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The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Brittany Naujok & Ellie Nixon, Podcast for Middle School Teachers
The Teaching Toolbox podcast is the ultimate resource for upper elementary and middle school teachers seeking time-tested strategies and ideas. With knowledgeable teacher guests, this podcast offers invaluable teaching tips and strategies that are sure to enhance your classroom experience. Expert advice from Brittany and Ellie covers everything from lesson planning to classroom management. With over 50 years of teaching experience between them, they have the knowledge, expertise, and real-life know-how to get through any classroom day.
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- Oct 7, 20252 min
100. A Season of Rest
We’ve covered a lot in our 100 episodes, but now in our third season, we have decided to take a break, to re-energize, re-focus, and re-evaluate.We hope you’ve enjoyed listening, and that if you want to hear more, you reach out and let us know.
- Sep 30, 20259 min
99. Avoiding Perfectionism
Today, we’re unpacking how perfectionism shows up in our work, what it costs us, and how to aim for purposeful progress instead of polished perfection. Because your students don’t need perfect—they need present.Topics DiscussedHow Perfectionism Shows Up in Teaching (and Why It’s a Problem)Why Middle School Teachers Are Especially Prone to PerfectionismPractical Mindset Shifts and Strategies to Let Go of PerfectionismPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
- Sep 23, 202510 min
98. When Behavior Strategies Don't Work
We’ve all been there—you're using your go-to behavior strategy... maybe proximity, a private redirection, or a behavior chart—and the student either ignores it, rolls their eyes, or doubles down.It’s frustrating for sure. And it’s happening more often. Traditional classroom management tools are no longer effective with some middle school students.So what do you do when the old systems don’t cut it?Topics DiscussedWhy Traditional Behavior Strategies Might Not Work AnymoreWhat To Try When Traditional Strategies Aren’t WorkingPreventative Moves That Shift the Culture Long TermResourcesBrittany’s Tools for Classroom Norms & Check-Ins:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Rules-and-Regulations-Lesson-Plan-Print-and-Digital-1331085https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/mental-health-check-inRelated EpisodesEpisode 57: Stress Management Techniques (for students and teachers)Episode 1: Establishing a Positive Classroom Culture in Your Classroom.Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website (https://www.thecoloradoclassroom.com/shop) or on TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom).Ellie’s resources can be found on her website (https://cognitivecardiomath.com/shop/)or on TPT (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math).Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
- Sep 16, 202514 min
97. Reluctant Learners
Reluctant learners aren’t new—but in today’s classrooms, they’re showing up in new ways. Maybe it’s disengagement. Maybe it’s anxiety. Maybe it’s resistance that masks a struggle.Today we’re unpacking who these students are, why they might be hesitant to engage, and most importantly, how we can help them re-engage, build confidence, and start to thrive again.Topics DiscussedWho Are Reluctant Learners in Middle School?Why Do Students Become Reluctant Learners?Strategies to Reach and Support Reluctant LearnersResourceshttps://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-use-math-mistakes-as-a-teaching-tool/https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/systems-for-student-success/https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/first-week-growth-mindset-in-math/https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-foster-a-positive-math-mindset/https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/low-stress-ways-to-boost-student-motivation-in-math-class/Related EpisodesEpisode 14: Effective Morning Routines and Classroom GreetingsPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back
- Sep 9, 20259 min
96. Classroom Jobs
When you think of classroom jobs, you probably picture elementary students passing out papers or feeding the class pet. But what about middle schoolers?Can classroom jobs actually work with tweens and teens… or will you just be met with eye rolls and resistance?Topics DiscussedClassroom jobs that work at the middle school levelPros and cons of classroom jobsTips for success with classroom jobsResourcesBrittany’s Dot Dude Decor ResourcePlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
- Sep 2, 202516 min
95. Formula Cheat Sheets
In a world where information is just a click away, are we doing students a disservice by banning cheat sheets… or are we setting them up to fail when they don’t have formulas, definitions, chemicals, and other important information memorized?Topics DiscussedWhat are cheat sheets?Pros and cons of cheat sheetsTips for using reference guides effectivelyResourcesEllie’s Math Wheels/ELA Wheelshttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-math-doodle-wheels-all-303188https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-grammar-doodle-wheelsnotes-303189Brittany’s ELA/Math Reference Guideshttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Upper-Elementary-Reference-Sheets-for-Privacy-Folders-or-Student-Offices-7108772Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
- Aug 26, 20259 min
94. Organizing Student Supplies
Today, we’re diving into a quick supply survival episode: what you actually need for middle school students, how to store it all without losing your mind, and how to make it work whether students stay in your room or rotate between classes.Topics DiscussedWhy it's worth worrying about suppliesHow to organize suppliesSupply storage tipsResourceshttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Supply-Labels-Teacher-Toolbox-Organizational-Classroom-Labeling-System-5-Sizes-12356047Related EpisodesEp. 17 Pencil Dilemma: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g5GzCWEhJjNwi3IJpRgnv?si=6KuRWF_MTAOso0JNq_IrWg orhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pencil-dilemma/id1708462661?i=1000643494050Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
- Aug 19, 202516 min
93. Inclusion Services
When students leave class for different services—like pull-out interventions or ELL support—it’s a great resource. But it can also mean missing key classroom moments and disruptions.. Teachers often ask: How do I help those students catch up without slowing down the class? And if service providers come into the room, how do we keep things smooth and focused?So today we’re diving into practical strategies for teachers to help students stay on track, collaborate with inclusion providers, and keep classrooms inclusive and productive.Topics DiscussedHow to keep pull-out students from falling behindHow to make a push-in setup work for all learnersHow to deliver modifications and accommodations when you are soloPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/Mentioned in this episode:Back to School SupportIf you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-back-to-school-1441616
About The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers
The Teaching Toolbox podcast is the ultimate resource for upper elementary and middle school teachers seeking time-tested strategies and ideas. With knowledgeable teacher guests, this podcast offers invaluable teaching tips and strategies that are sure to enhance your classroom experience. Expert advice from Brittany and Ellie covers everything from lesson planning to classroom management. With over 50 years of teaching experience between them, they have the knowledge, expertise, and real-life know-how to get through any classroom day.
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