5 Creative Ways to Use Podcasts in the Classroom



Podcasts are a fantastic, versatile resource that can engage students in learning beyond traditional textbooks or videos. They offer an easy, low-prep way to bring expert voices, diverse perspectives, and creative storytelling into the classroom. Here are five ways to bring podcasts to life in your classroom — along with some recommended shows to get you started!



1. Create a Calming Corner with Podcasts

For students who need a quick break, consider setting up a “calming corner” with a pair of headphones and some short, calming podcasts. It’s a great way to help them refocus, learn self-regulation, and pick up interesting facts in a low-stress way. Encourage students to use this space when they feel overwhelmed or need a few quiet minutes.

Podcast Suggestions:

➧  Peace Out: Guided mindfulness and relaxation stories for kids.
➧  But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids: Answers fun questions from kids, like "Why is the sky blue?" or "How do fish breathe?"
➧  Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: Short stories about inspiring women in history, perfect for boosting self-confidence and mindfulness.



2. Use Podcasts as Listening Stations to Explore New Topics

Bring your curriculum to life by introducing students to podcasts related to your current topic of study. Students can complete a simple doodle review as they listen! This works especially well with social studies, history, or science units. 



Simply set up a listening station where students can explore a podcast episode that aligns with what they're learning, like ancient civilizations, space exploration, or famous historical figures.

Podcast Suggestions:

➧  Brains On!: A science podcast for kids that covers diverse topics, like volcanoes, plants, and sound waves.
➧  Wow in the World: A science and curiosity-driven podcast that dives into everything from dinosaurs to DNA.



3. Develop Critical Listening & Analysis Skills with Podcasts

Podcasts are an excellent tool for helping students improve their listening and analysis skills. Start by having them listen to an episode, take notes on main ideas, and identify key vocabulary. Then, they can use my Podcast Review Guide & Doodle One-Pager to summarize, analyze, and review what they’ve learned in a fun, visually engaging format. 


This activity can boost comprehension and teach students to evaluate sources, tone, and style — essential skills for media literacy.

Podcast Suggestions:

➧  Circle Round: Folktales from around the world, great for analyzing storytelling techniques.

➧  The Past & The Curious: Fun, quirky stories from history that make critical listening fun.

➧  Short & Curly: An ethics podcast that introduces kids to complex questions, like "Is it okay to keep secrets?" — perfect for sparking classroom discussions.



4. Prepare an Emergency Substitute Plan with Podcasts

Podcasts can be a lifesaver on days when you’re out unexpectedly. Leave a podcast episode with some guiding questions or a simple listening response sheet. Students can engage independently, and substitutes can easily manage this quiet activity without needing extensive background knowledge. Plus, students still get to practice listening skills and expand their knowledge on relevant topics.

Podcast Suggestions:

➧  Smash Boom Best: A debate podcast where two topics go head-to-head (like "Cats vs. Dogs"), sparking interest and independent thinking.
➧  Greeking Out: Stories of Greek mythology and adventures that keep students engaged and entertained.



5. Build Social Skills and Teamwork with Podcast Pair & Share

After listening to a podcast episode individually, have students pair up to discuss what they learned. This approach encourages them to share insights, summarize content, and compare perspectives, building social skills and comprehension. You can also expand this into a small group discussion or use it as a warm-up for a larger classroom conversation.

Podcast Suggestions:

➧  Forever Ago: A history podcast for kids that covers the history of everyday objects like sandwiches and video games.
➧  Mystery Recipe: A fun podcast that explores cooking, science, and culture, giving students plenty of fun facts to discuss.
➧  Story Seeds: A podcast where kids share story ideas and authors bring them to life, great for sparking creativity and storytelling discussions.

Podcasts offer an engaging and flexible way to incorporate audio learning into the classroom. They can foster skills like critical listening, independent thinking, and empathy, all while exposing students to different cultures, historical perspectives, and current events. Whether used as a calming tool or a creative analysis activity, podcasts make learning dynamic and accessible for students of all ages!


Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth



P.S. Make using podcasts in the classroom easy with this ready-to-go resource! It includes guided notes about podcasts, a detailed listening guide for students to complete, and a super engaging doodle review page. Check it out here!





How to Sequence Your Grammar and Mechanics Curriculum for Maximum Success


Planning your grammar and mechanics curriculum can feel like putting together a puzzle. The good news is that by thoughtfully sequencing the topics, you can help your students build a strong foundation and gradually develop more complex skills. In this post, I'll share a suggested sequence that has worked well for my classroom, starting with sentences and moving through parts of speech, capitalization, comma rules, quotation marks, and punctuation. Remember, this sequence is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to meet the needs of your students!

Oh, and if you're ready to take a deep dive into this suggested Scope and Sequence, grab this free outline for grammar and mechanics curriculum here.


1. Start with Sentences

Sentences are the building blocks of writing, so it's the perfect place to begin. 


In this unit, focus on the four types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory) and the components of a complete sentence (subject and predicate). This foundation will prepare students to understand how different parts of speech fit together to form coherent thoughts.

--- Key Concepts: Types of sentences, subject and predicate, sentence structure

--- UNIT 1 - Sentences - 5 days / Doodle Flipbook, Practice Pages, Quiz


2. Explore Parts of Speech

Once students have a grasp of sentences, it's time to dive into the parts of speech. 



Understanding nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections is crucial because these elements are the words that build sentences. Teach each part of speech individually, emphasizing how they function within a sentence. Activities like identifying and sorting parts of speech will solidify students' understanding.

--- Key Concepts: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions, interjections

--- UNIT 2 - Parts of Speech - 13 Days / Doodle Notes, Practice Pages, Quiz


3. Move on to Capitalization

With a good understanding of sentences and parts of speech, students are ready to learn the rules of capitalization.  


This unit covers when and where to capitalize, including the first word in a sentence, proper nouns, titles, and more. Reinforcing these rules will help students polish their writing and ensure it's clear and correct.

--- Key Concepts: Capitalizing proper nouns, the first word in a sentence, titles, and special cases

--- UNIT 3 - Capitalization - 6 Days / Doodle Desk Mat, Practice Pages, Quiz


4. Introduce Comma Rules

Next, it's time to tackle one of the trickiest punctuation marks—the comma. 


Students often struggle with where and when to use commas, so breaking this unit down into manageable rules is key. Cover topics like commas in a series, after introductory elements, in compound sentences, and to set off nonessential information.

--- Key Concepts: Commas in a series, after introductory elements, in compound sentences, with coordinating conjunctions, and in nonessential clauses

--- UNIT 4 - Comma Rules - 11 Days / Doodle Notes Packet, Practice Pages, Quiz


5. Teach Quotation Marks

With commas under their belts, students are ready to learn about quotation marks. 


This unit focuses on how to punctuate dialogue and titles, using quotation marks correctly. Understanding how quotation marks work with other punctuation marks, especially commas and periods, is an essential skill for writing accurately.

--- Key Concepts: Punctuating dialogue, quoting text, using quotation marks with other punctuation

--- UNIT 5 - Quotation Marks - 5 Days / Doodle Desk Mat, Practice Pages, Quiz


6. Wrap Up with Punctuation

Finally, round out your curriculum with a comprehensive unit on punctuation.  


This includes everything from periods and question marks to more advanced punctuation like colons, semicolons, and apostrophes. By the time students reach this unit, they’ll have a solid foundation to understand the nuances of each punctuation mark and how it enhances clarity and meaning in writing.

--- Key Concepts: Periods, question marks, exclamation marks, colons, semicolons, apostrophes, parentheses, dashes

--- UNIT 6 - Punctuation - 10 Days / Doodle Stations, Practice Pages, Quiz


Flexibility is Key

While this sequence provides a logical progression, it’s important to remember that flexibility is key. Every class is different, and you may find that your students need more time on one topic or benefit from revisiting earlier concepts. Don’t be afraid to adjust the order or pace based on their needs. The goal is to create a supportive learning environment where students feel confident as they build their grammar and mechanics skills.

Again, here's my suggested order (check the links for more detailed lesson ideas)...

UNIT 1 - Sentences

UNIT 2 - Parts of Speech

UNIT 3 - Capitalization

UNIT 4 - Comma Rules

UNIT 5 - Quotation Marks

UNIT 6 - Punctuation


By following this sequence, you'll help your students develop a strong, step-by-step understanding of grammar and mechanics. Starting with sentences and gradually introducing more complex concepts ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed in their writing. 


Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

5 Fresh Ideas for Starting Any Lesson - Easy Warm-Ups and Activities for the Start of Any Class Period

 


As teachers, setting the tone at the beginning of each class is crucial. A strong start not only engages students but also reinforces essential skills and establishes a productive routine. With this in mind, here are five fresh ideas for starting any lesson that align with key goals:

✅ Students can complete activities independently as they arrive in class.
✅ Students review and practice critical skills.
✅ Little preparation is required.
✅ Easy way to establish a routine.
✅ Engage students and get them ready to learn.


1. Vocabulary: Word of the Day



Why not kick off each class with a "Word of the Day"? Research shows that regular exposure to new vocabulary enhances reading comprehension and overall language proficiency. You could post a word on the board and have students record it in a year-long glossary, then challenge them to use it in a creative sentence. For a more interactive approach, engage students with daily doodle vocabulary activities. These not only introduce challenging vocabulary but also allow students to express their understanding creatively.



The doodle tasks are especially effective because they engage both sides of the brain—promoting creativity and reinforcing the meaning of the words. At the end of each week, students can write a paragraph using the words they've learned, ensuring they practice contextual usage and improve their writing skills. This daily practice exposes students to a wide range of vocabulary and helps them develop the habit of writing consistently. Grab grades 3-5 here and grades 6-8 here.


2. ELA Warm-Ups


Get students locked into learning with a daily ELA warm-up. A simple yet effective strategy is to display a sentence filled with errors and have students correct it by rewriting a new, accurate version. This not only sharpens their grammar skills but also sets a focused tone for the lesson ahead.



For something more dynamic, try using a year-long set of "This or That" warm-ups. Each warm-up includes a quick review of an ELA skill—whether it's grammar, reading, writing, or mechanics—and offers students a choice between two tasks. They can choose to complete the "this" or the "that" task, which adds an element of choice and differentiation to your instruction. This approach not only engages students but also allows them to work at their own pace and ability level. Check it out here.


3. Mindfulness Activities


Studies have shown that incorporating mindfulness into the classroom can improve students' focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Given these benefits, starting each class with a mindfulness activity makes perfect sense. You could begin with a simple mindfulness quote, followed by a brief discussion. This not only calms the classroom atmosphere but also prepares students mentally for the lesson ahead.



Mindfulness activities help students transition from the chaos of their day to a focused learning environment. This small practice can make a big difference in how students engage with the material.

If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container, add your name and email address at this link.


4. Brain Burst Challenge


It's important to challenge students' thinking right from the start of class. Engaging them with a Brain Burst challenge—a brain teaser or logic puzzle—stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research suggests that brain teasers improve cognitive flexibility and mental agility, making them a perfect warm-up for any lesson.



You can find a variety of brain teasers online or streamline your planning with a ready-made collection of Brain Bursts. These challenges require zero prep and get students' brains buzzing with activity. Simply present the challenge and watch your students dive into the task. Find set one of Brain Bursts here.


5. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities


We know that teaching social-emotional skills is essential, but finding time to incorporate them into daily instruction can be challenging. That’s why starting your class with an SEL activity is a great idea. A set of "This or That" SEL activities can help you meet two goals at once: teaching critical social-emotional skills and getting students engaged in learning right away.



These activities are designed to be quick and impactful, providing students with opportunities to reflect on their emotions, relationships, and decision-making skills while preparing them for the day's lesson. Find 20 paper and digital SEL activities here.


Bonus Idea: Choice Boards


As a bonus, consider using choice boards to give students control over how they start the class period. You can download a set of 5 different choice boards for FREE here. This approach not only engages students but also fosters independence and self-regulation.


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Starting each lesson with these fresh ideas will help you create a classroom environment where students are engaged, focused, and ready to learn. Plus, these activities require minimal prep and can easily become a part of your daily routine, making them a win-win for both you and your students.


Find the ideas shared in this blog post here:

Daily Doodle Vocabulary - All Year Long!

120 ELA Warm-Ups - This or That

FREE Mindfulness Quotes and Finger Labyrinths - Blog post

Brain Bursts - Fun and Creative Activities

Social-Emotional Activities - This or That

5 Free Choice Boards


Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth



P.S. If you'd like the best way to END a lesson, check out this set of This or That exit slips!


4 Simple Yet Impactful Ways to Engage Students the Moment They Walk into the Classroom on the First Day




The first day of school is always a mixture of excitement and nerves, both for students and teachers. Studies show that over 50% of students experience anxiety on the first day of school, which can affect their ability to focus and engage. As teachers, one of our primary goals is to create a welcoming and comfortable environment from the very first moment.

One of the most effective ways to alleviate these nerves is by giving students something to do the second they walk through the door. Even the simplest tasks can help students feel more grounded and ready to start the day. Here are four engaging activities that not only ease first-day jitters but also set a positive tone for the year ahead. Just print them out, place them at students' desks, and let them get to work as their classmates settle in.

1. Create Personalized Name Tags

A great way to get students involved and feeling like part of the classroom community is by having them create their own name tags. Provide materials like markers, stickers, and pre-cut shapes that they can personalize. Not only does this activity help students feel ownership over their space, but it also gives them something to show off to their peers, sparking conversations and connections right away.


I'm a HUGE fan of doodles, so of course, I have a ready-made set of doodle nametag designs for you. Check them out HERE.


2. Fun at-the-Desk Puzzles and Challenges

Instead of the typical "get to know you" worksheets, consider offering unique puzzles and challenges that capture students' interest from the start. These could include brain teasers, logic puzzles, or creative challenges that encourage them to think outside the box. For example, a 'mystery puzzle' where students have to find clues around the room could be both fun and interactive. This kind of activity gets students engaged, thinking, and moving, which can help calm their nerves.


Or, make your life super easy, and download this FREE printable set of challenges. It includes a maze, puzzle, would you rather questions, and doodles. 


3. Crafts that Turn into a Bulletin Board Display

Why not start decorating your classroom with student work on day one? A simple craft, like creating doodle-style lightbulbs is a perfect way to get students goal setting. First, students can complete goal setting guides. Then, they can turn their goals into puzzle pieces that fit in a doodle lightbulb shape. 


Finally, you can display students' creations under a banner that says "Our Future is Bright." Find everything you need, right here.


4. Infographic Posters in a Unique Format

Let students share about themselves in a creative and visually appealing way with infographic posters. Provide templates that allow them to fill in details like their favorite hobbies, goals for the year, or interesting facts about themselves. This not only allows them to express their individuality but also serves as a great conversation starter among students. Plus, these posters can be displayed around the room, giving the space a personalized and colorful touch. Grab them here.


By implementing any of these activities, you’ll not only make the first day more enjoyable for your students but also set the stage for a positive and engaging school year. Remember, the goal is to create an environment where students feel comfortable and excited to learn from the moment they walk through your door.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. If you're on the hunt for more ready-made back to school resources, be sure to start here.

Free and Easy Classroom Decor Idea: A Motivational Quote Poster to Brighten Your Space



As the new school year approaches, finding quick, easy, and affordable ways to decorate your classroom is on every teacher’s mind. If you’re looking for a unique and versatile classroom décor idea, I’ve got just the thing for you—a free, printable motivational quote poster!


Why This Poster Is Perfect for Your Classroom

This poster isn’t just your average classroom decoration. It has a long, narrow shape, making it the perfect fit for those tricky spots like classroom doors, cabinets, or along a bulletin board. Its unique size allows you to get creative with where and how you display it, instantly adding a positive and welcoming vibe to your classroom environment.

A Positive Message to Inspire Your Students

The message on the poster is designed to uplift and motivate your students every day. Whether it’s the first thing they see when they enter the classroom or a constant reminder as they work throughout the day, this poster will help create a positive atmosphere that encourages learning and growth.

Personalize It with Your Students

Here’s a fun idea—make this poster even more special by involving your students! Print out the poster and have your class color in the different parts. This not only makes the decoration more personalized but also gives your students a sense of ownership and pride in their classroom. Plus, it’s a great way to kick off the year with a collaborative art project that everyone can enjoy.


Download Your Free Motivational Quote Poster Today

Ready to decorate? You can download this motivational quote poster for free, along with tons of other back-to-school freebies, by clicking here. It’s an easy way to enhance your classroom décor without spending a dime.



Don’t miss out on this simple yet impactful way to brighten up your classroom and inspire your students. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. Find more classroom décor ideas here.

25 Engaging Ways to Review for a Test That Your Students will Love



The quest for the perfect test review is a challenge teachers face with every impending exam. If you're on the lookout for innovative and enjoyable ways to help your students prepare for their next test, you've landed on the right page! In this blog post, I'm sharing 25 interactive and downright delightful methods to transform the often-dreaded review process into a memorable and engaging experience.

From classroom karaoke sessions to escape room challenges, get ready to revitalize your approach to test preparation with these tried-and-tested strategies. 


  1. 1. Doodle Review Page:

  2. Make reviewing for any unit fun with this Doodle and Do activity! First, students complete a planning to page to collect critical information on the unit. Then, they turn the review information into a doodle page. It's meaningful and engaging! Grab a ready-made Doodle Unit Review here.


  4. 2. Quiz Show: Host a Jeopardy-style game with questions from the material. Divide the class into teams and let the friendly competition begin!


  6. 3. Flashcard Relay: Write review questions on flashcards. Organize a relay race where students have to correctly answer a flashcard question before passing it to the next teammate.


  8. 4. Mnemonic Madness: Encourage students to create catchy mnemonics or acronyms to remember key concepts. They can present them to the class for added fun.


  10. 5. Gallery Walk: Set up the classroom with different stations featuring key concepts. Students can move around, discuss, and jot down essential information at each station.


  1. 6. Stump the Student:

  2. This is a fun and easy way to review material with students. Kids create questions to "stump" their classmates based on their learning. Find a FREE set of playing cards here.


  4. 8. Musical Chairs Review: Place review questions on chairs and play music. When the music stops, students must find a chair and answer the question on it.


  6. 9. Storyboard Presentations: Have students create visual storyboards summarizing the main points. They can present their stories to the class.


  8. 10. Interactive Kahoot! Quizzes: Use platforms like Kahoot! to create interactive quizzes. Students can compete individually or in teams using their smartphones.


  1. 11. How to Study Lessons:

  2. We tell our students to study for tests all the time, but often we forget to teach them HOW to actually study for exams! That’s where this Study Skills resource comes in. Teach students critical ways to prepare for testing with this Doodle and Do resource. Find learning stations and doodle pages here.


  4. 12. Review Bingo:

  5. Develop bingo cards with terms or concepts. Call out definitions, and students mark the corresponding terms on their cards.


  7. 13. DIY Board Games: Have students design and create their board games based on the material. They can play each other's games for review.


  9. 14. Mind Map Madness: Encourage students to create mind maps connecting different concepts. This visual representation can help in understanding relationships.


  11. 15. Speed Dating Review: Arrange a "speed dating" activity where students pair up, discuss a concept for a few minutes, and then rotate to a new partner.


  13. 16. Mock Talk Show: Transform your classroom into a talk show set. Students can take on the roles of experts discussing key topics related to the test.


  1. 17. Spelling Games:

  2. Help students study for spelling tests with this set of five games. Each game is designed to get students actively involved with studying their spelling words. Find all 5 FREE games, directions, and materials HERE.


  4. 18. Doodle Notes: Allow students to create doodle notes summarizing important information. This artistic approach can enhance memory retention.


  6. 19. Scavenger Hunt: Hide questions or clues around the classroom or school. Students work in teams to find and answer them.


  8. 20. Digital Quizizz Tournament: Host a Quizizz tournament where students can compete online in real-time, making review exciting and tech-friendly.


  10. 21. Pop Quiz Charades: Combine the suspense of a pop quiz with the fun of charades. Students act out terms or concepts for their peers to guess.


  1. 22. Escape Room Challenge: Design a mini escape room with clues related to the material. Students must solve puzzles and answer questions to "escape." Find ready-to-use escape rooms to review reading and grammar skills here.


  3. 23. ABC Countdown: Create a countdown where each letter represents a review question. Students answer questions related to the letter of the day.


  5. 24. Interactive Whiteboard Games: Utilize interactive whiteboards for games like Pictionary, matching games, or virtual quizzes.


  7. 25. Story Cubes:

    Use story cubes with images related to the material. Students roll the dice and create a story incorporating the images.
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Save time with these ready made review resources!

--- Doodle and Do Unit Review - use with any unit!
--- Free Spelling Games - 5 games to help review any spelling unit!
--- Stump the Student - playing cards for a review game!
--- Doodle and Do - How to Study for a Test - learning stations and doodle pages!
--- Escape Room Challenges - Based on art masterpieces and reviewing grammar and reading!


Thanks so much for stopping by!
Mary Beth


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