov 2024
How to Build Relationships with Students
LaRocque Star Learning founder shares personal stories and practical tips on building positive student relationships through small, intentional actions that transform classroom environments.
9 Nov 2024
5 Student Engagement Strategies for Teachers
In this episode, we dive into the essentials of student engagement and explore why it’s so important for learning and classroom success. Join us as we unpack what student engagement really means and share five actionable elementary student engagement strategies to help keep your students motivated, curious, and actively participating. Whether you're looking to boost focus, improve understanding, or minimize classroom disruptions, these practical tips will guide you in creating a learning environment that keeps students excited to learn every day.
Additional tools:
Student Discussion Strategies by LaRocque Star Learning | TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Discussion-Strategies-9056778)
Formal Lesson Plan Template | Lesson Mapping by LaRocque Star Learning (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Formal-Lesson-Plan-Template-Lesson-Mapping-8949845)
4 Factors to Consider When Planning a Lesson — LaRocque Star Learning (https://www.larocquestarlearning.com/blog/planning-a-lesson)
26 Oct 2024
How to Calm a Classroom
Have you ever felt like you suddenly lost control of your class? I’ve been there!
In this episode, I’m sharing some tried-and-true strategies to help you manage classroom behavior when things get a bit loud and unruly. We’ll dive into practical classroom management tips on how to calm a classroom, from visual cues to effective resets and recognizing those positive behaviors. Whether it’s a wacky day, a fire drill, or just extra energy in the air, these tips will help you bring your students back on track!
Additional tools:
Classroom Management Games by LaRocque Star Learning | TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Games-11611553)
Class Reward Coupons by LaRocque Star Learning | TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Reward-Coupons-10868219)
14 Oct 2024
5 Ways to Improve Classroom Management
Curious about how to improve classroom management? Well, today we're diving into my top tips on how to skyrocket your classroom management.
We'll be focusing on proactive strategies you can keep in mind as you refine your classroom management approach. From being consistent, keeping students engaged, to the importance of self-care, these tips will help you set up for success all year long.
Let's get started!
Resources mentioned:
The Routines & Procedures Checklist: www.larocquestarlearning.com/checklist (http://www.larocquestarlearning.com/checklist)
The Classroom Management Plan Guide: www.larocquestarlearning.com/plan (http://www.larocquestarlearning.com/plan)
29 Sept 2024
Self-Care Tips for Teachers
In this episode of the LaRocque Star Learning Podcast, we’re focusing on a critical but often overlooked piece of effective classroom management—teacher self-care. I’m sharing my personal experience with teacher burnout and how creating strong self-care habits helped me become a more effective and balanced teacher. Tune in for practical teacher self-care tips, teacher time management strategies, and mindset shifts that will support your well-being, reduce stress, and boost your overall effectiveness in the classroom.
Prioritizing yourself isn’t just about feeling good—it’s the foundation for creating a thriving classroom environment. Let’s explore how taking care of YOU can transform your teaching!
8 Sept 2024
Substitute Teacher Ideas
In this episode, we dive into the essential steps for preparing your classroom for a substitute teacher, whether you're planning an absence or dealing with an unexpected one. I’ll walk you through key tips like organizing your schedule and lesson plans, creating a substitute binder, and having backup activities ready to keep your students engaged. Plus, I’ll share advice on setting clear expectations for your students to ensure a smooth day for both them and your substitute. Don't miss these practical strategies to keep your classroom running smoothly, even when you’re not there!
25 Aug 2024
First Week of School Expectations
In this episode, we break down the essential steps for rolling out classroom expectations during the first week of school. We clarify the difference between classroom expectations and routines, and discuss two effective ways to introduce expectations to students: directly telling them what’s expected or guiding them to help create the expectations under your direction.
We also explore how to ensure students understand not just what the expectations are, but how to meet them and why they are important. By addressing the what, how, and why, you’ll set your students up for success. Lastly, we stress the importance of going live with your classroom management plan from day one—no free passes! Consistency is key to ensuring your expectations stick throughout the year.
Tune in for actionable strategies that will help you start the school year strong!
10 Aug 2024
Open House Ideas for Teachers
Is your open house coming up, and are you starting to feel the nerves? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips and strategies to help you host a successful, stress-free open house that sets the stage for a positive school year.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
-How to effectively set up stations to streamline your open house
-Ways to create a welcoming atmosphere for parents and students
-Tips for gathering crucial information from parents
-A simple hack to make students feel special and excited about their new classroom
-Bonus strategies if your open house is scheduled after the school year begins
Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you feel confident and prepared. Plus, I’ll share a personal story from my own first open house experience—you won’t want to miss it!
Tune in now, and get ready to make your open house a hit!
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