Teaching Unfiltered

(#15) DAY 8 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - The Planner Hack Every Teacher Needs to Know

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +1100

Day 8 of the 21-Day Teacher Challenge - Chaos to Clarity is here, and today’s all about planning for success! Whether you’re a digital dynamo or a hardcopy fan, setting up your 2025 planner now will make your year smoother and more productive.

Here’s what we covered in the podcast:

Why Plan? Teachers thrive on structure, and planners help you take control, stay consistent, and reduce stress.
A Powerful Example: Jim Rohn, the legendary motivational speaker, wrote down his goals daily to stay laser-focused. This habit helped him build an empire.
My Planner Journey: I’m still loyal to my hardcopy planner—it’s where I map out my dreams, goals and daily to-dos.

Quick Tip: Write down key school dates, lesson plans, and personal goals in your planner. Start small, stay consistent, and make it a habit!

Connect with me: WEBSITE https://www.lizardlearning.com

DAILY REVIEW HUB SUBSCRIPTION
30 minutes each morning prepared and Done-For-You Literacy and Numeracy questions for peace of mind you are covering all the fundamentals in the curriculum. Reducing decision fatigue, planning and burnout. All year level access - 40 weeks of the school year. Subscribe to one place for everything ... plus over 400 juicy bonus lesson ideas and activities too.

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(#14) DAY 7 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - YOU WILL NEVER GET MOTIVATION. DO THIS INSTEAD

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Can you believe how close we are to the new school year? It’s that bittersweet time where the beach days start winding down, and our teacher brains start switching back to school mode.

But here’s the thing I know so many of us get wrong every single year—we wait. We tell ourselves we’ll organise the bookshelves, declutter the resources, and sort out the chaos once we’re back at school.

Spoiler alert: That’s way too late.

By then, chaos is already knocking. Lesson planning, meetings, student needs—it all piles on, and suddenly that bookshelf becomes just another stress point.

You know the saying: Failing to plan is planning to fail. So let’s do it differently this year.

In my latest podcast episode, we’re diving into:

Why decluttering now saves your sanity later.
The psychology of tidy shelves and how it reduces teacher stress.
A simple step-by-step guide to organizing your classroom in under 20 minutes.
A relatable story about my colour-coded, perfectly labeled early teaching days (and how it saved me countless hours).

I even have a little something at the end of the episode to help you simplify your daily classroom routine and save precious shelf space.

You don’t want to miss this one!

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(#13) DAY 6 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - PICK, PURGE AND ORGANISE

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Day 6️⃣: Your Garage Called… It Wants Its Space Back!

It’s Day 6 of the 21-Day Challenge: From Chaos to Clarity! Today, we’re tackling those cluttered resource boxes (or maybe that messy freezer drawer at home 🙃).

Pick one box - just one.
Purge it: Keep, giveaway, or toss.
Organise what’s left, and feel the weight lift off your shoulders!

Decluttering clears more than just space - - - it clears your mind, too. Let’s make room for good vibes and even better ideas!

See you tomorrow for Day 7! 🎉

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(#12) DAY 5 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - ADHD DECLUTTER

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Welcome to Day 5 of the Chaos to Clarity Teacher Challenge!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home: digital clutter. Specifically, how ADHD (or just the chaos of teaching life) can turn your computer desktop into a scene straight out of "Desktop Doomsday."

Confession: My desktop often looks like my ADHD brain on a Monday morning—chaotic, cluttered, and full of half-finished ideas. Think random screenshots, documents titled "final_final_REALLYFINAL," and enough tabs to crash a computer. Sound familiar? If you’ve got ADHD—or just a teacher brain juggling 17 mental tabs at once—this episode is for you.

Why are we tackling this today? Because digital clutter is more than just a visual annoyance; it’s a mental drain. Princeton research shows that clutter, even on a screen, competes for your attention and reduces productivity by up to 40%.

So, how do we turn your desktop from a digital dumping ground into a calm, organised workspace? Here’s how we’re breaking it down in today’s episode:

First, tackle the desktop. This is your computer’s equivalent of prime real estate.

Next, create folders that actually make sense. Think of them like classroom storage tubs, labeled clearly: “Math Resources,” “Student Feedback,” and, of course, “Memes for Staffroom Survival.”

Now for the Great File Migration. Move everything into its new home, and if something doesn’t fit, create a “Sort Later” folder (just don’t forget to sort it later!).

Finally, delete the dead weight. If you haven’t opened a file in a year, channel your inner Marie Kondo and let it go.

And here’s the key to keeping it up: Set a weekly digital reset. Just five minutes every Friday to tidy up, and your future self will thank you.

When you’ve finished decluttering, take a deep breath and revel in your serene, organised desktop. Imagine opening your laptop and seeing only what you need, without the digital jungle to navigate. Bliss, right?

If you’re feeling proud of your progress (and you should!), share a screenshot of your decluttered desktop with me on Instagram or reply to this episode. I’d love to celebrate with you!

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#11) DAY 4 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - CLEAN THIS ONE OUT TO FEEL IN CONTROL

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Welcome to Day 4 of the Chaos to Clarity Challenge! Today, we’re diving into the top drawer of doom, a task every teacher knows all too well.

Now, onto today’s challenge: Clearing out the clutter. Clutter isn’t just physical, it’s mental. An organised space fosters calmness, fresh energy, and creativity. Decluttering brings a sense of control and refreshes your teaching environment, so let’s make it happen.

First, tackle the infamous top drawer. Be ruthless - if it’s sticky, expired, or unidentifiable, toss it. Next, purge your pencil case. Sharpen anything salvageable and discard what’s broken.

Move on to your student caddies. Test everything, toss what doesn’t work, and restock. Don’t forget to audit your art supplies, saying goodbye to dried-up paint and crusty brushes. Finally, refresh your fabrics by replacing old tea towels and cloths.

A clutter-free environment sets the tone for a smoother teaching experience and allows you to spark joy in the small, organised victories.

When you’ve finished, take a moment to reward yourself. Whether it’s a piece of chocolate, a coffee, or scrolling through teacher memes, you’ve earned it.

Today’s challenge might seem small, but its impact is significant. By creating space for clarity, you’re setting the stage for better energy and productivity.

If you uncover any hilarious or horrifying “top drawer treasures,” DM on Instagram.

Here’s to a cleaner space, a clearer mind, and a happier you! 💫

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#10) DAY 3 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - THAT TEACHER BAG!!

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Today's episode is Day 3️⃣ in the Teacher Challenge: Chaos to Clarity!🎯

✨ Main Points We’ll Cover:

The Big Dump: Emptying your bag to reveal the chaos and hidden treasures inside.
Sort and Purge: Ruthlessly tossing dried-up pens, mystery jellybeans, and sticky post-it notes.
Organise with Purpose: Simple hacks to compartmentalize and keep only what serves you.
Weekly Rituals: A quick tidy to keep the clutter at bay all year long.
Emotional Clutter: Letting go of last year’s disappointments to make space for this year’s magic.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to lighten your load, reclaim your energy, and transform your teacher bag from chaos to clarity. Let’s do this! 🚀

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#9) DAY 2 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - DO THIS FOR A MORE ORGANISED TEACHER-LIFE

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Chaos to Clarity Challenge: Day 2
Today, we’re diving into Day 2, and it’s all about clearing the physical chaos to create mental clarity.

In This Episode:
🔥 Why small daily actions, like sorting through those pesky paper piles, create big wins for your mindset and productivity.

Day 2 Challenge:
📚 Sort the Papers:
🛍️ Tackle the stack in your teacher bag.
📃 Handle the pile behind your desk.
📜 Recycle or file those scattered papers on the floor and table.

🏆 Action Steps: File what you need, recycle the rest, and feel the weight lift!

Closing Thoughts:
We're doing this challenge together! Head to Instagram. Let me know what papers you cleared today.

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#8) DAY 1 - JANUARY TEACHER CHALLENGE - FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +1100

Hey, teacher bestie! Ready to feel less frazzled and more fabulous this term? In this episode, we chat about how to kickstart your school term on the right foot with the 21-Day Clear the Chaos Organisation Challenge.

It’s like a detox for your teacher life and your sanity! Here's what we’ll discuss about:

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why planning ahead is your ultimate superpower
- No more mid-term panic or last-minute scrambles.
The biggest time-wasters for teachers
- How procrastination and clutter secretly steal your energy.
How 30 minutes a day can transform your term
- Organise, declutter, and streamline your teacher life.
Day 1 of the challenge: Start small, start strong
- Clear out one drawer. Just one. And watch how light you feel. I promise you'll hit the ground running and will want to do more.
How this challenge doubles as PD
- Yep, you can claim professional development hours while conquering chaos. What a WIN! WIN!

Why You’ll Love This Episode 😁

This isn’t just about being organised, it’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and finding the joy in teaching again if you feel you've lost it along the way.

Whether you’re drowning in undone tasks or just looking for a fresh start, these bite-sized daily steps will set you up for success.

So grab your favourite cup of tea, coffee (or wine, let’s be real), and let’s clear the chaos together!

Listen now and start living the teacher life you deserve 🎧

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#7) ADHD TEACHERS! UNPACKING THE GIFTS AND NOT THE DISABILITY. TIPS TO SEE ADHD AS YOUR SUPERPOWER.

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey of being a teacher with ADHD.

The challenges and triumphs I face daily, from hyper-focusing to managing distractions, and how ADHD can be harnessed as a unique asset in the teaching profession.

I touch on the importance of mindset, adaptability, and the power of community, offering strategies for teachers to thrive with their personal diagnosis.

This episode is a call to embrace neurodiversity and recognise the invaluable contributions of teachers with ADHD.

If you are enjoying your Teaching Unfiltered journey with me please hit that subscribe button now and share this podcast with all your teacher friends! It would honestly mean the world to me.

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#6) 10 Strategies For An Effective Lesson

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we explore the importance of consistency in teaching children, and how the research supports this technique as THE way forward.

I discuss the need for modern, engaging educational resources and the struggles of introducing new materials in an industry dominated by traditional methods.

In this episode, you will come away with 10 essential strategies for creating effective and engaging lesson plans, by utilising technology and interactive materials to encourage your student participation and incorporating movement.

I share with you how my comprehensive daily review program, '10 Quick Questions a Day', is designed to modernise and enhance student learning whilst taking all the stress out of your personal planning time.

It's my mission is to empower teachers to stay in the profession by boosting their confidence and enriching their teaching methods, with a focus on self-improvement and personal development.

Sit down with a cup of tea, and listen to this episode of Teaching Unfiltered as we together make your experience as a teacher even more fulfilling. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button now and share this podcast with all your teacher friends!

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#5) Let's Talk Big Teacher Energy Money Goals

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +1000

In this episode of the Teaching Unfiltered podcast, I explore the importance of goal setting for teachers and provide real life scenarios to inspire you to achieve personal and professional goals.

I share openly about my own ADHD diagnosis and aim to normalise conversations around ADHD and other diagnoses, framing them as they should be, as superpowers.

I discuss money methods, that I have drawn upon with success, of thought leaders before me, and share with you how autosuggestion and the power of desire have catapulted my own financial results.

Of course, I challenge the stigma around teachers discussing money, encouraging you to recognise your worth and set financial goals.

Join me in this heartfelt journey, with personal anecdotes and motivational advice, this episode aims to open your eyes and help you take control of your energy and leverage my strategies to create BIG money results in your life.

Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button now and share this podcast with all your teacher friends!

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#4) Law of Attraction For Teacher-Life Goals

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +1000

In this episode of the Teaching Unfiltered podcast, I delve into the Law of Attraction, providing six strategies to help teachers find joy and achieve their desires both inside and outside the classroom.

I share my personal anecdotes and actionable steps such as setting clear intentions, practising visualisation, maintaining gratitude, staying positive, taking inspired action, and trusting the process.

These strategies aim to empower teachers to improve their professional and personal lives by focusing on a positive mindset and practical steps towards their goals on a daily basis.

Join me on Teaching Unfiltered as we journey together toward a more empowered and fulfilling teaching experience. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button now and share this podcast with all your teacher friends!

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#3) Why Do Teachers Stay In The Difficult Profession

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:00:00 +1000

In this episode, we dive into the heart of why teachers stay in a profession that can be incredibly demanding. From the deep love for teaching and the powerful connections with students to the joy of being part of a vibrant school community, we explore eight compelling reasons that keep educators coming back, despite the tough days.

Join me as we uncover the reasons behind the dedication and passion that drive teachers forward. Whether it's the transformative power of mentorship, the desire to make a difference in students' lives, or the hard reality, that some might not like to hear, that it pays our bills, this episode will explore ALL aspects of our teaching reality - Even the question of should you walk away!

As I promised, I will NOT shy away from the hard topics.

So, if you're a teacher seeking empowerment, inspiration, and practical tips to navigate the world of education with authenticity and purpose, hit that subscribe button. Let's embark on this journey - Because your success as a teacher starts from within.

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#2) How To Manage Teacher Overwhelm - 11 Strategies To Gain Your Free Time Back

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:00:00 +1000

In this episode, I dive into strategies for managing teacher overload, a challenge that many educators face. From planning ahead to setting realistic goals, I will provide you with actionable steps to help you find balance and reduce stress.

For many of my teaching years, I allowed myself to be in a constant state of overwhelm, feeling like I was chasing my tail while it seemed every other teacher had it all together. I was a hot mess.

It wasn’t until I applied strategies from outside of the teaching industry to my daily life that I was able to break free from this feeling and create a completely new reality. I became super prepared for everything within school hours, no longer giving away as much of my time outside of work, and gaining more time for myself.

I want EVERY teacher to experience the power of what I achieved, which is why I'm sharing 11 of my most powerful strategies to help you navigate the demands of teaching life and regain your free time!

But it's not just about strategies—it's about mindset. I'll encourage you to celebrate your victories, recognize your impact, and embrace the support of your colleagues and friends.

Join me on Teaching Unfiltered as we journey together toward a more empowered and fulfilling teaching experience. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button now and share this podcast with all your teacher friends!

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com

(#1) Rediscover The Power Within You as an Educator - My Story

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:00:00 +1000

Welcome to Teaching Unfiltered, where we peel back the layers of doubt and rediscover the power within you as an educator.

In this episode, I'll take you on a journey through my own struggles and triumphs in the teaching world. Like many, I once gave my power away to external forces, believing I needed to conform to others' ideas of success.

But here's the truth: the path to success isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. If the work you're doing doesn't ignite your passion and excitement, then it's simply not meant for you. You don't have to change who you are to succeed; in fact, embracing your authentic self is the key.

Join me as I share my experiences from my early days as a registered nurse transitioning to a classroom teacher, educational author, and owner of Lizard Learning. I'll reveal the mindset shifts and personal growth that led me to create a fulfilling career and life around education.

Teaching Unfiltered is all about empowering educators to find their own path, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned teacherpreneur. I'll dive into topics like setting boundaries, boosting confidence, and finding joy in the chaos of teaching.

So if you're ready to break free from limiting beliefs and tap into your true potential, hit that subscribe button. Let's embark on this journey of growth and discovery together, as we uncover the blueprint for your soul's success.

Tune in to Teaching Unfiltered for insights, inspiration, and practical tips to navigate the world of education with authenticity and purpose.

Because your success as a teacher starts from within.

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Welcome To Teaching Unfiltered

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +1100

Welcome to the Teaching Unfiltered podcast. I'm your host, Cindy Holmberg-Smith. Think of me as that teacher bestie navigating together the magical moments and messiness of teacher life.

I am a passionate teacher, author, educational publisher, and mindset coach. If you are looking to upgrade your teacher or personal life, then you are in the right place.

Think of this podcast show as your dose of mindset development to maximize your life, whether that's inside or outside of the classroom.

It's my intention in this podcast to bring you all the topics - Mindset, teaching, mental health, teacherpreneurship, the classroom, empowerment, teacher side hustles, spirituality, goal setting, building your big dreams, mindfulness. Any topic is up for discussion.

So please come pull up a chair around my table and let's talk teacher life at Teaching Unfiltered.

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EMAIL: cindy@lizardlearning.com