Teach Starter

Harmony Week Classroom Activities

07 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Harmony Day changed to Harmony Week in 2013, so it's a great time to celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism in our schools and communities. We h...

Class Member Birthdays, with Mr D

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was Bron's birthday this week (hello, 36!!!) so she and Mr D were talking celebrations in the classroom! Teachers have had to think of lots of ways...

Try Teacher Bingo!

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jill and Bron play Teacher Bingo - a 'Never-Have-I-Ever' - style game all about teaching experiences. Play along and see if you can b...

The YouTube Mistake (Classic Mr D)

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The first rule of using Youtube in the classroom: preview every video you plan to show in full! Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't...

Being a Teacher-Parent (Re-Buzz)

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being a teacher and a parent can be a tricky balance to strike. Jill and Bron share their experiences of when their first children started school and ...

Digital Organisation with Mr D

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How's your digital space looking? Do you find it easier or harder to keep your digital files and correspondence in order than physical ones? Take our ...

Classroom Setup on a Budget

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's no need to go to great expense to have a great classroom! In this episode, listen as Jill and Bron share some economical tips for setting up y...

Mr D's Photocopier Fight

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers have a love/hate relationship with copy machines. Mr D has a solution for restacking your copier in a TikTok worthy way! Have you subscribed ...

Digital Planners for Teachers!

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers love to plan and organise! There's nothing like a fresh new teacher planner. Whether you love a paper planner or a digital one, we have lots ...

Mr D Has Landed His Dream Job!

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D is going to kindergarten! Joe's about to embark on a brand new role in his ultimate grade level! Listen to his thoughts as he prepares to go back...

Gratitude Activities for Kids to Create a Positive Mindset

31 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a heavy year last year, with plenty of challenges for the young people we educate, it's time to refocus for another year of learning.  In t...

How Your Teacher Librarian Can Support Your Start to the Year

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Mitchell is a teacher librarian (TL) from the Gold Coast. She's passionate about the vital role teacher librarians play in the education profess...

Mr D Turns on the Waterworks (Classic Mr D)

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's the silliest thing you've had to do in front of your class? Mr D has a cracker! Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! ...

Collaborative Classroom Displays to Start the Year!

24 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our brand new All About Me Display Walls have us buzzing! Choose from one of three themes to help your students share some info about themselves and g...

Back to the Classroom, with Mr D!

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to head back into the classroom! As we await our young students to come bursting energetically through the doors in coming weeks, Mr D share...

Wonderful Widgets for the Start of the Year

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you subscribed to For the Love of Teaching? Don't forget! It means you'll be the first to know whenever a new episode is released. For the Love o...

For the Love of Teaching Season 3 Starts January 18!

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for joining us on the incredible journey this year, as we reported on the huge changes education saw during Covid19.  Teachers have shone!...

Meditation for Teachers: Affirmation/Mantra Meditation

06 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica Demunck, wellness coach and teacher, is back again with the third installment of our meditation for teachers series. In this episode, Jess tak...

End of Year Reflection with your Students Activity

06 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's our last Buzz episode of season 2 and we're going out with a bang! Join Jill and Bron as they share one more gorgeous teaching resource your kids...

Mr D Talks Switching off After School

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It can be hard for teachers to leave work at work! But with the holidays approaching, this is a great time to consciously switch off, and Mr D has som...

Mini Mysteries = Ultimate End of Year Fun!

29 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers, if you're searching for a fun end-of-year activity with a twist, listen in to our chat about our wildly popular Logic Puzzles for Kids | Min...

Dance for Sick Kids with Ronald McDonald House Charities!

28 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m joined by Clarissa, one of RMHC’s teachers in Brisbane, to talk about an exciting annual event organised by Ronald McDonald Hous...

Mr D Talks Useful Teacher Gifts

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although no teacher ever expects an end of year teacher gift, they're always and thoughtful treat. In this episode, Mr D takes us through some of his ...

Surprise! The Buzz Episode Bron Wasn't Expecting..

22 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jill and Bron planned to talk about school holiday road trips for teachers, but Jill totally Kanyed the episode!  Do you love For the Love of Tea...

Letter Reversal (Mirror Writing) in the Early Years

21 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here today to talk about letter reversal, or mirror writing, is Early Years teacher and blogger Holly Mitchell. Witnessing a student progress through ...

Who Let the Cat out of the Bag? (Classic Mr D)

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some things should never be brought for show and tell! Do you love For the Love of Teaching? Don’t forget to subscribe on your fave podcast app ...

WIN One of Five Teach Starter School Plans for Your School!

15 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teach Starter has just launched our huge new competition, Ticket to Teach Starter! Five schools will win a 12 month School Plan subscription for their...

Mindful Breathing Class for Teachers (Recorded Live)

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At Teach Starter, we’re all about promoting teachers’ health and wellbeing. In today’s episode, Jessica from Teaching with Soul will...

End of Year Concert (Classic Mr D)

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a kid in your class who takes any opportunity to be extra? Maybe it's big spirit fingers in the choir, perhaps it's an unplanned concern solo...

Reporting in a School Year Like No Other

08 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Among the many challenges this year has presented to teachers, assessment and reporting obstacles have been front of mind.  In both standard repo...

National Recycling Week at School with Planet Ark

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

National Recycling Week is here! In 2020, NRW runs from 9-15 November. In this episode, I’m joined by Planet Ark’s Recycling Campaign Mana...

Mr D on the 2020 USA Presidential Election (Special Episode)

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's election-eve in the United States and Mr D has popped in to share his thoughts on the campaign itself, the policies of each party (pertaining to ...

Teacher Desks - Opinions and Options

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Take a look over your teacher desk. Do you see a serene sanctuary of stationery, or a dumping ground accumulating piles of paperwork? Many teachers ar...

Meditation Class for Teachers (Recorded Live)

31 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At Teach Starter, we’re all about promoting teachers’ health and wellbeing. In today’s episode, Jessica from Teaching with Soul will...

Halloween Catch Up with Mr D

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk Halloween with Mr D! Find out what's different between the US and Australia when it comes to contemporary celebrations of Halloween, and tr...

Happy World Teachers' Day!

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just popping into your feed to say Happy World Teachers' Day!  You are making a difference in young peoples' lives every day, and you are valued....

Halloween in the Classroom and at Home

25 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jill and Bron chat about the shift towards celebrating Halloween in Australia, how different it looks compared to when they were chil...

Mindful Teaching

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Deb Howcroft-Miles is a yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor who helps teachers to realise the importance of being connected to their purpose.&nbsp...

"No Calling Out!" (Classic Mr D)

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Blurting, calling out, whatever else you call it, it's a constant obstacle for teachers. Mr D shares a funny story about a student of his who could re...

Fast Finishers (ReBuzz)

18 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some kids are so fast! They'll get everything done in record speed (and with accuracy and neatness to boot!). Have you got one of these? Perhaps more ...

Teaching Body Safety, Consent and Boundaries with Author Jayneen Sanders

18 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jayneen Sanders is a teacher, former school counsellor and author. She’s a strong public advocate for children’s safety, education and emp...

Mr D on The Class of 2020

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another year is rolling to a close. But it's a year like no other. In this episode, Mr D and I reflect on our past students over the years, and chat a...

Book Week 2020 - Curious Creatures, Wild Minds

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Book Week 2020 (like many things in 2020) is looking different from previous years. The highly anticipated parade with special guests (parents) may no...

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing with Smiling Mind

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to provide accessible, lifelong tools to support healthy minds.  Headed by CEO Dr Ad...

Mr D's Unconventional Use of Non Contact Time

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! Kicking off term four, Mr D and I thought we'd chat about that golden 30 minutes to hour teachers are bestowed a couple of times per week:...

Beating the Back to School Blues (ReBuzz)

04 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you reluctant to head back for term four, or are you raring to go? In this episode we talk through those back-after-the-holidays feels.  Do y...

Teaching Truths (FTLOT Selects)

03 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We revisit one of most popular episodes with the amazing educator and author Danny Steele. Danny has more than 26 years of experience in the public sc...

Mr D on Dating as a Teacher (Classic Mr D)

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All the single, teachers; all the single teachers.... This episode is for you! Mr D delves into the realities of trying to maintain a personal life wh...

Favourite Rude Reads for Kids (ReBuzz)

27 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are some books that just have that certain appeal to them, that kids love. Some children's authors and illustrators have a particular talent for...

Sprinkle Magic Wherever You Teach (FTLOT Selects)

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We revisit one of our most listened-to episodes when Dr Samantha Fecich joined me to talk about the eight ways she empowers student teachers to become...

Mr D Zoom Teaching Fails

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with remote teaching through Zoom (or Meets), after enduring and powering through 2020! In this episode, we c...

Classroom Plants and Pets

20 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a classroom pets person? Perhaps you're more passionate about plants? In this episode we chat all about living things in the classroom. Do you...

Behaviour Management Tips for Your Classroom and Beyond

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ash Curmi is a classroom and PE teacher from Queensland's Gold Coast. In this episode, Ash takes us through some of the strategies and techniques he's...

Parent-Teacher Interview Moments (Classic Mr D)

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've just finished another round of parent-teacher interviews! Let's give ourselves a gold star, kick back with a cuppa, and listen to Mr D share one...

Rebuzz Sustainability Chat

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This sustainability chat is one of our most loved (and listened to) Buzz episodes ever! Join Jill and Bron as they chat about ways to reduce our impac...

How to be Happy in a Pandemic (Live Recording)

12 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

... and why it's totally okay if you're not.  In this recording, Bron will chatted with special guest Sarah from @teacherishappy about how to be ...

Mr D Got Himself Banned from Tik Tok!

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D is a bit of a global sensation on Tik Tok, but in the last week he found himself banned from the platform for 'inappropriate' content on his live...

Time Chunking for Teachers (ReBuzz)

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest struggles teachers face is managing their time effectively and striking a healthy balance in their lives. We all know the sense of ...

RUOK Day for Teachers

05 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week Sarah Weston, teacher and assistant principal, joins Bron to talk about how we can use RUOK Day (10 September) to show kindness to our colle...

Nice Nails! Can You be Too Young for a Full Set of Acrylics? (Classic Mr D)

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D tells the tale of a young student who turned up to school with a glam mani. Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Facebook group, where we ...

Colour Coding in the Classroom

30 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To colour code or not? In this episode, we chat about the benefits of colour coding and lots of ways you may already be doing it. Do you like colour c...

Beginning and Establishing Teachers: Expectations and Realities

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mel Taylor is a relatively establishing teacher, having spent 3 years in the profession. She's undertaken a variety of roles, spending time as a casua...

Blurting in Mr D's Classroom (Classic Mr D)

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Calling out is a huge problem for teachers everywhere. Join us for this classic Friday Funny where Mr D shares the awkward moment when his student blu...

What's The Strangest Thing a Student Has Brought to Your Classroom?

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers are great at improvising and thinking on their feet when lessons go unexpectedly. But does that skill transfer to the moment you realise your...

Foot Conditions Teachers Need to Know About

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is a profession which is known to be physically demanding, right down to the floor. Sara tells us about two common conditions she sees in her...

You'll Never Look at a Cafeteria Hotdog the Same Way (Classic Mr D)

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

American elementary schools are known for many great things; iconic yellow buses, locker-lined halls and sunlit classrooms. They're also homes of cafe...

Kids Do the Grossest Things (ReBuzz)

16 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are some things that formal teacher training courses fail to teach us. For instance, the many disgusting and gross things kids do in the classro...

The Science of Reading Explained

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Science of Reading is a culmination of major research articles from English-speaking countries that have been consistent in th...

What Did You Just Say? (Classic Mr D)

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Joe recalls the hairiest encounter he's had with a kindergarten student, and tells us his 'favourite' part of chatting with really li...

We're Buzzing About Issue Two of The Magazine!

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After the success of issue one of What's Buzzing magazine last year, and an influx of requests for more issues, the Teach Starter team has just wrappe...

Creating Positive Classroom Culture

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Perth teacher Hannah Girling joins me for a live recording to talk all about building a positive vibe in your classroom. Join us in our new...

Remember when Flying Places was a Thing? (Classic Mr D)

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've got the travel bug and are lamenting in lockdown, Mr D's airplane horror story will make you glad to stay home! Mr D is a seasoned traveler,...

Emoji Use in The Classroom - The Research and the Reality!

02 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With distance learning a key part of 2020 for many of us, we are looking for ways to connect with our students through technology. New RMIT research h...

How to Bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives into Your Classroom

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jordyn from Learning to Ngangaanha is back this week with her awesome tips on how to connect your students with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ...

Get to Know Mr D a Little Better!

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Back in 2015, The New York Times published a story called The 36 Questions that Lead to Love. The story reviewed research by Arthur Aron (et al) which...

ReBuzz: Stop, Reflect, Be Positive!

26 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk a lot about reflective practice and aim to review our day's work. What worked? What didn't? What should I change? What can I do better? This w...

Healthy Kids in the Classroom with OzHarvest's FEAST Program for Schools

25 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest is Amelia Berner from Oz Harvest's FEAST. Amelia is OzHarvest’s Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) Program Manager, wh...

Mr D on Summer Jobs for Teachers

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the States, many professional teachers need to supplement their teaching incomes with casual Summer work. From babysitting to retail, they do it al...

Victorian Teachers, You've Got This!

19 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With some districts of Victoria heading back to the challenges of remote learning after a resurgence of Covid19 cases in the state's capital and surro...

Maggie Dent on National Tree Day 2020

18 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Regenerating Our Land, Our People, Our Future  Maggie Dent has become one of Australia's favourite parenting authors and educators, with a partic...

Breaking: Decisions Being Made About US Back to School

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm talking with Mr D on the current updates coming out of US school districts. To teachers' and students' relief, many states have decided to b...

Warm Ups to Make Your Mornings

12 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all know the feeling, the deep breath we take as we prepare to open the classroom door, that last few seconds of silence before the students arrive...

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Your Classroom

11 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Joining me today is Jordyn, an Aboriginal Australian Wiradjuri woman and teacher. Jordyn runs an awesome Instagram page called Learning to Ngangaanha,...

The Story of Amy and the Stars - With Mr D

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Facebook group, where we chat about the podcast, feature live vids of guests, and talk teaching! Have you ...

ReBuzz: Treat Yourself

05 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers: how often do we use our hard-earned cash to buy school supplies, stationery and classroom necessities? It's school holidays now, and it's ti...

30 Year Teaching Career - Live Podcast Recording

04 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cath Williams and Shandell Gammon are experienced teachers who, after 30 years in the profession, are still passionate, creative and motivated to educ...

Report Cards are DONE!

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We could hear that collective, audible sigh of relief from teachers everywhere when report cards for this last period were DONE! You did it! Well done...

Teach Starter's Planting One Million Trees!

28 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teach Starter co-founder and co-host of Monday's The Buzz podcast, Jill Snape, talks about Teach Starter's commitment to plant one million trees by 20...

Behaviour Management Best Practise

27 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author and behaviour management specialist Marie Amaro joins me on today's episode to talk about creating an effective behaviour management strategy i...

Back to School 2020 - What's to Come in July and August?

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D and Bron live on opposites sides of the world, and usually, things seem pretty common in education across the geographical distance. But now, as ...

All the Ways to Play!

21 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How fun! This episode focuses on the different styles of play children use to learn in early childhood! Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Fa...

Voice Warm Ups For Teachers

21 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Voice coach and Tik Tok superstar Sally Prosser is back again with an easy, 3-step, 1-minute voice warm up for teachers! Do it in your car, your class...

The Black Lives Matter Movement - Amplifying Voices

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode with Mr D, we talk about the Black Lives Matter movement which the world is embracing. Mr D tells us what is happening in the US, talk...

Reporting on Home Learning - Comment Bank to Help You!

14 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teach Starter's experienced teacher and resource creator Janeen has just published a new resource: a comment bank to help you write reports on your st...

Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Uni Students

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Lewis is the director of the Dandjoo Darbalung Indigenous access program at St Catherine's College in WA. The program enables Indigenous people to...

Parent Teacher Interviews with Mr D

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you turn up to a PT interview and Mr D is sitting across the table, expect some truth bombs! Mr D is a huge advocate for "calling it like it is", a...

Teaching Persuasive Writing in the Early Years

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Persuasive writing in the early years is a complicated skill to master. Understanding the generic structure of a persuasive text, using correct s...

School Camps, Day Camps and Excursions (The Tea with Mr D)

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in our new For the Love of Teaching Facebook group, where we chat about the podcast, feature live vids of guests, and talk teaching! Have you ...

Re-Engaging Your Students After Extended Absence from School

31 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Australian kids head back into classrooms, another wave of change sweeps over our schools. Here are some strategies to help engage the learners in ...

"Schools Have Shone": Covid19 Through the Eyes of a Principal

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Brett Shackleton is the principal at Brisbane's Ferny Grove State School. Brett's seen many changes in education in his 32 years in the profession, bu...