Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Writing instruction can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to fit everything in and help students meet grade-level expectations. But what if some of the things we think we need to do to build strong writers are actually making writing instruction harder than it needs to be?In this episode, Emily and Sara are breaking down five common writing instruction myths they believed as classroom teachers and sharing what they would do differently now. From focusing too much on essays and isolated grammar practice to feeling like you need a dedicated writing block, they’re sharing practical shifts that can help you simplify your writing instruction while building stronger, more confident writers.In this episode, we talk about:Why strong writing instruction starts at the sentence level before moving into paragraphs and essays.How to teach grammar in the context of actual student writing.Why you don’t need a dedicated writing block to help students become better writers.How focusing your feedback on one or two skills can make writing more manageable.Why building strong writers is ultimately better test prep than teaching specifically to the test.You don’t need a perfect writing block or a complicated approach to help your students grow. By slowing down, focusing on foundational skills, and being intentional about the writing opportunities already happening throughout your day, you can help students build the confidence and skills they need to become stronger writers.Grab your FREE sentence writing routine guide - stellarteacher.com/sentenceLearn more about the Stellar Literacy Collective - stellarteacher.com/join

Episode 327: What Should the Rest of Your Class Do During Small Groups?You’ve planned an intentional lesson for the students at your small group table—but then comes the other question: What should the rest of your class be doing while you teach?For years, Emily assumed small group instruction automatically meant centers and rotations. One group was doing word work, another was reading, another was on the computer—and every 15 minutes, everyone rotated. But small groups don’t have to be that complicated. Your students can all work on the same meaningful literacy activity, or you can rely on a few predictable routines that students already know how to complete independently.In this episode, Emily shares practical ways to simplify what the rest of your class is doing during small group instruction—without constantly searching for, creating, and prepping new activities. You’ll learn four literacy routines you can use again and again: partner fluency practice, sentence writing, writing about reading, and purposeful independent reading. The goal isn’t to create an entirely separate literacy block for your independent students. It’s to build on the instruction and routines you’re already using.Emily also shares why independent work needs a clear connection back to your instruction, how a quick whole-class check-in can create accountability, and one mistake she made when assigning graded work during small group time.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why small groups don’t have to mean complicated centers and rotationsHow predictable routines can make independent work easier for students—and require less planning from youFour meaningful activities students can do while you teach a small groupHow to use partner fluency practice as a repeatable routine where the structure stays the same and the text changesHow sentence writing and writing about reading can extend instruction you’re already doingHow to make independent reading more purposeful by connecting it to the knowledge students are buildingWhy bringing students back together after independent practice creates accountability and helps you catch misconceptionsWhy you should be thoughtful about assigning graded work when some students will have less independent work time because they’re meeting with youNext week, we’re continuing our Small Group Success series with a conversation all about behavior management during small groups—including setting expectations, reducing interruptions, and helping students work independently while you focus on the students at your table. Pasted text(20260925-153458)Resources Mentioned:FREE Sentence Writing Activities: stellarteacher.com/sentencesYou’ve planned an intentional lesson for the students at your small group table...but then comes the other question: What should the rest of your class be doing while you teach?For years, Emily assumed small group instruction automatically meant centers and rotations. One group was doing word work, another was reading, another was on the computer—and every 15 minutes, everyone rotated. But small groups don’t have to be that complicated. Your students can all work on the same meaningful literacy activity, or you can rely on a few predictable routines that students already know how to complete independently.In this episode, Emily shares practical ways to simplify what the rest of your class is doing during small group instruction—without constantly searching for, creating, and prepping new activities. You’ll learn four literacy routines you can use again and again: partner fluency practice, sentence writing, writing about reading, and purposeful independent reading. The goal isn’t to create an entirely separate literacy block for your independent students. It’s to build on the instruction and routines you’re already using.Emily also shares why independent work needs a clear connection back to your instruction, how a quick whole-class check-in can create accountability, and one mistake she made when assigning graded work during small group time.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why small groups don’t have to mean complicated centers and rotationsHow predictable routines can make independent work easier for students—and require less planning from youFour meaningful activities students can do while you teach a small groupHow to use partner fluency practice as a repeatable routine where the structure stays the same and the text changesHow sentence writing and writing about reading can extend instruction you’re already doingHow to make independent reading more purposeful by connecting it to the knowledge students are buildingWhy bringing students back together after independent practice creates accountability and helps you catch misconceptionsWhy you should be thoughtful about assigning graded work when some students will have less independent work time because they’re meeting with youNext week, we’re continuing our Small Group Success series with a conversation all about behavior management during small groups—including setting expectations, reducing interruptions, and helping students work independently while you focus on the students at your table.Resources Mentioned:FREE Sentence Writing Activities: stellarteacher.com/sentenceSmall Group Success Checklist: stellarteacher.com/smallgroup

Small group instruction is probably built into your literacy block—but have you ever stopped to ask: What is the actual purpose of small groups?For years, Emily knew she was supposed to teach small groups, but she wasn't always sure what students should actually be doing once they got to the teacher table. Like many teachers, she focused on creating groups, planning rotations, finding leveled texts, and managing the rest of the class. But the most important question often got overlooked: What do these students need to practice with my support?In this episode, Emily breaks down the real purpose of small group instruction and shares a simple mindset shift that can completely change the way you plan. Small group isn't a curriculum or a specific type of lesson. It's an instructional structure that gives students more opportunities to practice a targeted skill while you observe, provide immediate feedback, and adjust your instruction based on what you notice.You'll also learn why strong small group instruction starts with specific student needs (not reading levels) and how using multiple layers of data can help you pinpoint exactly what students need to practice.In this episode, you'll learn:The real purpose of small group instruction—and why it's not simply getting every student to the teacher tableWhy small group is an instructional structure, not a curriculumHow small groups increase opportunities for meaningful student practiceWhy immediate, precise feedback is one of the biggest benefits of teaching students in a smaller settingThe planning shift from “What am I going to teach?” to “What do my students need to practice with my support?”Why effective small groups should be flexible and responsive to what you notice about your studentsNext week, we're wrapping up our Small Group Success series with a special guest! You're not going to want to miss that!Resources Mentioned:Small Group Success Checklist: stellarteacher.com/smallgroup

Part 4: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe first day of school comes with a lot of pressure. Teachers often feel like they need the perfect lesson plans, the perfect activities, and a perfectly organized schedule to make the day successful.But what if the goal isn't perfection?In this episode, Meghan, Stellar Team member AND 5th Grade teacher, is sharing a different approach to planning your first day of school... one that focuses on what matters most! You'll learn how to prioritize relationships and routines, build meaningful connections throughout the day, teach procedures in a way that feels natural, and plan transitions that keep your classroom running smoothly. We'll also share why a successful first day has less to do with checking every box and more to do with creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to return.In this episode, we'll discuss:✔ Why relationships and routines should be your two main priorities on the first day✔ Simple ways to build connections with students throughout the day✔ How to avoid common first-day pitfalls that create unnecessary stress✔ Tips for ending the day on a positive and organized noteWhether you're a brand-new teacher or heading into another school year with experience under your belt, this episode will help you simplify your first-day plans and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and discover why your first day of school doesn't need to be perfect—and why that's actually the goal. 🎧📚🍎