What Calm Classrooms Actually Have in Common (Spoiler: it’s not decor or personalities.)

Click play below to listen!

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher team member Tami to explore what calm classrooms truly have in common. Drawing on her years of experience teaching elementary students in both Department of Defense schools and public schools, Tami shares practical insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment that feels peaceful, organized, and productive.

From organizing classroom materials to establishing reliable routines and making time for meaningful student connection, this conversation highlights how small choices can make a big difference in the overall feel of a classroom. If you’ve ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm, this episode breaks down the practices that help create that environment.

Whether you’re a new teacher working on classroom management or an experienced educator looking to bring more peace into your day, these ideas will help you create calm classrooms where both teachers and students can thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What defines “calm classrooms”
How classroom organization and environment affect student behavior
The importance of predictable routines and consistency
Why connection and listening are essential for building calm classrooms

Creating calm classrooms doesn’t require perfection—it starts with thoughtful routines, clear expectations, and strong relationships.

Resources:

Sign up for our FREE Test Prep email series. Get 3-free test prep lessons straight to your inbox!
Ready to make test prep purposeful? Check out our Test Prep Bundle.
Join The Stellar Literacy Collective
Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Stay Connected:

Join the newsletter
Shop the STC TPT store here
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company

More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast where we believe teaching literacy is a skill that can be strengthened with the right strategies, systems, and support.

Each week, Sara Marye — along with members of the Stellar Teacher Company team and other special guests — shares practical insights, instructional strategies, and honest conversations from the voices behind the magic of STC. With over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and school leader, Sara is passionate about helping upper elementary teachers simplify their literacy block and make a meaningful impact.

Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Castbox, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow.

Learn more about The Stellar Literacy Collective:

The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.

Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a cohesive literacy block. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.

If you’re tired of piecing lessons together or feeling like every week requires a brand-new strategy, SLC offers structure and clarity. It helps you simplify your literacy block, teach with intention, and create meaningful growth for your students!

Click HERE to learn more!

When you are establishing your calm classroom routines, The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.