Let's Chat Teaching

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Let's Chat Teaching is an Apple Tree Resources podcast for teachers who want to chat all things teaching in the grades five to eight classroom. Join your host Nicole, as she shares stories, ideas, and chats about the ultimate goal of adding ease and depth into teaching without adding to your workload.

Nicole Sanders


    • Jul 16, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 15m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Let's Chat Teaching

    Why chasing more can ruin your classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 9:25


    Achieving more by doing less

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 15:42


    The coldest staff I ever worked with

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 26:38


    If you've ever worked with (or are working with) a cold staff, this episode is for you! In this episode, I share my experience with the coldest staff I ever worked with as well as tips for creating a positive work environment. Tune in to learn more! Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    My worst day of teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 18:55


    As teachers, we've all had bad days at school. Hopefully, not many of them, but here and there, they happen. In this episode, I want to share my worst day of teaching with you. I know that may sound a bit grim, but there's a lesson in it for all of us. Tune in to learn more! Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Best of # 4 How to start a short story writing unit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 13:52


    This is one of my most listened-to episodes. If you missed it the first time then here it is! Time to teach your short story writing unit but don't really know where to begin? Let me help! Whether you've just wrapped up a short story reading unit or are beginning this writing unit from a different starting point, I share tips for making your short story writing unit exciting and meaningful for students without adding more stress for you. Join me in this episode to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Best of # 3 Should we teach whole class novel studies?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 17:47


    This is one of my most listened-to episodes. If you missed it the first time then here it is! I once had a curriculum support person tell me that she didn't think teachers should do whole-class novel studies. My mind was blown! In this episode, I share my opinion on whole class novel studies (yes, yes, yes, please do them!) and give you my top reasons why I think they're important to do with our students. They're truly beneficial for so many reasons and I love sharing them with anyone who will listen. In this case, it's you! Tune in to learn more. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Best of # 2 How to dig deeper when analyzing a short story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 12:08


    This is one of my most listened-to episodes. If you missed it the first time then here it is! What is close reading and how can you make it work in your classroom? In this episode, I answer those questions by sharing reading strategies that will help your students move beyond basic comprehension of a text into actually analyzing it and creating deeper meaning. Close reading is a skill your students will use again and again, so it's important to teach it right! You won't want to miss this episode. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Best of # 1 5 short stories you will love as much as your students

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 17:49


    This is one of my most listened-to podcast episodes. If you missed it the first time then here it is! In this episode, I share 5 captivating short stories that your students in the grades 5-8 classroom will absolutely love. Filled with suspense, excitement, foreshadowing, and more, these short stories are an exciting way to help your students strengthen their reading and critical thinking skills. Plus, as a bonus, I share 2 of my favorite creepy short stories. Ready to add these 7 engaging texts to your lesson plans? Tune in for the entire list! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    How to improve your students' ability to receive feedback

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 9:16


    For many students, receiving feedback or a grade lower than expected is overwhelming. That's why finding ways to improve our students' ability to receive feedback is important. Tune in to learn how to integrate feedback more naturally into your instruction. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    How to cut your marking in half

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 10:27


    Raise your hand if you feel like you're drowning in marking. If you raised your hand, I have good news. I'm here to share how to cut your marking in HALF. Sound too good to be true? It isn't! Tune in to learn more. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Shake up silent reading with this

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 6:59


    While Silent Reading is wonderful, after a while, it can start to feel a little stale. If you're feeling that way check out some tips for shaking up silent reading. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Stop listening to this terrible teaching advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 15:22


    I've heard some pretty bad teaching advice throughout my years of teaching, but there's one piece of advice that I absolutely can't stand. If you're giving in and listening to this terrible piece of teaching advice, it's not too late to stop! Tune in to learn more. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Why are my students not listening to me?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 11:54


    We've all had those frustrating moments where our students aren't listening to us. But what do we do to fix it? In this episode, I share two strategies that will help you command your classroom and get learning back on track. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    A simple strategy to make transitions faster

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 8:31


    As teachers, we're used to transitions - transitions to lunch, the bathroom, recess, or even transitions to and from class if we teach older students. One thing we all hope to do is make those transitions faster so that we aren't wasting instructional time. In this episode, I share a simple strategy to make transitions faster. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    I wish I would have done this more after Easter break

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 7:36


    Once Spring Break has ended it sure is a tough transition to get back into the routine of school! When I was in the classroom I found myself looking for ways to make the adjustment period easier. Thankfully I found it. Now I only wish I had done it sooner! Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes here. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    How I became a better teacher after having a baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 8:52


    I've often heard that you aren't as good of a teacher after having kids. I'm here to prove that statement wrong! In this episode, I share how I became a better teacher after having a baby. Even if you don't have kids, these tips will work for you too. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Mixing things up with co-teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 12:54


    The term co-teaching may sound a little scary, but hear me out on this, it's a total game changer toward the end of the school year as long as you choose the right co-teacher. In this week's episode, I help set you up for co-teaching success. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    How to make report card writing easier by starting today

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 17:26


    If you dread the stress of writing report card comments - why does it have to be so daunting!? - I'm here to help! In this episode, I share some of my tried and true tips for making report card writing easier. Tune in to get started today. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Sub shortages? Not my problem.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 18:26


    As teachers, it sometimes feels like the weight of the sub shortage is on our shoulders. We can't be absent - there's too much going on at school for us to be away! If that's how you feel, I'm here to add a different perspective. Tune in to learn why sub shortages aren't your problem after all! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Do we really need a sub binder?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 15:27


    As teachers, we've all heard of sub plans, but have you heard of a sub binder? If you've never put together a sub binder before, you may be wondering if you even need one. In this episode, I share why I think sub binders are important and I give you tips for creating your own. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    How to create purposeful silent reading in our classrooms

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 18:17


    For some of our students, silent reading can feel like a total drag. But as teachers, we know that silent reading time is important. So, how do we get our students to buy in? How do we create purposeful silent reading in our classrooms? Tune in to hear what I did to transform silent reading time for my students. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    New Interactive Notebooks mini-course - a sneak peek

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 11:13


    I have a little secret to share: I've been working on something amazing behind the scenes - an interactive notebook course! It's full of tips on getting started, making your own interactive notebooks, and more. In this episode, I give you a look behind the scenes of the course and share what you'll learn when you sign up. Even if you aren't ready to take the course, there's something in this episode for you! Be sure to tune in. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    Using interactive notebooks makes teaching easier - here's how

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 18:24


    As teachers, we're always looking for ways to make our lives easier. I'm here to tell you that interactive notebooks can do just that! In this episode, I share the four ways that interactive notebooks can and will make your life easier. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    The interactive notebook debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 16:17


    When it comes to interactive notebooks, there are two schools of thought on how they should be done. One belief is that interactive notebooks should only contain notes - no student work - while the other believes that a little bit of everything should be included. In this episode, I unpack both types of interactive notebooks and share my thoughts and experience on each. Tune in to learn more and get started on your own interactive notebook journey! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    5 teaching hacks that make teaching easier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 19:03


    If there's one thing we all want as teachers, it's a way to make our jobs easier. After a lot of trial and error during my time in the classroom, I came up with a few different hacks that made my life easier. In this post, I share 5 teaching hacks that will be a total game changer in your classroom. Tune in to start making your teaching journey easier too. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Pro-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    5 life hacks that make teaching easier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 25:50


    As a teacher with A LOT on your plate, finding ways to add ease to your life is vital. If you're looking for tips to help you not only survive but thrive in the day-to-day, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear 5 life hacks that will help make life and thus your teaching journey easier. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses

    How to make professional looking worksheets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 11:43


    Whether you're ready to begin creating your own resources for the first time or are just ready to give the resources you've already made a facelift, you're in luck! In this episode, I share all of my secrets for making professional-looking worksheets (and trust me, it's not difficult at ALL!). Join me to learn more and take your resource game to the next level. Check out the YouTube Link to the video "How to create professional-looking worksheets every time" HERE. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    How to add some sparkle to the dreary months

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 20:43


    If you struggle with the winter months the way that I do, this episode is for you! In this episode, I share ideas for taking control of the dreary months both at home and at school so no matter where you are, you can add some sparkle. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Stop making new years resolutions and do this instead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 25:03


    It's time to ditch New Year's Resolutions! In this episode, I share my experience with setting New Year's Resolutions and why they don't work and what we can do instead. Tune in to learn more. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    2 different ways to teach a novel study

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 27:20


    Whether you're considering starting a novel study for the first time or have been doing it for years, you won't want to miss this episode where I share my top tips for teaching a novel study. In this episode, I share a few gems of wisdom to help you lead and organize your upcoming novel study with ease. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    8 great novels to use for novel studies in the classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 23:42


    Thinking about doing a novel study with your students in the grades 5-8 classroom but not really sure where to begin? In this episode, I share some of my favorite novels to use and what makes these books a great pick for your class' upcoming novel study unit. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Should we teach whole class novel studies?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 17:34


    I once had a curriculum support person tell me that she didn't think teachers should do whole-class novel studies. My mind was blown! In this episode, I share my opinion on whole class novel studies (yes, yes, yes, please do them!) and give you my top reasons why I think they're important to do with our students. They're truly beneficial for so many reasons and I love sharing them with anyone who will listen. In this case, it's you! Tune in to learn more. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    My story from classroom teacher to online pro-d course creator

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 26:05


    In this podcast so far, I've shared a lot of tips about stories. Now, I want to share my story. In this episode, I explain how I found teaching, my experiences as a classroom teacher, and how I made the transition to an online Pro-D course creator. Tune in to learn a little more about the person behind the mic! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Stop editing your students' writing and teach them to do it for themselves

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 22:32


    If you're tired of editing your students' writing, you're in luck. In this episode, I help you put down the red pen by teaching your students to do their own editing. It may sound too good to be true but I promise it's not. And with the tips in this episode, you'll be teaching your class a valuable skill that they'll carry with them in later grades. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    4 rules to use when teaching dialogue in writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 9:26


    Who knows how to teach dialogue in writing anyway!? If you're asking yourself that question, this episode is for you! In today's episode, I share the first 4 rules to use when teaching dialogue in writing. Using these rules will allow you to feel more confident when teaching writing skills that will help build stronger writers within your classroom. Tune in to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    What do students need to include when writing a short story?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 16:33


    To help our students write a successful short story, we first need to teach them what core elements to include! Otherwise, our students just blindly create a story hoping it meets our expectations. To demystify the process it's up to us to provide a clear framework that guides our students through the writing process. In this episode, I share the five core elements that students need to include when writing a short story. Be sure to join me! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    How to start a short story writing unit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 13:38


    Time to teach your short story writing unit but don't really know where to begin? Let me help! Whether you've just wrapped up a short story reading unit or are beginning this writing unit from a different starting point, I share tips for making your short story writing unit exciting and meaningful for students without adding more stress for you. Join me in this episode to learn more! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    How to dig deeper when analyzing short stories with close reading

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 11:55


    What is close reading and how can you make it work in your classroom? In this episode, I answer those questions by sharing reading strategies that will help your students move beyond basic comprehension of a text into actually analyzing it and creating deeper meaning. Close reading is a skill your students will use again and again, so it's important to teach it right! You won't want to miss this episode. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    How many reading levels do I have in my class this year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 21:38


    The current reality of teaching is that all of our students don't walk into our classrooms with the same knowledge, and often when it comes to reading levels our students are all over the place! As middle grades teachers this can be a challenge because we're taught to teach students to use reading to learn, but we often aren't equipped to teach students to learn to read. In this episode, I use my personal experiences to help you pinpoint your students' reading levels as well as instill a love of reading in students at all reading levels. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    5 short stories you will love as much as your students

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 17:35


    In this episode, I share 5 captivating short stories that your students in the grades 5-8 classroom will absolutely love. Filled with suspense, excitement, foreshadowing, and more, these short stories are an exciting way to help your students strengthen their reading and critical thinking skills. Plus, as a bonus, I share 2 of my favorite creepy short stories. Ready to add these 7 engaging texts to your lesson plans? Tune in for the entire list! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Story structure made easy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 15:48


    Are you a teacher in the grades 5-8 classroom gearing up to teach story structure? It doesn't have to be a lesson you teach and ditch! In today's episode, I show you how to easily add depth to your story structure unit by helping your students understand that all stories are connected - just like people - and that story structure can be applied to all of the stories around them. Stay tuned to discover how to create a meaningful story structure unit that will stick with your students all year long! Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE. Want to connect further? Check out: www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

    Trailer Let's Chat Teaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 0:51


    Are you a teacher in the grades five to eight classroom? If so, you're in the right place! Introducing Let's Chat Teaching, a podcast for teachers who want to chat all things teaching in the grades five to eight classroom. Join your host, Nicole, as she shares stories and tips, and discusses how to add more ease to your teaching without adding to your workload. Check out the Podcast Blog Show Notes HERE Want to connect further check out www.appletreeresources.com Prod-D Courses for Teachers: www.appletreeresources.com/courses Resources for your classroom: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Apple-Tree-Resources

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