The Classroom Collaborative Podcast

In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson dive into everything teachers need to know about making the most of summer break! Tune in as they swap stories about their own summer plans, from staycations to travel adventures—including cruise experiences and camping tips. The conversation touches on practical self-care ideas like being intentional with your downtime, finding awe in nature, and balancing technology use for true relaxation.Deedee also opens up about her personal journey toward heart health and shares strategies for healthy eating and movement during summer. Adam adds his insights on making small moments count, family traditions, and how teachers can prioritize their own well-being after a busy school year.Whether you're looking for fresh ideas on affordable summer fun, making the most of family time, or building healthy habits, this episode is packed with relatable stories, resources, and inspiration just for educators.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with educator, author, and publisher Dave Burgess as he joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills on the Classroom Collaborative Podcast. This episode dives into Dave's journey, his unique approach to professional development, and must-have book recommendations for teachers this summer.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:The origin story of "Teach Like a Pirate" and how Dave Burgess built his brand from the ground upDave's advice for teachers wanting to share their ideas through speaking or publishingBehind-the-scenes insights into the Dave Burgess Consulting publishing processStandout book recommendations from the DBC Inc. lineup, including upcoming releases for K-3 educatorsHow Dave and his team foster authentic connections and community among educators and authorsTune in for candid discussions, practical inspiration, and actionable summer reading picks for teachers!You can find all of the books listed at:https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/dbcibooks/You can find Dave:Website: https://daveburgess.com/Podcast: https://daveburgess.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbc_incFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbcincBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/burgessdave.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/outrageousteaching

Join us as we chat with Kaci Bolls—kindergarten teacher, accomplished children's music artist, and author of "Dare to Be Me." Discover how she's blended her diverse talents and experiences in the classroom and beyond.• Kaci's journey from country music songwriter to kindergarten teaching at 40• The story behind her children's book "Dare to Be Me" and its empowering message• Blending music and teaching: how her classroom and albums intersect• Insights into self-publishing versus partnering with hybrid publishers• Fun classroom stories, author visits, and future plans in education and musicLearn more about Kaci:Kaci is a kindergarten teacher, Kindie music artist, children's book author, speaker, and proud mom to two birddog brothers. Prior to getting her masters and heading to the classroom, Kaci spent almost two decades on Music Row in Nashville, TN as a country singer and songwriter. Her lifelong dream was (and still is) to work on Sesame Street. If Ms. Frizzle and Mr. Rogers had a baby, it would be Kaci. You can find Kaci:Email: kaci@kacibolls.comBlog: https://kacibolls.comDare To Be Me:  https://kacibolls.com/bookIG https://www.instagram.com/kacibollskids/TPT:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/birdie-b-creative

Keri Brown shares K–5 math strategies using manipulatives to boost student engagement, classroom management, and deep learning in early math education.In this engaging episode of The Classroom Collaborative Podcast, I'm joined by southern teacher and educator Keri Brown from Enchanted Kindergarten to explore the powerful role of math manipulatives in K–5 classrooms. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or working as an interventionist, this episode is packed with practical teaching strategies to elevate math education through student exploration and hands-on learning.Keri shares her favorite takeaways from the book Mastering Math Manipulatives by Sarah Delano Moore and Kimberly R. Rby, plus how she brings concrete learning and pictorial learning into her daily math instruction. You'll hear how she manages classroom expectations, keeps manipulatives organized, and increases student engagement—even after the challenges of pandemic-era teaching.

Shannon Cunningham shares practical ways to use AI in education, including ChatGPT, STEAM tools, and classroom strategies to support teachers and student engagement.In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills chat with Shannon Cunningham, an instructional coach from North Texas, to explore how AI in education is reshaping the way teachers approach primary education.Shannon shares her real-world experiences using tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI to support teacher collaboration, streamline classroom tasks, and improve student engagement. With a focus on educational innovation and empathy, she highlights the importance of combining tech tools with human insight for powerful teaching results.

LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein shares playful learning tips, classroom strategies, and relationship-building ideas for early childhood education in this inspiring episode.In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson welcome LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein—the vibrant educator behind Wolkis Wonderland—to share her best tips for boosting student engagement, building a classroom family, and creating real connections in early childhood education.LeAnna brings her signature energy and wisdom to this conversation, offering powerful classroom strategies that support playful learning, positive behavior, and strong teacher-student relationships. You'll also hear how she uses her innovative "solution suitcase" to teach young learners how to solve problems with empathy and creativity.

Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to discuss literacy, Tier 1 instruction, phonics, and teaching strategies to boost engagement and student successIn this powerful episode, Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to unpack what effective literacy instruction really looks like in today's classrooms. From foundational skills and phonics to student engagement and classroom environment, Jake shares actionable tips and heartfelt stories from his journey in education.Jake talks about his move from Ohio to Wisconsin, his experience on the Kelly Clarkson Show, and the importance of supporting and coaching new teachers. He sheds light on what tier one instruction should include and why direct instruction is a game-changer for student success.

Katie Blue shares transitional kindergarten tips, morning tubs, dollar store ideas, and her book Yanni the Yeti in this inspiring episode for teachers.In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills welcome special guest Katie Blue, an inspiring educator and author, to talk about all things teaching, transitional kindergarten, and creating a classroom full of joy and learning.Katie shares her go-to classroom strategies for boosting fine motor skills, encouraging problem-solving, and setting clear expectations through play-based learning and morning tubs. She also dives into how she uses dollar store ideas to create engaging, budget-friendly activities that make a big impact without breaking the bank.

In this special 100th episode, I'm joined by guest speaker Angela Griffith, a passionate reading specialist and ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative) Interventionist, to explore what structured literacy looks like in action—especially for students who struggle with reading.Angela shares her journey with the Alabama Reading Initiative and how her role supports effective reading intervention, phonics instruction, and teaching strategies that align with the science of reading. She breaks down the importance of Tier 1 instruction, explains why multisensory instruction matters, and offers real classroom examples from her work with kindergarten learners and beyond.We also unpack:What it really means to support students with dyslexiaHow Certified Academic Language Therapists play a role in interventionThe power of teaching mouth positions in phonics lessonsWhy phonological awareness must come before decodingInsights into letters training and the Daily Alphabet routineAngela's future goals for strengthening reading skills across the tiers of instructionWhether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or someone interested in teaching dyslexia and structured literacy, this episode is filled with educational insights you won't want to miss.✅ Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with literacy tips, practical strategies, and expert guidance on building strong foundations in reading and education.Learn more about Angela:Angela is an educator, author, and lifelong learner behind The Daily Alphabet. I'm here to help you create positive learning experiences in your classroom by bringing you research-based strategies and resources.www.thedailyalphabet.comFollow Angela on:YouTubeFacebookInstagramTikTok

Deedee and Adam are back and excited to chat about all things education with amazing teachers and friends. Join them in their weekly discussions as they dive into trending topics, latest news, and whatever else comes up!Adam and Deedee recount multiple attempts to kickstart their podcast after a long break.They outline plans to feature teachers, counselors, and administrators who make a difference.A teacher tip about how to create a whisper phone with your hand that Deedee learned from a conference attendee.

Deedee and Adam chat about teachers that had an impact on them. They share heartfelt stories about the teachers who left a lasting impact on our lives. Join us as we delve into the inspiring world of education, reminiscing about the dedicated individuals who shaped our early years. We'll explore the profound influence these teachers had on our journeys, discussing the teaching methods that made learning engaging and unforgettable. From innovative activities to memorable classroom moments, we'll paint a vivid picture of the educators who made a difference. Get ready for a conversation filled with anecdotes, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for those unsung heroes in education. Tune in to discover how the passion of these teachers ignited a spark within us, shaping the way we view learning and the impact it can have on young minds. This podcast episode is not just a trip down memory lane, but a celebration of the incredible educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. Join Deedee and Adam as we pay tribute to those special teachers who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam sit down to chat with Shannon Olsen, second grade teacher turned best selling children's book author! Shannon is the author behind the children's books: Our Class is a Family  Our School is a Family  A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School A Letter From Your Teacher: On the Last Day of School  Join us as we discuss her inspiration for her books and how she took her first book from idea to publication! Find more about Shannon and book an author visit on her teaching blog: https://lifebetweensummers.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat about how to provide small group instruction in the science of reading world! Many of us were familiar with how to form small groups when we taught guided reading through leveled texts. Now that we know leveled texts actually hinder student reading progression, should our small group instruction look different? Deedee will share her ideas on forming skills groups and how to structure your small group differentiated instruction that aligns with a structured literacy approach. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam get together to chat about what they've been up to, plans for the upcoming year, and goals they've set for themselves. A few reminders for teachers to take care of themselves are also included! Find more from Deedee & Adam: www.mrswillskindergarten.com www.adampetersoneducation.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theclassroomcollaborative/support

In today's episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee and Adam sit down with the creative genius that is Jerry Kolber! Jerry is the co-founder and CEO of edutainment company Atomic Entertainment Group. He is also an Emmy-nominated co-creator and showrunner of Nat Geo's biggest hit series Brain Games and Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams. Beginning his career within the production auditing department of New York Undercover, Jerry dove in headfirst when it came to working in the entertainment field with networks as varied as Disney, Bravo, HBO, National Geographic, Animal Planet, and MTV. Overall, Jerry has written, produced, supervised, and run over 400 episodes of various premium television and streaming content pieces. Today, Jerry is focused on education - specifically changing the game to create a system that helps children learn without stamping them all out of the same mold along the way. He is the voice behind Who Smarted? a podcast that's aimed at children aged 6 to 10. Each episode teaches kids something new through humor, stories, and even interactive games. Within just one year, they've hit 3 million downloads for the show. You can find Jerry: On Twitter: @JerryKolber On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerkolber/ Who Smarted? Atomic Entertainment Group Find ways to help hook for kindergarten, first and second-grade students with the content found on Who Smarted? podcast and it is free! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Let's Talk about Classroom Behavior! We have heard from countless kindergarten teachers and first-grade teachers about how classroom behaviors are more prevalent in schools. In this episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee is joined by special guest Brandie Rosen. Deedee and Brandie discuss a few practical ideas to include in your classroom to help students become more independent and self regulating. Brandie has spent the past 25 years as a special education teacher, administrator, and teacher coach. She has mentored 1000s of teachers, built district-wide programs, and trained teachers both nationally and internationally in creating classrooms that work for all students. She has worked with students with and without disabilities from preschool through high school. She provides training in classroom management, behavior, and all things special education. She is passionate about creating professional development for teachers that is practical, meaningful, and most importantly, makes their lives easier. She has also created online courses and memberships in classroom management, special education, and behavior management. You can learn more about Brandie on her website: https://teachinguntangled.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Elementary teachers in summer! How are you taking a break and how can you fill your teacher bucket? Adam and Deedee talk about some professional learning opportunities for kindergarten and first-grade teachers. They offer suggestions on books to read and conferences that will get them excited for next year! Learn more about The Educator Summit by going to: The Educator Summit Catch up on all of the past podcast notes by heading to: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast_episodes/teacher-professional-development/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat about Adam's kindness movement that has spread globally. His #betheyellow message challenges people of all ages to create brightness wherever they go! Adam's TEDx Talk Yellow Day Activities How can you include these kindness ideas in your own classroom? Listen as Adam explains what Yellow Day looks like in his own kindergarten classroom. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam continue their discussion on the Science of Reading. Specifically, they discuss blending and segmenting best practices. Deedee was asked by a kindergarten teacher if teachers should include alphabet cards that include the key sound picture (mnemonics) on the card to practice blending and segmenting. Listen in to learn about how to make your instruction more efficient and more effective. Learn more and download the free file mentioned by clicking: Phonics Blending Best Practices – Blending Practices That Yield Better Results Learn more about the Science of Reading in these articles: What Does A Science Of Reading Lesson Plan Look Like? Free File Too How To Teach Blending Letter Sounds And Word-Building In Kindergarten --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

How Much Time Should a Phonics Lesson Take? Deedee and Adam discuss an article by Tim Shanahan where he answers the question about the length of a phonics lesson and best practices. Deedee and Adam talk about phonics instruction AND application in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms through the lens of the Science of Reading. High leverage routines will have students actively apply phonics skills while practicing blending and segmenting. By making your lessons more concise and explicit, you can shorten the time spent doing low-yielding activities. A few tweaks to your routines will result in amazing results. How Much Phonics Should I Teach? Learn more about the daily routines of a Science of Reading Lesson Plan by clicking: What Does A Science Of Reading Lesson Plan Look Like? Free File Too --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam continue to talk about the Science of Reading and specifically get into the differences between sound walls and word walls in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. Listen in as they discuss an article found on Reading Rockets: Transitioning from Word Walls to Sound Walls --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss the Science of Reading and how it affects leveled texts in kindergarten and first grade. Many teachers continue to use guided reading as part of their small group instruction or intervention instruction. Deedee and Adam chat about the texts we select to use in our classrooms. They offer tweaks to instruction that will help teachers align their practices closer to the ideals outlined with structured literacy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss social-emotional learning with Elizabeth Coller. Elizabeth is a kindergarten teacher in California and teaches in a Montessori-inspired charter school that emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning from elementary school to high school. Elizabeth shares some classroom environment strategies that will change the way you approach classroom management and building classroom community. Through teaching, practice, lessons, and modeling the classroom becomes student-led with peer-to-peer accountability. This frees up instructional time so the teacher can then focus on instruction and the curriculum. Come and get inspired by what you hear! You can find Elizabeth Coller on: YouTube Instagram Facebook The KinderHearted Classroom --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Teaching writing to PreK, kindergarten, and first-grade students can be challenging. Deedee is joined by the author of Patterns of Wonder, Whitney La Rocca as she simplifies the process and offers advice to primary teachers! This is a must-listen episode! You can find Whitney's book on Stenhouse Publishers or on Amazon. Inviting Emergent Writers to Play with the Conventions of Language by Whitney La Rocca and Jeff Anderson About Whitney: Whitney La Rocca, with more than 20 years in education, has been a teacher, a literacy coach, and a consultant, working with children and teachers across grade levels, schools, and districts. With a deep knowledge of content, standards, and best practices, Whitney enjoys delivering professional development and coaching teachers to support children as they develop their identities in the world of literacy. She continues to learn from children each day. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat about the idea of homework in the primary grade levels and alternative ideas to use. Take a look at these link: HomePLAY! BUMP --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat with Edna from Boddle Learning. What is Boddle Learning? It is a free 3D math game that makes learning fun and personalized. This is not just for kindergarten! Boddle Learning has curriculum-based learning for K-6 students! Best of all... it is free for teachers. Teachers have control of the math games and activities that students experience. In this episode, you will hear the history behind this start-up that has gotten the attention of AT&T and Google! You can learn more about Boddle by clicking: Boddle Learning --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat about what mastery is and how it should be assessed. This conversation was inspired by an email that Deedee received about assessing letter sounds. The question circled around what are we assessing and how much support should be given while assessing? Are we really helping students in the long run if alter assessments? Take a listen! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee chats with Jan Burkins and Kari Yates about their blockbuster book, Shifting the Balance. 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee is joined by Marsha McGuire to discuss fine motor skills in kindergarten. Marsha shares some ideas that every teacher can incorporate into their daily instruction that will strengthen students' fine motor skills. Grab your exclusive Podcast Free file: Podcast Free File Where can you find Marsha?: Differentiated Kindergarten Blog Follow her on: Instagram Facebook Teachers Pay Teachers --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss some of the pros and cons that surround redshirting in kindergarten. SOURCES: Samuels, Christina A. , 2017, August 29, Delaying Child's Starting Age for School a Tough Call for Parents, Education Weekly https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/delaying-childs-starting-age-for-school-a-tough-call-for-parents/2017/08 Wong, Alia, Updated, 2021, March 11, Beyond the Pros and Cons of Redshirting, Atlantic Weekly, https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/08/beyond-the-pros-and-cons-of-redshirting/401159/ Podcast: Cult of Pedagogy, 2016, APRIL 24, Kindergarten Redshirting: How Kids Feel About it Later in Life, https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/academic-redshirting/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat about the upcoming Teacher Road Trip. This is a series of teacher meet-ups that will be hosted by some amazing sponsors. Fort Worth Tailgate: June 7 Atlanta Tailgate: June 11 Nashville Tailgate: June 14 Teachers must register at: The Teacher Road Trip Follow the fun on their Instagram Channel: @teacherroadtrip --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Adam and Deedee chat about the #betheyellow movement and the worldwide celebration called Make Someone's Day Yellow! Visit www.makesomeonesdayyellow.com for more information! Get the FREE pack here: English Version Spanish Version --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat with Hilary Statum. Hilary is a teacher out of Tennessee! In this episode, Hilary discusses her life in the classroom while balancing pregnancy, motherhood, and life! Here is where you can find Hilary Pencils to Pigtails Blog Instagram Facebook Pinterest --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam talk about ways to take learning outside! The weather is starting to get warmer so why not take the kiddos outside! You can find some ideas in Adam's book, Teach, Play, Learn!: How to Create a Purposeful Play-Driven Classroom Here are a few additional places you can get inspiration! 63 Outdoor Learning Activities 130+ FREE Outdoor Learning Activities For Kids Unexpectedly Stuck at Home --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

In this bonus episode, Deedee and Adam discuss the upcoming event of the summer - The Educator Summit! I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured presenter at The Educator Summit! The Educator Summit is a three-day virtual conference with over 30 sessions presented by nationally recognized educational leaders. As an attendee of the summit you will receive: · Over 30 hours of on-demand professional development sessions · The ability to watch and replay to all of the sessions until September 27, 2021* · Certificate of attendance (please check with your district for their requirements) · Exclusive VIP free products that have been created specifically for this event *30 days for The Keynote Speakers Check out all of the event information and keynote speakers by going to: https://www.theeducatorsummit.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam share some of their favorite books and some top picks that are available now! Here are some of the books that were discussed: Mrs. Spritzer's Garden Just Read Jasper and Ollie My Teacher is a Robot Dude! Just Ask! Dancing Hands Are We There Yet? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam talk about a few of their favorite teacher-related YouTube channel recommendations for teachers. Here is a list with links to their channels: The Lettered Classroom Kris Szajner (Tech) Pocketful of Primary IMSE (Orton-Gillingham Training) The Kinderhearted Classroom ESGI Assessments and Webinars TedX Talk Parent to Parent (Matt Glover writing) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Adam and Deedee are joined by their good friend, Cindy Price. Cindy is a first-grade teacher in Delaware and has been teaching virtually since last March of 2020. She explains how she maintains her energy despite being pulled in so many directions. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss ways to support not only your multilingual students but all of your students through 5 specific strategies that were discussed in the Edutopia article. Read this article for yourself by visiting: Supporting Multilingual Students in the Early Grades You can find this free website for wonderful photos that will help spark conversations and help build student background knowledge: Photos for Class --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam talk about ways to increase the writing your students do across all of the subjects. Why? "Writing about content material facilitates learning by consolidating information in long-term memory." Professor Steve Graham from the Teachers College at Arizona State University Having students write down what they understand about a topic, helps to identify gaps in their understanding. How? Here are a few of the suggestions that were listed in the article: I "wonder" journals Travel journals Low-stakes writing Student-created magazines Creative writing Read this entire article by clicking: The Research is in: Why Students Should Write in All Subjects Additional ideas to incorporate writing throughout the day: Project-Based Learning Anywhere by Dr. Lori Elliott A Place for Wonder | Reading and Writing Nonfiction in the Primary Grades by Georgia Heard and Jennifer McDonough --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat with Katie Mense about her new book, Yani, the Yeti. Katie shares about the process she went through to self publish her first children's book! Katie offers her tips for finding an illustrator to make the story come to life. You can find this book on Amazon Affiliate link by clicking: Yani the Yeti: and the Power of Yet Here are a few of the links to resources we mentioned in the podcast: Yeti Mountain Adventure Kindergarten Classroom Transformation Yani the Yeti and the Power of Yet: Book Companion Activities FREE Yani the Yeti and the Power of Yet Coloring sheet Here is how you can find Katie Mense: Little Kinder Warriors Blog Little Kinder Warriors on Instagram Little Kinder Warriors on Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam chat with Ryan Nevius from Illinois ASCD. Every year, this is a massive Pre-K and Kindergarten conference that is going virtual this year. Ryan shares how nimble they needed to be to bring amazing content to teachers everywhere! Learn more about this conference by clicking. ILLINOIS ASCD 2021 PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN CONFERENCE --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss ways to check for understanding digitally. Back in 2015, an article was written for The Reading Teacher, but it seems like it was made for 2020-2021! Teachers today have expressed how challenging it is to keep students engaged during distance learning. Some of these tools may help improve student involvement while also providing great feedback around student understanding. Here are a few of the tools Adam and Deedee discussed: Kahoots Socrative Poll Everywhere Doodle Buddy Quizizz Seesaw Ozmo BOOM Learning You can find the article that Deedee and Adam discussed in: The Reading Teacher Vol.69 Issue 3 November/December 2015 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss an article from The Reading Teacher on text selection and integration. The article titled, "Five Steps Towards Successful Culturally Relevant Text Selection and Integration," walks teachers through the changing demographics and the need for culturally responsive pedagogy. Here is some information that you might find helpful: The Reading Teacher Vol.71, NO.3 pp 295-307 November/December 2017 Websites with Book Lists American Indian Youth Literature Award https://ailanet.org/activities/american-indian-youth-literature-award/ Americas Award http://www.claspprograms.org/americasaward Arab American Book Award https://arabamericanmuseum.org/book-awards/ Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature https://www.apalaweb.org/awards/literature-awards/ Batchelder Award http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batchelderaward Belpre Medal http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal Caldecott Medal http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal Carter G Woodson Book Award https://www.socialstudies.org/awards/woodson Children's Africana Book Award https://africanstudies.org/awards-prizes/children-s-africana-book-award/ Coretta Scott King Book Award http://www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards ILA Notable Books for a Global Society http://www.clrsig.org/nbgs-lists.html Jane Addams Children's Book Award https://www.janeaddamschildrensbookaward.org/ Newbery Medal http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal Skipping Stopes Honor Awards https://www.skippingstones.org/wp/book-awards/ Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award https://jewishlibraries.org/Sydney_Taylor_Manuscript_Award Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award https://www.education.txstate.edu/ci/riverabookaward/ Suggested Additional Professional Reading Unpack Your Impact: How Two Primary Teachers Ditched Problematic Lessons and Built a Culture-Centered Curriculum Teachers Who Share Book Ideas on Social Media Vera Ahiyya The Tutu Teacher on Instagram Mike at The Book Wrangler on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam catch up after a long winter break and chat about some fun ways to make the 100th day of school as fun as possible in this ever-changing year of education! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam sit down with Cynthia Kaye to talk about the exciting new learning platform from Alive Studios called Zoo Camp! Students learn letters and sounds with live teacher instruction and engagement. HINT: Adam is the teacher! Learn more: https://alivestudiosco.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Get your copy of PrincipalED From fighting wildland fires with the U.S. Forest Service to putting out fires in the classroom, education was the last place that Rachael thought she’d end up. It wasn’t until a hard conversation with a base manager in Grangeville, Idaho did Rachael realize she needed to put her chainsaw down and make a bigger impact on the world. Rachael is a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015 and currently serves as the principal of Sandy Grade School in the Oregon Trail School District. Over the past seven years, Sandy Grade School has moved from being one of the lowest ranked elementary schools in the state of Oregon to performing in the top 20% of elementary schools. Sandy Grade School has been recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) as a Model School for closing the achievement gap. Prior to serving as an elementary principal, she was a middle school principal of an “outstanding” and two-time “Level 5: Model School” as recognized by the State of Oregon. Rachael serves as the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators President Elect, is the NAESP State Representative for Oregon, and is an NAESP Fellow. Rachael just released her first book PrincipalED: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve with two friends and has two other books in the works. She specializes in curriculum development, instructional improvement as well as working with at-risk students and closing the achievement gap. Connect with Rachael on Twitter @DrRachaelGeorge. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

In this episode Deedee and Adam talked about trying to find gratitude in this moment in time. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam continue their discussion on how to help students who are struggling to learn to read. They discuss the Orton-Gillingham approach to instruction. Join them! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam discuss how to help students who are struggling to learn to read. They discuss the Orton-Gillingham approach to instruction. Join them! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support

Deedee and Adam are joined again by their special friend Tara Martin. In this episode, Tara gives a preview of some of the teacher professional reading books that are available through Dave Burgess Publishing! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theclassroomcollaborative/support