Teach Starter

Playground Duty (The Tea With Mr D)

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a look at the ups and downs of.... playground duty! Weather, unfamiliar students, bulk kids... it's all happening! Join us in...

National Simultaneous Storytime

24 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas is the story chosen for this year's NSS! Hear all about our free resources for lower and upper primary classrooms! J...

Live Recording: Assistant Principal Chat

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A career in education can look vastly different from one professional to the next. And over time, professional goals take different shapes. So what yo...

Iso Binging! What to Watch Next (With Mr D)

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you running low on binge-worthy tv and streaming shows to watch? Here are Mr D and Bron's top tips? Already seen these ones? Tell us what you're w...

Reducing Anxiety in Kids Returning to School After Isolation

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With kids returning to school in the next few weeks, there may be a few worries for teachers and parents to work together to address! Here are four wa...

Voice Effectiveness for Teachers

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Vocal Coach Sally Prosser is back to talk all about voice effectiveness for teachers! Sal takes us through some confidence-boosting self talk routines...

Loungewear - Isolation Fashion for Teachers

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week Mr D takes us through the dos and don'ts of home isolation fashion (quarantine if you're in the States). Basically, comfort is key so anythi...

Back to School (Again!)

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Change has been the theme of 2020, and with restrictions lifting, students are beginning to repopulate Australia's schools. Join Jill and Bron as they...

Teaching Poetry

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Poetry is a tricky text type to teach, due to various poem-type structures. In this episode, Teach Starter resource creator Steph, who has developed T...

Mr D's Home Learning Challenge for TEACHERS

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mr D challenges you to take a lesson you were super familiar with teaching (you know those old chestnuts that just work time after ti...

Showing Kindness in a Crisis - Maintaining Relationships and Connections

03 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers often say they got into this awesome profession for the kids. The students, the relationships and bonds we form, the moments of connection, a...

Foot Care for Teachers: Take Care of Those Tootsies!

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hey there, twinkle toes! Are your feet telling you they're not happy? Podiatrist Sara from Frankie 4 Footwear joins me today to talk all things foot h...

Mr D's TikTok Tips for Teachers

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you all over TikTok? Or are you yet to dip a toe in? Mr D, a seasoned TikTok user, shares helpful hints and tips, as well as the audio from his ve...

Positive Reinforcement Ideas for Remote Learning

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Positive reinforcement is a big part of classroom management in today's... classrooms. So how do you deliver positive reinforcement to your students i...

GP Chat - Covid-19 Health and Wellbeing for Teachers Part 2

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Sam Manger from The GP Show joins me today with loads of practical advice for teachers working throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Sam is a GP on ...

Are You in a Funk? Jump Online and Let Inspiration In!

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers, how are you holding up? Are you totally smashing remote learning? Go, you! Are you struggling to adjust a little bit? That's totally okay. W...

Mood Trackers - Good for Students, Great for Teachers and Parents!

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kids can have trouble regulating their emotions at the best of times. So throw a global pandemic into the mix, and we've noticed that our own kids are...

GP Chat - Covid-19 Health and Wellbeing for Teachers Part 1

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Sam Manger from The GP Show joins me today with loads of practical advice for teachers working throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Sam is a GP on ...

Crazy Capers at Home with Mr D

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone going a little bonkers in iso? This is a time which is challenging us all, no matter who we are or where we live. It's also a time where amazin...

65 Fun Things to Do With Kids at Home

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jill and Bron chat about Teach Starter's amazing new FREE resource, 65 Things to Do With Kids at Home. Every activity is fun, with learning opportunit...

The New Normal: Teaching in Trying Times

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"The new normal" is the term many teachers and parents are using to describe this sudden change of circumstances to the children in our lives. This ne...

It's Zoom Time with Mr D

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Zoom meetings, lessons and catch ups have become a huge thing in the past few weeks. Funny things happen on Zoom. Listen in to Mr D talking about the ...

2020's Best Hygiene Hacks for Kids

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Brace yourself; winter is coming. And so are the germs! For kids, simple hygiene hacks like effective hand-washing and appropriate coughing/sneezing p...

The World Caught a Germ - Teaching our Littlest Learners About Covid-19

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In mid-March, as the emerging Covid-19 crisis impacted Australians, preschool teacher Hannah Goldspink observed fewer and fewer students turning up. A...

Mr D's Take on Supply Teachers

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Supply teachers, you're the unsung heroes of the teaching profession! Just quietly, we think you're amazing. Flexible, caring, able, professional. Mr ...

FREE Mindfulness Home Learning Activities for Kids

29 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kids the world over are going through a lot. At Teach Starter, our mindfulness activities have always been super popular with teachers. We've now deve...

Stress and Anxiety in Kids - Julia Cook

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We find ourselves in very uncertain and unsettling times. For most of us, life continues – albeit an altered reality – but with the underlying sen...

Specialist Teacher Tips - Mr D Spills the Tea

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In schools, you know we love our specialist teachers. They know their stuff. They take our kids off our hands so we can actually do some marking. They...

BONUS - Teachers, We're Here for You

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's a totally unprecedented and strange time for many of us. We are thinking of you, teachers, and recognise and appreciate the amazing work you do f...

The Pregnant Teacher Episode

22 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jill and I re-live our experiences as pregnant professionals! If you haven't been a pregnant teacher, prepare for some hilarious trut...

Project Based Learning

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a process that goes by many names. Project-Based Learning, Personal Interest Projects, Inquiry-Based Projects, Active Exploration Projects… G...

Coronavirus and First Year Teaching - Mr D Spills the Tea

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If ever there was a random podcast episode about teaching, this is it. We're not ones to stick to a script, but this episode gets real. Mr D shares so...

Harmony Week in the Classroom

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Harmony Week is on the 15-21st of March and is held every year in Australia. It’s a day that as a school community you can celebrate diversity! A da...

Early Years Special Needs Education

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teach Starter's Little Learners Month continues! In this episode you'll hear from Ally Lovejoy, a second year Minnesota teacher who has always found j...

Mr D on How He's Living His Best Sustainable Life

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On Mr D's recent trip to visit the Teach Starter team in Australia, he picked up a few sustainability tricks to take home to Seattle! Join us in our n...

How to Make a Teacher Survival Kit

08 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How are you doing, teachers? Hanging in there? The beginning of the school year can be especially draining, so it's crucial to show ourselves and our ...

The Daily 5 for Teaching Literacy

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of The Daily Five? Ally is a passionate teacher who has used this awesome program to engage and delight her beautiful students. She’s...

Mr D and the Trainwreck Art Class

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a lesson that just got totally derailed? One where you looked on in shock, wishing you could do something to stop the disaster? Well...

March is Little Learners Month!

01 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At Teach Starter, we've declared March Little Learners' Month. You asked for more early years teaching resources, and we've come through with the good...

Show and Tell Shock and Awe

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Early Years teachers, this one's for you! We're kicking off Little Learners Month at Teach Starter, which means we're dedicating March to all the amaz...

These Things About Mr D's Childhood May Shock You

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

... Or they may not. In this episode, we find out all about Mr D's childhood. What birth order place did he hold in his family? What was his own early...

Brain Breaks for Your Class!

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Research shows that kids need to move and take brain breaks to improve their concentration and brain activity. In this episode I run through some simp...

Love Teaching? Love Your Voice.

22 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Okay teachers: hands up if you’ve ever lost your voice! After a sports carnival, a performance rehearsal, playground duty or even just a regular day...

Mr D and the Potty-Mouthed Student

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whoa! It's one thing to drop an obscenity in front of your teacher, but it's a whole other game when you then try to lie about it! Teaching definitely...

Clean Up Australia Day for Schools

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Clean Up Australia Day is an excellent opportunity to teach our students about environmental issues such as litter and pollution. From single-use plas...

Teaching Gifted and Talented Students

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah is an assistant principal and classroom teacher. She shares her journey to becoming an Opportunity Class teacher in this episode. Sarah uses a r...

Mr D's Stint as a Bingo Caller

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers are often called upon to do lots of things that aren't on the job description. In particular, young, eager, bright-eyed and bushy tailed earl...

Library Lovers' Day

09 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

February 14 is traditionally known as Valentine's Day, but more recently has become renowned for the celebration of libraries! On today's episode, we ...

Cyber Safety for School-Aged Kids

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you, as an educator, feel adequately equipped to teach your students about cyber safety? Do you feel comfortable in your duty to report any inciden...

Mr D and the Awkward Circle Time

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You'd think that chatting with a class of Grade Ones about what's going on in their lives would be a fairly innocuous speaking and listening task, rig...

How Should I Choose A School For My Child? Gabbie Stroud

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a teacher, chances are that you've been asked in your social circle: "How do I choose a school for my child, or perhaps: "How do I choose TH...

Hold the Laminating!

02 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Jill and I explore alternatives to laminating our school resources. We talk about what we've done in the past (full disclosure, I was ...

Teaching Over Time - 30 Years of Experience

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher Shandell's created an amazing life; teaching and raising her family on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia. In this episode, she talks with me...

The Circle of Life - In Mr D's Classroom

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do classroom pet snakes actually eat? Where do you buy their food from? How is it prepared by the store? There are some questions you should just...

January 26 - Teaching Alternative Perspectives

26 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

January 26 provides us with the impetus for classroom discussions and activities about Australian history, culture and identity. It’s easy to s...

Bushfire Trauma and How to Help Kids Cope

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I ask clinical psychologist Pejman Hoviatdoost and The Chalkboard writer and teacher Emma Stuart to weigh in on the big issues teache...

Mr D's Most Painful Day of Teaching Kindergarten

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D has spent many years trying to work his way to the lower grades - after all, kindergarten is where all the funny joke material is! But on this pa...

Easy Teacher Diary Hacks

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you organised your 2020 teacher planner yet? In this episode Jill and I talk about the beautiful range of fully customisable, professionally desi...

That Upper Years Teacher Life

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm chatting with Rachel from @agoodlittleteach on Instagram, all about why she adores being a grade six teacher, as well as her passion for...

Mr D's Real Thoughts on His Aussie Trip

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Were you lucky enough to see Mr D's comedy show, Indoor Recess, on his Australian tour last December? Perhaps you bumped shoulders with him at the Let...

Australian Bushfire Crisis - What to Tell Your New Class

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"Black Summer" is Australia's worst bushfire season on record. Lives, homes and livelihoods have sadly been lost. Communities have been left devastate...

Becoming Mum - Realities of Becoming a Parent

11 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When teaching is such a huge part of your identity, how does starting a family change things? If you're about to join the teacher mum or teacher dad s...

For the Love of Teaching Returns on January 12!

14 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a fresh take on education? Teach Starter’s For the Love of Teaching is the podcast for teachers by teachers. Because challenges crop up,...

Any Questions? Mr D Meets Some Aussie Kids!

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Find out what happens when you get five Aussie school kids, Mr D and a microphone in a room! Listen as the kids grill Mr D and ask him all the hardest...

Teacher Wellbeing Survey Results are in!

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In late 2019, Teach Starter surveyed 670 Australian primary school teachers on the topic of teacher wellbeing. In this episode, we unpack the results ...

Feeling Fatigued? Help's Here.

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We recently ran our Teacher Wellbeing Survey 2019 and the results were overwhelming. Teachers are tired. While we're empathetic, we're certainly not s...

Casual Relief Teaching

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Minami has been a casual relief teacher for five years. She's also a PhD candidate at Macquarie University, studying the perspectives and challenges o...

It's a Wrap with Mr D

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every Friday in 2019, Mr D joined me, telling stories that made us all laugh, cry and cringe! It takes a special gift to put such a positive, happy sl...

Inclusive Holiday Activity Ideas

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Not everyone celebrates Christmas! Living on this beautiful, multicultural planet, there are bound to be classmates in your room from cultures and bac...

Taking on LANTITE

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Student teachers, this episode is all about you! Join me alongside Georgi from @teachingwithg as we chat about forming positive relationships in schoo...

Mr D and the Impromptu Singalong

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Not for little ears. Anyone a fan of old school RNB? Mr D's young student was well versed in the stylings of Lil Jon and whipped out a great rendition...

Elf on The Shelf in the Classroom!

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Heading into the holiday season, are you looking to change up your celebration and activities with a new class tradition? Listen as I chat all about u...

Calling All Social Butterflies!

23 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a teacher who loves to party? Perhaps you enjoy getting together with a group of teaching friends for a coffee? Maybe a low-key glass of wine ...

Mr D Let the Cat out of the Bag

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Literally. Listen as Mr D explains the most unusual show and tell offering his teaching friend has ever seen. It was meowing. He's a teacher. He's a c...

Your Report Writing Playlist

17 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writing reports? Why not enjoy some of your favourite tunes to help pass the time? Or, chill with some relaxing, mellow beats. Perhaps you love classi...

Flexible Seating and Flexible Learning

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode I'm joined by the energetic Aaron, from Mr J's Learning Space on Instagram. Aaron talks us through the process he undertook as ...

Mr D Buys Something Embarrassing

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mr D is on his way to Australia! He's already packing and dreaming of a cold glass of sauvignon blanc. We can't wait to see his touring show, Indoor R...

5 Apps Your Class Needs Now!

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as I ask Digital Technology specialist teacher Taylor to list her top five apps to use in the classroom. It's the app cheat sheet you need in ...

Preparing for School at 3 with KindyLinq

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A free pre-kindy learning program for three-year-old kids will be rolled out in selected Queensland state schools in 2020. The KindyLinQ pilot program...

Dear Parents - Gabbie Stroud's Message on Behalf of Teachers

09 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this not-to-be missed episode, Gabbie Stroud talks about the purpose behind her new book, how she views schools through a different lens now, and d...

Mr D and the False Fart

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Friday Funnies, we flash back to when Mr D was just a boy. Usually the conscientious student, young Joe found himself on the outer ...

Casual Teaching! Is it for You?

03 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a substitute teacher? Have you ever considered going into this role? There are many reasons why casual teaching suits people. I was a relief t...

Setting Up Your Classroom For Success

02 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Classroom setup is a big consideration for teachers. Planning, positioning, re configuring, decorating and optimising learning are all steps in creati...

Mr D and the Day He Knew He'd Made it!

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that Mr D is kind of a big deal. With over 200k Insta followers, international tour locations and dual appearances on Ellen, he's hit the ...

Math Planning (and How to Nail it)

27 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The year may be winding down but we think you may be thinking ahead to next year's planning. Join Paul on this week's episode of The Buzz to hear how ...

Building Proud Aboriginal Students

26 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's been established that Aboriginal students face barriers to learning. From things like overcoming language barriers in the early years (particular...

Mr D and the Open Classroom Night

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When your students have been busily creating and learning, you just can't wait to display everything they've done. At Mr D's recent open classroom eve...

Teachers Marry Teachers!

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever noticed how lots of teachers end up in relationships with other teachers? Even friendship groups sometimes end up being very teacher-hea...

The Period Talk

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Periods, like many things that are part of the human experience, aren't always easy to teach about. But with girls as young as eight years old getting...

Mr D and the Extreme Show-Off

17 Oct 2019

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...

Teaching Visual Arts

13 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've been inundated with requests for visual arts resources for teachers to use in the classroom! You asked, we delivered! Hear about the newest offe...

Teaching Truths

12 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Educator and author Danny Steele has 26 years of experience in the public school system in Alabama. Spending his time as a teacher, coach, administrat...

Mr D and the Art Show Awkwardness

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers, it's that time of year! Showcase Evening, Christmas Concert, Art Show! It's all happening. Word of warning from our friend Mr D, though: che...

New Number Talks Resources

06 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our new Number Talks teaching resource collection is going bonkers! I'm chatting with Teach Starter's resource manager Paul about all of the wonderful...

Mental Health Chat

05 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Interview with Mitch Wallis, founder of Heart On My Sleeve and mental wellness advocate, for World Mental Health Day, October 10. In this unmissable e...

Mr D is Coming Down Under - Indoor Recess Australian Tour

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The cat's out of the bag! Mr D is bringing his successful and highly acclaimed comedy show to YOU! Check out ticket info and dates on Mr D's website s...

Hilarious Teacher Names

29 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher names: what's yours? Do you go first name, last name, initial, Sir or Miss? Paul has a great teacher name that always gets people talking, but...

Kindness is a Gift

28 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm joined by Tam from Miss Learning Bee on Instagram. Tam's a kindergarten teacher who feels that fostering empathy and kindness in childre...

Mr D and the Doomed Zoo Visit

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to activate prior knowledge and research animals for an information report than a visit to the local zoo? Well, Mr D and his students ...

New Teacher Style Challenges

22 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Following the fun of the Work it Wednesday style challenge, we thought we'd give you guys some ideas for your next staff dress up days! Will you go co...