The Joyous Classroom

Think Alouds Made Easy: Build Readers Who Write with Confidence

Join veteran teachers Angela and Brandy as they unpack insights from Kristina Smekens on the power of read-alouds, think-alouds, and scaffolded writing. Learn practical, classroom-ready strategies—start small, model thinking voices, use pictures and cross-modal experiences, and teach students to choose the best text evidence.
This episode shows how making thinking visible turns readers into confident writers and offers simple steps teachers can implement tomorrow to create a more joyous classroom.
Smekens Reading Comprehension: https://www.smekenseducation.com/reading-comprehension-strategies/
Smekens Free Resources: https://www.smekenseducation.com/free-resources/

E20:Hit the Reset: Simple Classroom Refreshes That Work

Angela and Brandy discuss practical, and quick ways teachers can reset their classrooms at the end of the first grading period. From visiting other rooms for fresh ideas to re-establishing routines, positive behavior incentives, and small organizational systems that save time, you’ll be set to make the most out the next part of your year. 
The episode emphasizes starting small, prioritizing high-impact changes, balancing expectations with relationships, and sharing tips to renew teacher energy and classroom culture.
Random Name Picker: Claw Machine & More: https://www.online-stopwatch.com/random-name-pickers/crane-machine-name-picker/full-screen/
 

Heartfelt Classrooms: Nikki Jordan on Relationships, SEL, and Teacher Joy

Hosts Brandy and Angela open with light Halloween jokes before welcoming Nikki Jordan, an alt-certified teacher turned entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, consultant, personal business coach, and founder of Confidence at Any Size.
Nikki shares her journey into education, her belief in building authentic relationships with students and colleagues, and practical social-emotional strategies—like greeting students at the door and 60-second intentional moments—that improve classroom culture, behavior, and learning.
She also describes her workshops (Art of Teaching, Art of Mentoring, From Vision to Victory) and where listeners can connect with her on social media.
Connect with Nikki: 
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/share/16UtwGjfgP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
IG: https://www.instagram.com/confidenceatanysize?igsh=YWxiN3gzejRlbHYx
LN:@nikkiordan or @nikki-jordan-dfwWorkshop From Vision to Victory: https://www.confidenceatanysize.com/event-details/from-vision-to-victory-2026-planning-experience?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwNuVglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1X0Ty9eILQEoalHdm2gTqiG4oS7JuVnbnRgSTmhvQsCcL4RNtYnuDCzOCL5_aem_thz1cIJCZJzl-Wxfb0b_Ag
 

Beat the ECR Blues: Creative Strategies for Stronger Student Writing

Veteran teachers Angela and Brandy share joyful, research-backed strategies to make writing less scary and more effective—especially for Texas ECRs.
Learn quick creative writing routines like Color Your Sentence, Spoken Word, Figurative Language Friday, and the Because–So–Which Means expansion technique for depth, PLUS organization ideas like storyboard planning to build voice, clarity, and stamina in student writing. See how building classroom community with peer “WOW” cards and leaning into spotlighting student work can lead to joy as a pathway to rigor, increased participation, and better student writing. 
Leave us a note, or join our fb group and share how these ideas helped your classroom sparkle at writing!
We'd love to have you join us at The Joyous Classroom on fbWriting Strategies Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eoMxH0gPJ1R1_gLee4hVSRs0Ce6DgG_d5zmYNUBA3uI/edit?usp=sharing
 

Ep. 17: Get Kids Hooked on Reading: Creative Reading-Engagement Ideas

Join veteran teachers Angela and Brandy on The Joyous Classroom as they share playful, practical strategies to get kids excited about reading.
Great tried & true reading engagement & Interest-building ideas are shared on this episodes. Everything from Mystery Bags to build inference skills, running a digital 'Elite Eight' book bracket to inspire school wide reading engagement, and ideas like Read Around the School, Reading Under the Stars, and hands-on book activities.
Book Challenge Article with Timelines: 
https://blog.tcea.org/digital-book-challenge-2025/
 
 

When Classrooms Become Stages: Teaching as Live Theater

Veteran teachers and community thespians pull back the curtain on the surprising connections between teaching and live theater — presence, improvisation, empathy, and collaboration — sharing stories from rehearsals, moments of hilarity & flexibility from live productions, and the importance of listening and collaboration.
Hear practical tips, joyful anecdotes, and how bringing performance, storytelling, and teamwork into the classroom can deepen student engagement, build empathy, and create positive classroom communities. 
Our guests today include TaKisha Kegler, Elise Kimball, and Penny Tatum, fellow castmates, educators, and friends. 

Positive Parent Communication--Building Partnerships that Can Transform Your Year

In this episode of The Joyous Classroom, veteran teachers Angela and Brandy explain how intentional positive communication with families can transform your school year. They emphasize starting early to build trust so parents are more receptive when challenges arise.
It's short and to the point, because they are in the midst of practicing for their community play which opens in just two weeks. They are both starring in The Savannah Sipping Society and right now they are in the final weeks of long days and evenings with extra and much longer practice times.
Practical tips include quick positive phone calls in the first two weeks, weekly emails or texts, photo updates, positive postcards, and a simple post‑it note routine to celebrate small wins. Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the partnerships you build with parents that lesson the stresses that might arise later. 

Teacher Tired; Surviving The Beginning of the Year: Part 5 of Our Back to School Series

Angela and Brandy candidly discuss the special exhaustion of the early weeks of being back at school—migraines, tech issues, drills, extra duties, and decision fatigue—and remind teachers they are not alone.
They share simple, realistic recovery tips like five-minute resets, lowering weekday expectations, and learning to say no, encouraging listeners to protect their energy and find joy in small wins.

The Science Behind Building Rapport: Part 4 of Our Back to School Series

This episode explains why greeting students at the door matters and reviews the neuroscience behind rapport—dopamine for motivation and oxytocin for safety—plus research showing long-term benefits like reduced aggression and improved engagement.
Hosts share practical actions (assess, address, respond, request, tell), the 5-to-1 positive-to-corrective interaction ratio, and a simple takeaway: start each day with warmth, a student’s name, and a quick connection to set the tone for learning.
The Science Behind Building Rapport: The How's & Whys

Routines & Procedures; Part 3 of our Back to School Series

Welcome to The Joyous Classroom, a podcast dedicated to educators passionate about fostering a positive learning environment. Join veteran teachers Brandy and Angela as they share practical tips and insights to help you establish effective routines, teach essential procedures, and build a nurturing classroom community. Discover strategies to create a culture of consistency, connection, and calm from the very first weeks of school. Learn how to model and teach key procedures, engage students through community-building activities, and prioritize social-emotional learning. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the classroom, this episode offers inspiring and actionable advice to make your teaching experience more joyous and fulfilling. Tune in and transform your classroom into a place where students and teachers thrive together.
Routines & Procedures BOOK LINK