Teach Starter

Bonus Episode: Trauma Informed Practice - FAQs

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Recently we facilitated this webinar on trauma-informed practice. We had a huge response and during the Q&A we received more than 70 questions - f...

Webinar - Trauma Informed Practice

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hi teachers! We're back in your feed with a recording from a webinar that had a lot of teachers talking last week. If you'd like to watch the full rec...

What's the Weirdest Gift Teachers Have Received?

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We asked, and you guys came through with the goods. All we can say is "WOW (really?!)".  Enjoy! Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? D...

Talking Teacher Gifts!

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The longer you teach, the more weird and wonderful the end of year gifts get! Today we reflect on our favourite gifts from students. Teachers, what's ...

Fine Motor Activities for Little Hands Over the Break

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As adults we know that feeling of picking up a pen for the first time in a while (say, after the glorious summer school holidays!). Kids can often let...

Tell us your Elf on the Shelf ideas!

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

From Child Refugee to Thriving Primary Teacher - Vivian's Story

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the pandemic, as a profession, teachers have been concerned about our students’ learning. We've been putting intervention strategies in p...

Under 8s Day!

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Under 8s Week is traditionally held in May each year, and is organised by Early Childhood Australia. Recently, though, because of Covid, schools have ...

End of Year Parting Gifts

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

Climate Change Education: Last Word (for now!)

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now that COP26 is over, we just thought we’d add some final thoughts for teachers to sit with as we head towards school holidays and a fresh new...

Phonemic Awareness Activities

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Holly joins Bron to chat about phonemic awareness activities in the early years. Check out the blog here! Have you subscribed to...

Teachers' Favourite Brain Break Activities!

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

Squid Game(s): Tips for Teachers

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Squid Game is a series streaming on Netflix that is not only breaking the ‘most-streamed series ever’ record, but it’s also fil...

Climate Change Education: Supporting Children and Inspiring Hope

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're halfway through COP26 and here at Teach Starter we've been talking a lot about climate change. To wrap up this short series, Michael and Bron sp...

Early Years Sustainability Education in Finland: Agent Adventure

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week on T...

How to Talk to Anxious Students About Sensitive Issues

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're offering some practical tips to help support students with anxiety. We also look into some ways to spot if a child isn't coping or is ...

Climate Change Education: Collective Action Starts in Schools

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference starts later today in Glasgow, where world leaders are meeting to discuss climate change and the future.  W...

When Students Ask About Climate Change

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

Earth Day's Climate Literacy Campaign - Rachel Weisbrot

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, the COP 26, beginning in Glasgow next week, producer Michael sat down to chat with Rachel Wiesbrot, from Ea...

The Road to COP26

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Over the coming weeks, the Teach Starter podcast will be bringing you up to date information environmental education, and where to start. This is our ...

How well does the curriculum support teachers on sustainability and climate change?

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

The Happy Teacher Revolution - Danna Thomas

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Danna Thomas is a former Baltimore City Public School teacher turned founder of a global initiative to support the mental health and wellness of educa...

Sustainability in the Classroom and the Staffroom

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Email us at [email protected] or contact us via facebook or instagram to get involved with the podcast! Some time ago, now, in July 2019, Jill ...

Report Card Advice From Real Teachers

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week we a...

Supporting Students with Additional Needs - Ally Lovejoy

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll hear from Ally Lovejoy, a  Minnesota teacher who has always found joy in working with children with additi...

How to Use our Resources on Google Slides!

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Jill and Bron talk you through how to easily convert our PDF resources into Google Slides ready for your Google Classroom?! We’v...

Teaching Kids About Food and Environmental Sustainability

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephanie Alexander is a pioneering food writer, and was the first woman to own and manage a world class restaurant in Australia. She became a Member ...

What's the grossest thing you've touched in the classroom?

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

Being Culturally Relevant for our Students - Casey Hall

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Casey Hall is a certified K-12 music teacher who originally thought he was destined to be a high school band director, but who has found so much happi...

Curating Your Best Teacher Wardrobe!

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a new season, a new term, and time to think about what we're going to wear! We asked teachers for their best hints and tips on professional dress...

Tell us which state you teach in, without telling us!

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! We've been ...

Avoid Teacher Burnout - Angela Watson

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Watson is a teacher and is also the host of the Truth for Teachers podcast! She's here on Teach Starter today talking about teacher wellbeing, ...

Quality Time - an Action Plan (Teacher Workload)

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Quality Time program seeks to "simplify and modernise administrative processes and practices, to ensure that teacher and school leader time is spe...

What Does the Word 'Burnout' Mean to You?

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

Unleash Your Creativity - Cassie Stephens

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"When you're a happy person, you're a happy teacher. Your happiness is what will be contagious in your classroom!"  The incredible Cassie Stephen...

Handwriting!

19 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk handwriting! Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you’ll be the first to know whenever a new ...

How Much Do Teachers Work on Weekends?

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

LGBTQ Student Wellbeing and Safety - Erin Castillo

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How we can cultivate safe classroom culture for LGBTQ students and families?  Erin Castillo teaches Special Ed and is a peer counsellor in the Ca...

Creating Safe Schools for LBGTQ Students and Families

12 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pride month has come and gone for another year, and whilst it was a wonderful time highlighting and celebrating our LGBTQ community, it’s still ...

What Would You Change about Education?

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

Teaching Financial Literacy - Yanely Espinal

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Born and raised by Dominican, immigrant parents in Brooklyn, Yanely Espinal is a proud product of NYC public schools. She graduated from Fiorello H. L...

Remote Teaching - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

05 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was recently joined by Tam, from MissLearningBee, on an Instagram live, to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of remote teaching and we&rsquo...

Mr D and the Music Concert

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's always one... one student in any concert who goes completely rogue and steals the show.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Student Mental Health - Erin Castillo

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Erin Castillo teaches Special Ed and is a peer counsellor in the California Bay Area. She’s a mental health advocate, and today we are lucky eno...

Theme Day Ideas for Remote Learning

29 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With many of us navigating remote learning, Jill and Bron are chatting today about some fun theme days for your students to do while learning from hom...

What's Your Teacher Personality?

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

Essential Truths for Every Teacher - Danny Steele

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Educator and author Danny Steele has 28 years of experience in the public school system in Alabama. Spending his time as a teacher, coach, administrat...

Australia Post Stamp Collecting Month

22 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Full STEAM Ahead is the 2021 theme for Stamp Collecting Month.  Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you&...

Shout Out to Your Favourite Teacher!

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Who was that one amazing teacher who impacted your life so much that they inspired YOU to become a teacher? Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we giv...

Copyright in the Classroom - David Sohn and Brittany Fleming

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about digital literacies, often the first thing that comes to mind is educating kids about privacy, security, and cyberbullying. Today's ...

Book Week 2021 - Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

15 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Book Week is rolling around once more and this year we're created new resources to support your teaching, whether you're in the classroom or teaching ...

Book Week 2021 Ideas from Teachers

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Teacher Voicemail, where we give teachers a voice every week to reach thousands of other teachers and strengthen our community! This week w...

Challenging the Notion of Learning Loss - with Ron Berger

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we will be talking about the persisting narrative around “learning loss” – The idea that students have suffered a collective e...

Hit Refresh

08 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's a really weird time, right, guys? Queensland teachers return to face-to face learning this week, while Victorian teachers enter another lockdown ...

Teachers' Messages of Support for Beginning Teachers!

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being a beginning teacher is challenging, and transitioning from a largely theory-based, academic understanding of education into a real-life, operati...

Lessons Learned in a Global Pandemic - with Cassie Stephens

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Having had three school years, now, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, what are the key learnings for teachers? Where are those elusive silver linings...

Completely Composite

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever taught a composite or multi-age class? One Brisbane school has gone completely composite in its upper years classrooms, and the change h...

Welcome to the Teach Starter Podcast!

31 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Teach Starter podcast, where teaching inspiration begins! At Teach Starter, we help teachers and their students have more of those amaz...

Realities of Remote Teaching and Learning

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hello and happy Friday teachers! What a week that was! We’ve had schools in Victoria and South Australia come out of lockdown, while teachers in...

Primary to Secondary - Sharing with our Colleagues in other Sectors.

25 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A recent chance-conversation Jill had with a secondary teacher got us thinking: how can we support and help our education colleagues and bridge the ga...

Happy National Pyjama Day, Teachers!

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's 23 July, National Pyjama Day! Wishing you a beautiful day of fun, fundraising for kids in foster care to be supported by The Pyjama Foundation.&n...

Tokyo Games Activities for Your Class!

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are due to start very soon, and we have some excellent teaching resources for your students!  Have you subscrib...

Well, that's awkward!

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kids say they darndest things, and sometimes your students will surprise you at the most unexpected moment (but usually when there's a visitor to the ...

Mini Movement Breaks for Your Class

11 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brain breaks are a great way to get your students to refresh their minds and refocus. These active games are great for getting their bodies moving and...

Playing Dodgeball with Mr D

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you think Mr D would fare in a dodgeball competition with some little kids? Find out! Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don&rsquo...

Should Teachers be Prioritised to Receive the COVID-19 Vax?

04 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Independent Education Union has said that it's high time to vaccinate teachers and support staff against COVID-19. The Delta variant which has bee...

Mr D and the Awful Zoo Excursion

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all have those awful days in teaching, and some we'll never forget.  Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It me...

Sustainable Cleaning Tips from the Classroom to the Home

27 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After all of the hustle and bustle of the term, the break is a great time to have a huge clean up at home! If you're like me, you'll love a good home ...

Every Move You Make, Mr D Will Be Watching You

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Watch out, Mr D has a plan of action which involves a security camera capable of replays to sort out classroom disagreements. Send this one to the vid...

NAIDOC Week in Your Classroom - Making an Acknowledgement of Country

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NAIDOC Week 2021 holds the significant theme of Heal Country. While for many, this important week falls within the Winter break, it's still crucial to...

Mr D and the Incursion of Shame

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hey teachers.... What about those cringe moments when a visitor to your school is on the receiving end of some, let's say, "personality" from one of y...

Let's Talk About Parental Leave, Baby!

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know what your entitlements are around paid parental leave? If you're interested in learning about the best way to prepare for your leave when ...

Mr D and the Slam Dunk

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You know those moments when, as a teacher, you really show your students that you've still got it? Or you definitely once had it, at least? When they ...

Montessori-Style Peace Table for Social Learning

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of the Peace Table solution to classroom disputes? This practice has roots in Montessori and is a child-centred way for kids to communi...

The Great Snake Escape

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This story is too funny not to retell! Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you’ll be the first to know ...

Teaching Entrepreneurship in Schools for Careers of Tomorrow

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you’ll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. At ...

Mr D and the Fake Security System

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D has mastered the skill of the Little White Lie, and he's not afraid to use it! Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget...

Borrowed From Bluey: Learning Opportunities from the Hit Show

23 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as Jill and Bron chat about the hit kids' tv show, produced here in Brisbane, Bluey. It's a rich source of inspiration for play-based learning ...

Mr D Hit the Big Time

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D shares about when he finally reached celebrity status. Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you’ll ...

Handwriting / School Font Chat

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that Australia has one of the most complex font systems? Almost every state has a different school font for teaching and learning handwri...

Betting on Ants and Other Fun Playground Games

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you subscribed to Teach Starter? Don’t forget! It means you’ll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. At ...

Goal Setting for Upper Years Students

09 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Goal setting is an extremely valuable life skill for students to learn. In this episode, Bron and Jill chat about different ways to help upper years s...

Mr D Teaches Bead Safety

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Very important info for all early childhood teachers: prep your class before beading time! Take a listen to more hilarious kindergarten stories on Mr ...

Best Bunnings Buys Shared by Teachers

02 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hardware retail giant Bunnings Warehouse has become a source of inspiration and cheap classroom buys for Aussie teachers. Join Bron as she goes throug...

National Pyjama Day - Fun for a Fantastic Cause

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bonus episode, we're talking about The Pyjama Foundation's annual fundraising day, Pyjama Day, with CEO and founder Bronwyn Sheehan, a...

What Kindergarteners Want, with Mr D

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Friday, everyone! In this episode, we chat about hometown connections, Mr D's favourite Aussie beer, and eventually get around to talking school...

LANTITE: Everything You Need to Know

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The LANTITE test is a basic literacy and numeracy exam undertaken by all education students in Australia. It's a prerequisite to graduating from a ter...

Parent-Teacher Interview Tips from Mr D

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Take a listen to Mr D sharing his top tips for parent-teacher interviews (he doesn't hold back!).  Have you subscribed to Teach Starter?&nbs...

Reporting in Term 2

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Covid is still having an impact on our reporting cycles, and with many schools forced to push Term 1 interviews into Term 2, it's going to be a bit he...

Teacher Names - With Mr D

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's in a name?  In this episode we chat all about the different ways students address their teachers and the reasons behind the choices. ...

Mindful Communication for Upper Years Kids

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you got a student who has no filter? Perhaps it's time to introduce the THINK strategy into your classroom management system!  Have you&nbsp...

I'm Not Cut Out for This! Mr D.

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Using fine motor skills is a big part of learning. Mastering scissors isn't easy. But what happened in Mr D's classroom left him feeling utterly sick!...

Celebrating Mother's Day (Activities for the Classroom)

04 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as Jill and Bron recall the most special Mother's Day handmade gifts they've received, and share some gorgeous Mother's Day activities for your...

Teacher Wardrobe Tips from Mr D

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Mr D is back in the classroom, he's had to dig deep into the recesses of his closet to find some kindy-suitable attire! Have you subscribed t...

ANZAC Day Activity Planning for Your Class

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

ANZAC Day falls early in term two, so it's a great idea to start planning your classroom activities now. Listen as Bron and Jill run through some beau...

Mr D The Foodie

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kimchi. Sauerkraut. Kombucha. Wine. These are a few of our favourite fermented things! But what happened to Mr D when he thought he was eating a ferme...

Separation Anxiety Hints and Tips for Teachers

21 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Separation anxiety is super common and considered healthy and normal in early childhood development. But when a child has difficulty performing routin...

Meal Prepping for Teachers (with Mr D)

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D and I love to chat about hard-hitting topics in education. So, teachers: what are you going to eat this year!? Have you subscribed to For the Lov...

Calm Your Mornings!

14 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here are some quick and easy morning routine hacks for teachers (even those who aren't natural morning people!) Have you subscribed to For the Love of...

Mr D is Haunted by his Past (Classic Mr D)

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kids these days! Did Mr D ever find a disconnect between what he used to do as a kid and what kids do now? Or is it all the same?  Mr D shares ho...