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1 Thing Your Students Actually Need Right Now (AKA Strong Routines)

Episode 299: 1 Thing Your Students Actually Need Right Now (STRONG ROUTINES!)

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As the end of the school year approaches, it’s easy to feel the pressure to do more.. reteach strategies, try new ideas, or squeeze in everything that hasn’t been covered yet. But what if that’s not actually what your students need? Let’s talk about the power of strong routines instead.

In this episode, Emily is joined by Meghan, a 5th grade teacher and Stellar Teacher literacy specialist, to talk about why this time of year isn’t about adding more it’s about staying consistent and leaning into strong routines.

Listen in as Emily and Meghan encourage teachers to lean into the strong routines that are already in place. You’ll learn how routines support working memory, reduce stress, and create a predictable learning environment—especially during a busy season filled with testing, field trips, and end-of-year events.

This episode will leave you feeling grounded, confident, and ready to trust what’s already working—so you and your students can finish the year strong.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode About Strong Routines:

  • How to easily add a daily sentence writing routine to strengthen writing skills
  • Why using the simple, adaptable 3-2-1 framework during read alouds is effective
  • Why keeping routines consistent while making small, meaningful adjustments is a power move right now

Stellar Teacher Resources We Think You’ll Love:

Enjoyed this episode? Check out these!

  • Episode 288: Choosing Intention Over Perfection with Sara Marye
  • Episode 295:  Teaching is a Long Game: A Reminder for Teachers Feeling the Pressure

Stay Connected:

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 the school year is winding down (but the classroom energy isn’t…), 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.

Want Even More?

You’ll love these related episodes!

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Hey There!

I’m Sara, your literacy lovin’ mentor and cheerleader.

With over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator, I understand the joys and challenges of teaching. That’s why I’m on a mission to make an impact by serving stellar upper elementary teachers just like you. Get ready, because I’m pulling out all the stops to ensure that you have the tools and confidence you need to build a literacy block that you’re proud of. One that excites you and your students while also meeting the standards. Oh yes, it’s totally possible to have both!

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