Off Task Teachers Podcast

Who's Running This Classroom? Giving Students Choice and Voice

Episode Summary In this episode, we talk about the importance of giving students choice and voice in the classroom and how doing so builds community, boosts motivation, and makes everyone's day run more smoothly. We share real strategies we use, from flexible seating to student feedback routines, plus a peek at what's keeping us busy this time of year. Topics Discussed & Links -Delegating classroom tasks to students: Giving students ownership helps everything rung more smoothly. -Product choice in projects: Students are more invested when they get to choose their final products -Choice boards for differentiated learning: Let them decide how to show what they know! -Flexible seating and environmental choice: Help students figure out how they learn best! -Friday Feedback routines and student surveys: [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/My-Products/category:405531] Hear what your students have to say to help them feel like a part of the community! -Dream Vacation end-of-year project [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dream-Vacation-Digital-End-of-Year-Activity-Project-Math-Writing-Geography-1252970]: Something fun to end the year - they plan a vacation with all the details! Subscribe to the Show Make sure to follow Off Task Teachers so you never miss an episode—or the extra tips and resources we drop in the show notes. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a quick review is the best way to help other teachers find us. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also helps us create episodes that matter most to you. Let’s Connect Follow us on the podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-task-teachers-podcast/id1826432531], Substack [https://substack.com/@offtaskteachers], 5th Grade Teacher Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/fifthgradeteachers], Catholic School Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16c9oQhN8B/], Annie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofa4thgradeclassroom?igsh=aWE5c2N2cHBvM3pi&utm_source=qr], and Nichole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/craftofteaching?igsh=MWFlbW1wMGo5cTNlcg==]! *please note- some links included in this blog are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the link and purchase. This commission helps us keep this podcast going! Thank you for your support. :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offtaskteachers.substack.com [https://offtaskteachers.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 11: Lesson Flop? Let us Help!

Have you ever had a lesson flop? Even the best laid out lessons might not go as planned, and this week’s episode will explore why lessons might flop and what you can do in the moment (and after) to change the direction of your lesson. Topics Discussed & Links Why do lessons flop?• Pacing, teacher confidence, time of year, and so much more! Make Notes• Add notes in your teacher manual or planner about what didn’t go well and how you can better implement the lesson next time. Pivot in the Moment • Have a standard “fall back” activity for each subject. An activity students can do if you need a minute to regroup and rethink the lesson.• Do a “turn & talk”, small group discussion, move to the carpet, etc. to allow time for you to think and pivot the lesson.• Use humor with the kids and let them know you know the lesson isn’t going well! Don’t take it Personally• Truly- if you had a lesson flop, it probably means you are putting yourself out there and trying something new! You are a good teacher! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offtaskteachers.substack.com [https://offtaskteachers.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 10: Iditarod in the Classroom

In this week’s episode we chat about all things Iditarod! Annie spent 2017 as the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, so she shares her tips and tricks for using the Iditarod in your classroom! For those who don’t know, the Iditarod is a 1,000 mile sled dog race across Alaska that takes place in March every year. It is the ultimate teaching tool for any grade! Please use the links below get started with using the race in your classroom! Topics Discussed & Links * Step 1: Sign up for the Free Iditarod Edu Newsletter * Sign Up Here! [https://iditarod.com/edu/iditarod-edu-newsletter/] * Step 2: Check out the Conferences * Winter Conference in Alaska [https://iditarod.com/edu/2026-winter-conference-in-anchorage-registration-is-open/] * Summer Conference in Lower 48 (coming soon) * Step 3: Baby Steps to Getting Started * Choose one musher to follow as a class. Check out the full list here! [https://iditarod.com/race/2026/mushers/] * Pick a book to read with your students. * Sled Dog School [https://amzn.to/45S4BMn] (chapter book) * Woodsong [https://amzn.to/4aRftxv] (chapter book) * Born to Mush [https://amzn.to/4pxFUvL] (chapter book) * Granite [https://amzn.to/4qne4Un] (picture book) * Even more Iditarod Books [https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofa4thgradeclassroom/list/6RRK6I7I26MW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_S8EDMTNDFECCRWY0E2A1_CKF1S7Q4MYXYX9SPYZKZ] * Follow a musher throughout the race (begins on March 8, 2026) * Follow for free here [https://iditarod.com/race/2026/standings/]! * Follow the live tracker (paid) here [https://iditarod.com/insider-educational-packages/]! * Other Links Mentioned * Alaska Native Heritage Center [https://www.alaskanative.net/visit/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21992842943&gbraid=0AAAAABo-U78QpCCe_-aj2JJi4UgV9KdL7&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iphSV1aMqLaNbiQ0XlMgcxyjhDhD6C7pjrgWZ87wCTq8gXPZUhk2UaAnywEALw_wcB] * Husky Talk Podcast [https://iditarod.com/edu/husky-talk-podcast/] * Follow the Jr. Iditarod [https://www.jriditarod.org/home] * Denali- The Science of Sled Dogs [https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/the-science-of-sled-dogs-distance-learning-program.htm] * Denali National Park Kennel [https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm] * Musher Letter Program [https://iditarod.com/edu/2026-musher-letter-writing-program/] Subscribe to the Show Make sure to follow Off Task Teachers so you never miss an episode—or the extra tips and resources we drop in the show notes. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a quick review is the best way to help other teachers find us. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also helps us create episodes that matter most to you. Let’s Connect Follow us on the podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-task-teachers-podcast/id1826432531], Substack [https://substack.com/@offtaskteachers], 5th Grade Teacher Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/fifthgradeteachers], Catholic School Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16c9oQhN8B/], Annie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofa4thgradeclassroom?igsh=aWE5c2N2cHBvM3pi&utm_source=qr], and Nichole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/craftofteaching?igsh=MWFlbW1wMGo5cTNlcg==]! *please note- some links included in this blog are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the link and purchase. This commission helps us keep this podcast going! Thank you for your support. :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offtaskteachers.substack.com [https://offtaskteachers.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 9: Discussion Strategies - Tips and Tricks

Episode Summary We’ve officially hit Episode 9! In this week’s chat, we dive into one of the trickiest parts of classroom life: getting students to actually talk—and not just surface talk. Even when they’re socially chatty, academic conversation doesn’t always follow. Nichole shares how her class often falls silent (“crickets”) when it’s time to turn the talk into thinking. Annie’s class, meanwhile, is full of energy (one day they even broke into song in math!). We unpack all of that and then dig into real-world strategies you can try this week… A quick heads up - Off Task Teachers are going to be very off task in the month of December! We will be on hiatus, but will be back in early January with more teaching ideas and strategies! If you need your OTT fix, click here to listen to all of our past episodes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-task-teachers-podcast/id1826432531] Topics Discussed & Links Different strategies to promote classroom discussion: -Think-Pair-Share and “Turn and Talk” -Talking Chips Kagan Strategy -Socratic Seminars -Chalk Talks Teaching discussion norms explicitly -Modeling for students -Setting discussion expectations -Using sentence starters or specific questions -Link to Nichole’s Number Talk Discussion Questions and Prompts [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Talk-Discussion-Questions-Math-Discussion-Questions-1974519] Subscribe to the Show Make sure to follow Off Task Teachers so you never miss an episode—or the extra tips and resources we drop in the show notes. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a quick review is the best way to help other teachers find us. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also helps us create episodes that matter most to you. Let’s Connect Follow us on the podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-task-teachers-podcast/id1826432531], Substack [https://substack.com/@offtaskteachers], 5th Grade Teacher Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/fifthgradeteachers], Catholic School Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16c9oQhN8B/], Annie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofa4thgradeclassroom?igsh=aWE5c2N2cHBvM3pi&utm_source=qr], and Nichole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/craftofteaching?igsh=MWFlbW1wMGo5cTNlcg==]! *please note- some links included in this blog are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the link and purchase. This commission helps us keep this podcast going! Thank you for your support. :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offtaskteachers.substack.com [https://offtaskteachers.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 8 - The Power of Read Aloud for Big Kids

Episode Summary In this episode of OffTask Teachers, we are fresh off a low-key Halloween and ready to dive into one of their favorite classroom traditions—read alouds. From Wonder to Frindle, we explore why read alouds are so much more than filler time. We chat about how reading aloud builds classroom community, sparks empathy, and connects students across grade levels. We share our go-to titles, the importance of previewing books, and the strategies that keep students engaged - from “First Chapter Friday” to student voting. Topics Discussed & Links -How read alouds strengthen academics and classroom community -Why older students still crave being read to -Favorite classroom read alouds - Wonder, Frindle, Home of the Brave, and more -Tips for choosing books that fit your class -The importance of reading ahead (and why Nichole avoids dog stories 🐶) -How “First Chapter Friday” can reignite excitement for reading Subscribe to the Show Make sure to follow Off Task Teachers so you never miss an episode—or the extra tips and resources we drop in the show notes. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a quick review is the best way to help other teachers find us. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also helps us create episodes that matter most to you. Let’s Connect Follow us on the podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-task-teachers-podcast/id1826432531], Substack [https://substack.com/@offtaskteachers], 5th Grade Teacher Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/fifthgradeteachers], Catholic School Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16c9oQhN8B/], Annie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofa4thgradeclassroom?igsh=aWE5c2N2cHBvM3pi&utm_source=qr], and Nichole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/craftofteaching?igsh=MWFlbW1wMGo5cTNlcg==]! *please note- some links included in this blog are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the link and purchase. This commission helps us keep this podcast going! Thank you for your support. :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offtaskteachers.substack.com [https://offtaskteachers.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]