Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.You’ll hear why sentence-level instruction deserves a front-row seat in your upper elementary writing block and learn easy-to-implement strategies like fixing fragments, unscrambling sentences, and using the “because, but, so” routine. These quick activities not only boost sentence skills but also lead to noticeable improvements in overall student writing. Whether you're short on time or unsure where to begin, this episode will show you how to make sentence writing a natural part of your daily instruction—without overhauling your schedule. These quick activities take just minutes a day, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to building your students' writing confidence and skill. Tune in to discover how focusing on the building blocks of student writing can lead to big wins in your classroom all year long.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode257.

Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helping students grow, you’re not alone.We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.Whether you're looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just some encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. Tune in to learn how you can make small but meaningful changes that will transform your students' writing outcomes all year long.Whether you’re looking for new strategies, a mindset reset, or just a little encouragement, this episode will help you feel more confident and empowered as a writing teacher. It’s never too late to rethink your writing instruction and make changes that will transform your students’ writing outcomes all year long.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode256.

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the kind of teacher-to-teacher advice that will help you navigate your transition with a little less stress and a lot more support. We also talk about how to lean into your strengths, make meaningful connections with your new team, and avoid putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out on day one. We’re also sharing our personal stories—yes, even the mid-year surprise moves—and how we’ve learned to embrace the unknown with confidence (and a little humor).If you’re entering a season of change, tune in for some real talk, encouragement, and practical tips to help you feel ready for whatever next year has in store. This episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that every teacher brings something valuable to the table, no matter where you land next year.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode255.

Multilingual learners are a growing and vital part of today’s classrooms—but many teachers feel like they’re navigating this responsibility without enough support. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley, two educators and advocates who are helping schools bridge the gap between structured literacy and language acquisition. Whether you're new to working with multilingual learners or looking to refine your approach, this episode is filled with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you create a truly inclusive classroom.We explore how teachers can better understand the process of language acquisition, why oral language is essential for reading success, and how teachers can build in meaningful support for multilingual learners without adding more to their to-do list. Maya and Kristie also share how small shifts—like increasing student talk time or using language frames—can lead to big gains for all learners.Whether you're new to supporting multilingual learners or looking to fine-tune your literacy instruction, this conversation will give you fresh ideas and renewed confidence. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how structured literacy and language acquisition go hand in hand—and how to make sure all students, especially multilingual ones, feel seen, supported, and empowered in your classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode254.

If you’ve ever ended the school day completely drained—wondering how long you can keep this up or feeling guilty for needing a break—this episode is for you. I'm joined by trauma-informed consultant and former Teacher of the Year Jenn Borovy, founder of Ten10Coaching. Jenn is passionate about helping educators protect their energy, set clear boundaries, and build a teaching life that feels balanced and sustainable.In our conversation, Jenn shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point and how it led her to completely rethink her approach to teaching and leadership. We talk about the emotional dual burden teachers often carry, how to be trauma-aware without stepping into the role of a therapist, and simple boundary-setting strategies that can help you keep doing the work you love—without losing yourself in the process.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply trying to avoid burnout, Jenn offers a grounded, compassionate perspective that reminds us: you can be a great teacher and still have a life outside of school. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for longevity in this work. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a renewed sense of permission to protect your energy and your joy.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode253.

As the final weeks of school approach, it can be tempting to hit cruise control—but the end of the year is actually the perfect time to bring some fresh energy into your literacy block. In this episode, I’m sharing seven fun, low-prep literacy ideas that will help you keep students engaged and learning all the way to the last day of school. Whether you’re running on caffeine, countdown chains, or sheer willpower, I’ve got you covered.These literacy ideas are practical, meaningful, and designed to support the skills your students have been building all year long—without adding more stress to your plate. From word ladders and genre studies to book clubs and research projects, you’ll find easy-to-implement activities that blend fun with academic purpose. These strategies aren’t just engaging—they’re also flexible, so you can adapt them to fit whatever time or energy you have left as the year winds down.So if you're wondering how to make the most of May, this episode is your game plan. These end-of-year literacy ideas will help you maintain momentum, create lasting memories with your students, and finish the year feeling confident and proud of the learning still happening in your classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode252.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing, you’re going to love today’s episode. In this Dear Stellar Teacher conversation, I’m joined by my teammate Emily, and we’re opening up and sharing our biggest writing confessions—the mistakes we made in the classroom and the lessons we’ve learned since. Spoiler alert: if you’ve ever felt like you were just assigning writing instead of actually teaching it, you are definitely not alone!We’re reflecting on why writing used to feel so overwhelming, how we misunderstood the writing process, and what we would do differently now after everything we’ve learned from resources like The Writing Revolution 2.0. I hope our honest conversation encourages you and reminds you that it’s never too late to strengthen your writing instruction and support your students in becoming more confident writers.I’m also sharing all the details about our upcoming summer book study on The Writing Revolution 2.0—and how you can join us for a summer full of learning, collaboration, and encouragement. Whether you’re ready to change your writing instruction or just want to hear some relatable writing confessions, this episode is for you!Sign up for our 2025 Summer Book Study: stellarteacher.com/bookstudyJoin us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode251.

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—and then look to you to fix it? In this fun and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mike Bender, author of The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, and The Bravest Booger, along with Chuck Dillon, the brilliant illustrator behind Mike’s newest picture book Bored Panda. Together, we dive into why boredom might be exactly what our students—and we—need.We explore the inspiration behind Bored Panda and talk about how boredom can be a gateway to creativity, imagination, and unexpected adventures. Mike and Chuck also give us a behind-the-scenes look at their author-illustrator collaboration, share hilarious stories from the making of the book, and reflect on the role of screen time, mindfulness, and finding joy in slowing down.Whether you're looking for a meaningful read-aloud to spark classroom discussions or simply want a reminder that it's okay to let your mind wander, this episode will leave you inspired. Get ready to rethink boredom—and maybe even celebrate it.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode250.

Supporting students with learning gaps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, host of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations and Director of Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears. Cheryl brings both heart and expertise to our conversation as we talk about how to meet students where they are—especially those who are missing foundational literacy skills.We dive into the impact of the pandemic on student learning, how to assess literacy skills in meaningful ways, and practical strategies for differentiation that benefit every student in the classroom. Cheryl shares how multisensory tools, student choice, and oral language can all be leveraged to support growth in reading and writing. Whether your students are working below, on, or above grade level, this episode is filled with actionable ideas you can start using right away.If you’re looking for ways to help struggling readers, foster a love of literacy, or simply breathe new life into your instruction, this episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. Take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s rethink how we can close learning gaps—one student at a time.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode249.

Personal narratives have long been a staple in elementary writing instruction—but what if this traditional approach is actually holding our students back? In this episode, we’re rethinking the role of personal narrative writing and exploring why it can be such a challenging task for students. From memory recall struggles to a lack of structured storytelling practice, we’re unpacking the reasons personal narratives often fall flat in the classroom.Instead of having students write about personal experiences they can’t quite remember or don’t feel confident sharing, what if we shifted our focus toward content-based expository and narrative writing? When students write about what they’ve learned—whether it’s a science topic, a social studies figure, or a story they’ve read—they’re better equipped with the background knowledge and vocabulary to write with clarity, detail, and structure.In this episode, I’ll walk you through why content-rich writing tasks can lead to better writing outcomes, how to redefine narrative writing beyond personal stories, and what it looks like to create a knowledge-driven writing block. If you’ve been frustrated with vague student writing or looking for ways to make your writing instruction more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode248.