Savvy Teaching Tips Podcast

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Teaching can be challenging and it’s hard to know what you’re doing right. Listen here for help through teaching’s toughest stages. From classroom essentials, to getting a handle on curriculum delivery, this podcast has it all, including tips and tricks

Sandra Farrell


    • Nov 15, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 10m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Savvy Teaching Tips Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Savvy Teaching Tips Podcast

    Story Writing Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 5:34


    Today I go over the method I use for introducing story writing to kids in later First Grade and early Second or Third Grade.  I will model the outline and then write a short story.Here are the highlights:0:18  Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then0:42  Somebody1:28 Wanted1:40 But1:50 So2:14 Then2:23  Review it2:52 Writing out the story - Somebody3:26 Wanted, But3:55 So4:15 Then4:23 IllustrationsJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Number Sense Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 9:11


    Today show you some fun dice and card games for teaching number sense.  Here are the highlights:0:18  Number Sense Games0:32  Dice Games0:48  Roll and Match K and 11:53  Extensions2:17  Dotzee4:04  Card Games4:49 Ordering number cards6:00  Extensions7:00  Go Fish8:12  ExtensionsJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    WRITING - How to retell a story.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 6:02


    Today I explain the technique I use to get children to write a summary of a story they've read in their Journal.  It's a step-by-step procedure that is easy for most first graders to follow.  I find it's also great for ELL third graders.Here are the highlights:0:22  Beginning of story1:15  Middle and End of story1:50  How to draw it in the Journal - who, where3:18  Problem, solution3:34  How to write it out in Journal - who where4:17  Problem 4:45   EndingJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    How to Explain Number Sense to Parents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 11:11


    Today I explain how you can tell parents about Number Sense and ways you can teach it to your own class.  Number sense is very important to learn and in this video I explain why.Here are the highlights:0:22  Explaining to parents.038  Basically Number Sense is...1:05  Number bonds1:42  Fact families2:11  Mental math2:40  Word problems3:20  K and First Grade activities4:09  Deck of cards4:24  A game that K's love5:05  5 minute time fillers5:44  Open ended questions6:54  Get the kids to explain their answer7:48  Activities for second and third grade8:30  Place value9:03  Base ten blocks9:38  MoneyJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Journal Writing - how to introduce it to your class

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 9:04


    Today I'm explaining how I introduce Journal writing expectations for 2nd and 3rd grade.  I use a step-by-step format to guide the kids to write a complete page that makes sense.Here are the highlights:0:42  Brainstorm what we need in a journal entry - who, what, when, where, how1:33  Brainstorm transition words2:10  Write the date2:20 Draw 4 pictures3:35 All 4 pictures done3:47 Writing for the first picture4:23 Writing for the second picture4:47 Writing for the third picture5:47 Writing for the fourth picture6:44 Re-read your writing looking for corrections7:37 Read the journal to me.  Get a star and color.Join my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Fun Games to Teach Probability

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 6:00


    Today I'm sharing 3 different games for teaching probability.  Probability is a difficult concept for young children, but they all understand when something is fair.Here are the highlights:0:48   Game One - Heads or Tails2:14  Game Two - Same or Different3:55  Game Three - Catch a Point5:00 Probability is difficult...Join my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    What to do when students don't know what to write about in their Journals

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2022 6:18


    Here's what I do when I have students tell me that they don't know what to write about in their Journal.Here are the highlights:0:15  Find something in their desk1:00  Start describing orally1:55  Start writing2:36  Good writers re-read what they write3:31  Puzzle Eraser Description4:00  Writing conventions and concluding sentenceJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    How I Introduce Patterning in Primary Classrooms

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 10:34


    Today I go over my introductory lesson on Patterning.  I show adaptations for students in Kindergarten to Third Grade.  Here are the highlights:0:19  Using Math Junk1:00  Introduce concepts2;32 Sharing their pattern with the class4:30  My unit on patterning6:05  Repeating patterns6:23  Growing patterns7:20  Patterns in clothing8:13  Create their own growing patterns9:13  A cute activityJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Introducing Journals in the K to 3rd Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 14:25


    Today I will show you step-by-step how I introduce Journal writing to 5 to 8 year olds.  This is what I do every September with Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade and even Third Grade students.Here are the highlights:0:15  Introducing the Journals1:01  Temporary Journals1:45  Kindergarten expectations2:24  Expectations for first, second, and third grade2:57  Sequence of events4:15  Write the list on the board4:55  Step 1  Date5:34  Write L to R6:04  Step 2  Write and Draw6:47  Writing "rules"7:20  Drawing expectations9:02  Spelling expectations9:18  Coloring expectations10:09  Incomplete Journal entriesJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!**Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Using Math Junk In The Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 11:05


    Today I am discussing Math Junk.  Some people call them Junk Collections.  I give a step-by-step account of how I introduce these to my class and then discuss all the fantastic ways you can use Math Junk in your classroom.  Plus I tell you all about how you can start your own Math Junk collection.Here are some highlights from the video0:17  What is Math Junk0:45 Storing Math Junk1:02 Routines1:56 Containers3:09 Ready Position6:40 How long at each rotation7:00 Kids need to "get their play out"8:30 Acquiring math junk collectionsJoin my Facebook GroupIf you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!** Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOGMY STOREMY INSTAGRAMMY TIKTOKMY FACEBOOK PAGE:CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Phonemic Awareness Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 4:20


    Today I show you a quick and easy phonemic awareness game.  It's fun and all you need is a whiteboard, marker and eraser.Here are the highlights:0:23 Phonemic Awareness Game1:28 Extensions to the Game2:41 Older Children and the GameJoin my FB group: If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!** Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOG: http://savvyteachingtips.net/MY STORE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Savvy-Teaching-TipsMY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savvyteachingtips/MY TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@savvyteachingMY FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/savvyteachingtipsCONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netoriginal idea from Susan Jones TeachingThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Setting Up Your First Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 8:08


    Today I go over what you need to think about when setting up your first classroom at the start of the school year. This is perfect for first and second grade teachers.Here's a breakdown of the highlights.0:45 Teacher Desk Area1:27 Sink/ Art Area1:37 Coat Hooks1:45 Carpet Area2:34 Calendar Wall3:05 Classroom Library3:55 Student Desks4:23 Classroom Storage5:16 Student Supplies6:42 Small Group AreaJoin my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/savvyteachin...If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips*SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!* https://deft-trader-9847.ck.page/27ca...Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOG: http://savvyteachingtips.net/MY STORE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...MY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savvyteachi...MY TIKTOK:

    Phoneme Mapping

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 7:37


    If you are interested in learning about Science of Reading you will like this video.  Today I go through the process of teaching phoneme mapping to 5 to 7 year olds.  It's great for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. I explain why I like to teach it near the beginning of the school year. Here are some highlights from the video0:27  What are Phonemes?0:46 Phoneme Mapping1:45 Elkonin Boxes4:08 Simon Says Phonemic Mapping4:50 Phoneme Hopscotch5:37 Break It Down GameJoin my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/savvyteachin...If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips*SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!* https://deft-trader-9847.ck.page/27ca...Be sure to subscribe and click the bell to see all my future videos.MY BLOG: http://savvyteachingtips.net/MY STORE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...MY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savvyteachi...MY TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/

    Teaching Graphing to Young Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 8:47


    Today I describe how I introduce and teach graphing for kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. I explain why I like to teach it near the beginning of the school year. Join my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/savvyteachin...If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Savvy Teaching Tips, please tag me on Instagram @savvyteachingtips so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #savvyteachingtips**SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, TIPS, and FREEBIES!** https://deft-trader-9847.ck.page/eade...MY BLOG: http://savvyteachingtips.net/MY STORE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...MY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savvyteachi...MY TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@savvyteachingMY FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/savvyteachin...CONTACT: sandra@savvyteachingtips.netThanks for stopping by today!Sandra

    Classroom Management Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 31:31


    Here's a compilation of 12 Classroom Management Tips for new teachers.  Use these tips to manage difficult children from Kindergarten to 3rd Grade (Grade 3).  I give clear, concise tips on all the little things needed to create a calm and respectful classroom.  Here's a breakdown of where to find these tips.0:00   Hallway Management2:05   Classroom Critters4:23   Attention Getters6:21   Classroom Callbacks8:11   Flashlight Fridays9:45   5 Minute Time Fillers12:24 The Pencil Problem14:47 Take Time for Yourself17:40 Communal Supplies vs Individual Supplies20:18 Reward Systems22:49 What I Do In My Own Classroom28:15 Visual Schedules

    My Thoughts on Back to School

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 12:25


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successmy thoughts on going back to schoolDuring this podcast I discuss my feelings and thoughts about the Back to School "season". Including: the joy, the anticipation, and the comfort of returning to school each yearsetting up my classroom in a way that works for megoing in early to set up, or waiting until the last minutefeelings of anxiety over Covid-19 and how that affects my back to school routinehow my teaching philosophy helps with my back to school routinehow having a routine helps me in my own life.

    Some thoughts about Guided Reading

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 8:31


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successDoes the thought of running small reading groups just fill you with overwhelm?I know it used to for me.  Here are some tips and thoughts for you.  Make sure you have an established area in the room to run your guided reading groups.There are lots of things that you will need to have ready, and they need to be stored within reach.When you are teaching in a small group situation it is important to make sure the rest of the class is not going to disturb you or need your attention. The key to getting kids engaged and focused on a recurring activity is to TRAIN THEM.  Start slowlyteach only one or two new routines a day.Some of the best teachers I have ever seen or worked with can get their whole class working on different things at their own level with little intervention from the teacher.How do they do this????  ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINEWe talk about needing a routine for our class and our kids – what about for the teacher.

    How I do the first day of school

    Play Episode Play 40 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 19:51


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successToday I wanted to talk about the very first day of school. I'm going to give you an example plan of how I would do it. This is something that I've kind of tweaked over the years so it's always evolving, and especially with COVID I've had to make, accommodations, just like all of you have.  

    Listening to Reading - essential for improving language skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 12:46


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successIn this weeks episode I talk about my take on the value of Listening to Reading and why it's so important in Elementary School.

    Read to Self - Silent Reading in the primary classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 9:34


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successIn this episode I go over how I introduce and build Silent Reading time in my classroom.  I like to call it Read To Self as they are reading by themselves during this time.  I believe that you can do silent reading in most K to 2nd classrooms.  It just takes time to build stamina.  

    Partner Reading - reading with peers as a strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 11:56


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successLet's talk about reading with peers.  Letting children not only choose what they read, but WHO they read it with can be very powerful.  It's highly motivating and children love having that little bit of control over what they are doing.  And reading with their friends is an excellent technique in any comprehensive reading program.  This is perfect for Kindergarten, First and Second grade classrooms.

    Sandra's Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 8:05


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successIn this episode I tell an inspiring true story from my own teaching experience.check out more on my blogsavvyteachingtips.com

    Oral Reading - how to teach it

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 7:56


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successToday's episode covers Oral Reading.  Oral Reading is an important part of a comprehensive Literacy program.  In this episode I discuss:What is Oral Reading?Why is Oral Reading important?Strategies to teach Oral Reading lessons in your K to 3rd classroom.Find out more at savvyteachingtips.com

    Reading Instruction - Direct Instruction Tips

    Play Episode Play 32 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 16:15


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successIn this episode we go over the essentials for direct reading instruction.   These include:DecodingVocabularyBuilding Working MemoryFluencyIdentifying Sentence StructureBuilding Background KnowledgeListen in to learn more about what these topics are and how they can be used and taught in reading instruction in the K to 3rd classroom.

    Guided Reading - a quick overview

    Play Episode Play 34 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 9:17


    The free masterclass link is linked hereor type inslfarrell.clixli.com/webinar-sign-up-3-secrets-to-gr-successI've just started a podcast. I have so many tips and tricks to share with you. This episode is all about my thoughts about guided reading.

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