Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

315. The First Day of School Doesn't Need to Be Perfect (And That's Actually the Goal)

Part 4: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe first day of school comes with a lot of pressure. Teachers often feel like they need the perfect lesson plans, the perfect activities, and a perfectly organized schedule to make the day successful.But what if the goal isn't perfection?In this episode, Meghan, Stellar Team member AND 5th Grade teacher, is sharing a different approach to planning your first day of school... one that focuses on what matters most! You'll learn how to prioritize relationships and routines, build meaningful connections throughout the day, teach procedures in a way that feels natural, and plan transitions that keep your classroom running smoothly. We'll also share why a successful first day has less to do with checking every box and more to do with creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to return.In this episode, we'll discuss:✔ Why relationships and routines should be your two main priorities on the first day✔ Simple ways to build connections with students throughout the day✔ How to avoid common first-day pitfalls that create unnecessary stress✔ Tips for ending the day on a positive and organized noteWhether you're a brand-new teacher or heading into another school year with experience under your belt, this episode will help you simplify your first-day plans and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and discover why your first day of school doesn't need to be perfect—and why that's actually the goal. 🎧📚🍎

314. The Simple Framework for Teaching Procedures That Actually Stick

Part 3: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe first few weeks of school can make or break the rest of your year—and one of the biggest factors in creating a smooth, productive classroom is teaching procedures effectively.In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're continuing our New Teacher Blueprint series by walking through a simple framework for teaching classroom procedures that actually stick. If you've ever explained a routine, watched your students nod along, and then completely forget what to do moments later, you're not alone. The reality is that procedures need to be taught the same way we teach any other skill: through explicit instruction, modeling, practice, feedback, and repetition.Resources & Links:📌 Join The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join📌 Browse literacy resources and free teaching tools: stellarteacher.comYou'll learn how to move beyond simply telling students what to do and instead create routines that become automatic habits. From modeling expectations and using visual reminders to leveraging narration and providing effective feedback, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

[Listen Again] Multilingual Learner Support with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla

In this replay episode, literacy experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez share research-backed insights and practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in upper elementary classrooms.You'll learn why the term multilingual learner matters, the difference between conversational and academic language, and how teachers can provide grade-level instruction while supporting language development. Our guests also share actionable ways to integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing into everyday lessons so multilingual learners can thrive.If you're looking for simple, effective ways to better support multilingual learners, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways you can use right away. 🎧

313. You Don't Need to Teach 100 Procedures. Start with These

Part 2: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe beginning of the school year comes with a long list of classroom procedures to teach... but here's the good news: you don't have to teach all of them at once.In this episode of The New Teacher Blueprint series, Tami is breaking down the classroom procedures that matter most during the first days of school. Instead of trying to tackle an overwhelming checklist, you'll learn how to prioritize the routines students need right away so you can create a calm, organized, and successful classroom environment.We'll discuss:✔ Why you don't need to teach every procedure during the first week of school✔ The first classroom routines to teach when students arrive✔ How to make transitions smoother throughout the day✔ Important expectations for restroom breaks, hallway behavior, and lunch✔ What students should do when they finish their workWhether you're a new teacher setting up your classroom for the first time or a veteran teacher looking to refresh your routines, this episode will help you focus on the procedures that have the biggest impact.Tune in next week as we share how to teach procedures so they actually stick all year long.

[Listen Again] 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny

If you're working to align your literacy instruction with the science of reading, this listener favorite interview is for you!In this conversation, literacy expert and author Lindsay Kemeny shares the 7 research-backed strategies from her book Seven Mighty Moves that help teachers strengthen reading instruction and support all learners. Lindsay discusses how her experience supporting her son with dyslexia transformed her teaching and led her to embrace structured literacy practices.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ The 7 "mighty moves" that improve reading outcomes✔️ How to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice✔️ Common mistakes teachers make when implementing the science of reading✔️ Practical ways to support struggling readers and build strong literacy foundations✔️ Where to start without feeling overwhelmedWhether you teach primary or upper elementary students, you'll leave with actionable ideas you can implement right away.