Teach Starter
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
Teachers: The Ultimate Influencers
21 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter resource producer and Chalkboard blogger Ali Smith joins me this week. We talk about how teachers can influence our students and help th...
Gambling at Mr D's School
19 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What happened when Mr D discovered an underground betting network (of students) operating right under his nose at school!? He's a teacher. He's a come...
Space Week Activities for Your Class
15 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
World Space Week is October 4-10! Have you got anything planned yet? If not, we've got you! Teach Starter has a bunch of resources and activities for ...
Tech Tips for Classroom Teachers
14 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Taylor Donnely is a young teacher with a very bright future. With the support of encouraging school administrators, Taylor has carved out a unique spa...
Mr D and the Horror Incursion
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Incursions... we teachers just love them! No travel, basic risk assessments, repeat visitors = bliss right? You'd think so. But what happens when you ...
Hello, Austin!
08 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jill has taken off! She's currently over in Austin, Texas, with her Teach Starter Co-Founder/husband Scott and their two young sons. What an adventure...
How to be Happy Online
07 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the world of Insta-teachers many of us have found ourselves comparing. Comparing classrooms, desks, planning, resources, displays, even one another...
Mr D and the Dodgeball Game
05 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Captain Ball. Under and Over. Tunnel Ball. They're the things our childhood memories are made of... Remember Friday afternoon ball games? THE best par...
The Key to Managing Your Workload
01 Sep 2019
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 ...
Teacher Librarian Megan Daley
31 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Early Childhood teacher, Megan then studied to become a teacher librarian and later attained her Masters of innovative teaching and learning. She’s ...
Mr D and the Little White Lie
29 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We know by now that Mr D's classroom management style is a little bit quirky. Find out what happened when Mr D's white lie backfired, the child called...
Social Media Chit Chat
25 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, how do we protect ourselves and engage authentically as individuals and educators? What are some of th...
Teacher Safety Online
24 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Samantha Fecich, author of Edumagic, a Guide for Preservice Teachers joins me once more to talk about all things digital. In this episode Sam speak...
Mr D and The Creepy Crawlies
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine if your whole class science project kit turned up ALIVE?!? He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourit...
Supermarket Plastic Promotions
21 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The campaign #FutureLandfill takes Ooshies Lion King characters and recreates scenes from the iconic film. At first glance, the plastic toys appear to...
Book Week Activities
18 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Bron's been clearing out her own kids' book collection and in the process, noticed some distinct themed collections. Christmas books, Pamela Allen boo...
Raising Readers Author Megan Daley
17 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Daley is an incredible teacher. Originally qualified as an Early Childhood teacher, Megan then studied to become a teacher librarian and later a...
Mr D and The Wandering Children
15 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There may be nothing more alarming as a teacher than realizing that some of your students have been gone from your room for longer that expected. In M...
Celebrating Student Success
11 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How do you celebrate your students' successes? Celebrating success is an important thing to do in life, whether you're a student or not. How do you co...
Sprinkle a Little Magic Wherever You Teach
10 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Samantha Fecich is a primary/elementary/additional needs teacher, a college professor and the author of Edumagic, a Guide for Preservice Teachers. ...
Mr D and The Game Called "Suffering"
08 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sounds like a fun one, right? As teachers, we all know how critical play is in early childhood development and learning. In this episode, Mr D shares ...
Brace Yourself; Book Week is Coming
04 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
...And by "Brace yourself", we mean "Get excited!". Book Week is almost here! Have you got your costume ready? If so, we want to see it so tag us in y...
Teaching Abroad
03 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"I almost lost my love of teaching; I lost hope with the system." Jen Foster is an incredibly upbeat, bright, happy person. But as she recalled this m...
Mr D and the Playground Geese
01 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You know those moments when your heart melts because you're so proud of your students? When they just do the cutest, most empathetic, gorgeous stuff? ...
Late Newcomers
28 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we chat about some practical ways you can help new students settle into your class once the school year is already in full swing! Have you ...
Staying Connected with Digital Technologies
27 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of my interview with Cath Williams, she chats with me about digital technologies in the classroom and how the web has connected herself an...
Nobody's Perfect (Not Even Mr D)
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Every amazing teacher has had a moment or two when they wish they could hit the rewind button. Have you ever had a classroom fail? He's a teacher. He'...
Sometimes Things Get Gross!
21 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the Buzz, Jill and I take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about all of the disturbing, disgusting, gross things we've seen happen (an...
Lessons Learned in 30 Years Teaching
20 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Cath Williams is a warm and friendly teacher, who has collected a wealth of knowledge over three decades in the classroom. In this episode, Cath share...
Mr D and the Sidetracked Sex Ed Lesson
18 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How on earth can a lesson on human reproductive biology turn into a discussion about bovine lactation? In Mr D's class, tangents are turned into teach...
Beating the Back to Work Blues
14 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The school break is over! While we're hoping you're refreshed and rejuventated, we also understand that it can take a little bit of extra motivation t...
Mindset Matters
13 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mikey Berezny is an elementary teacher in New Jersey, but his passions outside the classroom are what makes this educator truly special. Mikey's an es...
Mr D Wasn't Cut Out for This!
11 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What is it with kids? They're ALWAYS hurting themselves. Some classroom injuries are just too much for Mr D. Hear about a time Mr D just couldn't even...
Being a Teacher-Parent
07 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There comes a point in many teachers' lives when they become parents themselves. For some teachers, they enter the teaching profession after they've h...
Classroom Sustainability
06 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's Plastic Free July! Join me as I chat with Teach Starter blogger Emma about all things green. Emma takes us through some alarming stats, interesti...
Mr D, Where do Hot Dogs Come From?
04 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"Where do hot dogs come from?" This question had the school rumour mill working overtime recently and one of Mr D's students thought he had the most a...
Plastic-Free July!
30 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How can we, as teachers, minimise our impact on the Earth? It's Plastic-Free July, so this week on The Buzz, we talk about all things green. Jill is p...
Guided Reading Made Easy
29 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Before Holly Mitchell became Teach Starter's content marketer in 2015, she was an energetic and enthusiastic Year Two teacher! Holly LOVED teaching re...
Mr D Learned the Difference Between 'Fermented' and 'Rotten' the Hard Way.
27 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mr D thought he had a stomach of steel, but he was definitely challenged when a student brought him in a delicious home made meal with a twist. He's a...
Your Most Memorable Cohort
23 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst teachers definitely don't play favourites, we all have those cohorts that are just so memorable. Which was your most memorable group of student...
Teaching with Pride: Being a Gay Teacher
22 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What's it like to be a gay teacher in 2019? I sat down with Shaun and we chatted about how being gay influences his teaching (er... spoiler alert: it ...
Mr D - Legend of the Basketball Court
20 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Every had a time you've totally fluked a success? Students idolise their teachers and in this episode Mr D shares about the day he totally fluked a mo...
Fast Finisher Tasks and Ideas
17 Jun 2019
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 ...
Why You Need a Teacher Bestie!
15 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching can be a rollercoaster ride. Throughout your career you’ll experience the highest highs, and the lowest lows. We often hear how important i...
Mr D on Why 8 Year Olds Should Not Have Full Sets of Acrylic Nails
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When glamour becomes a health and safety issue - for your students! Listen as Mr D recalls a time his young student wore Gaga-esque fake nails to scho...
Stop! Reflect! Be Positive!
09 Jun 2019
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...
Teaching in the UK
08 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what it would be like moving across the pond and teaching in the UK? Where would you start? Should you go alone or with friends?Are teac...
Mr D does not have ophidiophobia - but do YOU?
06 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you will after hearing this slithery story. Ophidiophobia is an abnormal fear of snakes. I think I've got it. This story will send shivers up yo...
Happy Report Writing!?!
02 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"Happy reporting"? Can that even be a thing? This week Jill and I are sharing our thoughts on report cards, starting with a trip down memory lane. Fin...
Inspiring Female Students to Love Sport
01 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Last week I talked to Kirby Short about one of her life’s passions; educating kids and supporting teachers in her role as a secondary Deputy Princip...
Mr D and the Unreliable Supply/Sub Teacher!
30 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, as a teacher, it's easier to go to work feeling less than healthy than to hand over your class to a supply teacher. Mr D tells of a time he...
The Buzz: Guilty! Teachers Who Never Leave on Time
26 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you left your classroom within thirty minutes of the final bell? We know how hard it can be to tear yourself away from that end...
Kirby Short - Pro Cricketer *and* High School Deputy Principal
25 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Professional cricketer and high school deputy principal, Kirby Short, leads a spectacular double life. Listen to Kirby, an experienced HPE teacher who...
Mr D and the Little Animals
23 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes a teacher's best intentions have the worst (and grossest) outcomes. Today, Mr D recalls a time he thought he was offering his students a lea...
Connect With Your Students on a New Level
19 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Raising our voices to get over the noise of the room is a default for some teachers, but not what we expected to be like when starting out as educator...
How to Engage Boys in the Performing Arts
18 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Engaging male students in the performing arts can have long-term, positive effects on their academic outcomes, as well as supporting their social-emot...
Mr D and The Baddie B
16 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mr D is a seasoned traveler, but nothing could prepare him for the drama that ensued on his most recent domestic flight. But, like any great teacher, ...
Nothing's Better than a Change of Scenery!
12 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever launched into an amazing, engaging lesson you're totally pumped about teaching and your students are just not picking up what you're put...
Rob Hunter Taught and Inspired for 40 Years
11 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Australia was shocked by the brazen country school kidnappings of the 1970s. Rob Hunter, a 20 year old in his first fortnight of teaching, was confron...
Teachers Actually Date and Socialise?! Mr D on Life out of School!
09 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers have lives?! Being a teacher is a huge part of our identity. But we have to remember that we're people as well! When meeting new people and d...
Look Around and See Them All!
05 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement ...
Rob Hunter and His Whole Class was Kidnapped at Gunpoint
04 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Before most of us became teachers (and before many of us were even born), Australia was shocked by the brazen country school kidnappings of the 1970s....
Over-sharers in the Classroom: Mr D Needs Some Blurt Buttons.
02 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with hi...
Practical Tips for Classroom Teachers from a Special Ed Teacher
27 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats with Di Backhouse again this week. Di's an incredible teacher who specialises in the early childhood education of ...
The Kid Who Took the Words Right Out of Mr D's Mouth
25 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with hi...
RAOKs for your Colleagues
21 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement ...
Special Education
20 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats with Di Backhouse, an incredible teacher who specialises in the early childhood education of students with additio...
Mr D's Most Unorthodox Behaviour Management Strategy Yet!
18 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with hi...
Non-Daggy Teacher Affirmations
14 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement ...
What Happens When Uni Ends?
13 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats with Emily, Miss Teacher to Be in this week's episode of For the Love of Teaching. Emily's going to delve int...
Oh No She Didn't! Mr D on Going Head to Head with a Sassy Parent During an Interview
11 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with hi...
Teachers, Treat Yourselves!
07 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement ...
Top Prac Hacks For Student Teachers
06 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats with Emily, a preservice teacher full to the brim with enthusiasm, creativity and passion for teaching. Now in her...
What this Kindy Kid Said Shocked Mr D to the Core!
04 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
He's a teacher. He's a comedian. He's officially one of Ellen Degeneres's "favourites". Joe (Mr D) Dombrowski is here to brighten up your week with hi...
Work it Wednesday!
31 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Need a little motivation on a Monday? Jill and Bron are experienced primary school teachers; they get it! Join them for inspiration and encouragement ...
Being a Happy, Healthy Teacher
30 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven’t heard, there is a growing community of educators online who are buzzing with creative ideas. They are happily sharing resources and s...
Being Multi-Age Rural Teacher
02 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats to Ceri Edwards, a teacher who absolutely loves her job. She is a beacon of light and happiness for her network of...
Gabbie Stroud: How to Keep the Heart in Teaching
26 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teach Starter's Bronwyn Brady chats with inspirational teacher-turned-author, Gabbie Stroud, about all things teacher! The good bits, the not so good ...