Before the Bell Rings | Podcast on RSS.com

Before the Bell Rings

Before the Bell Rings

by Amy Jones

How To Self-Improvement

Season 2

The Calm Starts With Us

What if the most powerful behavior strategy isn't changing the child, but regulating ourselves first? Join us as we unpack the connection between adult and child nervous systems, explore how our reactions shape moments of conflict, and share simple ways to reset when we're feeling overwhelmed. Because the most regulated person in the room has the power to create safety for everyone else.

Stop Asking "Are You Okay?"

You can see it on their face. Their behavior has changed. They’re quieter than usual, frustrated, withdrawn or just not themselves. So you ask, “Are you okay?” And they say, “Yeah.” Conversation over. But what if “Are you okay?” is actually making it harder for kids to tell us what’s really going on? In this episode, we’ll unpack why that simple yes-or-no question may not give students the opening they need, especially when they’re overwhelmed, dysregulated, or struggling to find the words for what they’re feeling. Because sometimes the goal isn't to get a child talking. It’s to let them know: You don’t have to be okay for me to stay connected to you. Listen in for simple questions you can try tomorrow.

Five Minutes Can Change Everything

What if you didn’t need a big intervention to change a student’s day—or your relationship with them? Sometimes, it only takes five intentional minutes. In this episode, we’re talking about the power of being fully present with students: putting away the distractions, asking better questions, listening without immediately trying to fix, and noticing the things they’re doing right. Because before we can change behavior, we have to build connection. Five minutes may not change everything—but it can change how a student feels about themselves, how they see you, and whether they’re willing to connect when it really matters.

Connection Before Correction

Before You Correct, Connect. Ever notice that the more you correct a student, the more defensive they become? When the brain senses a threat, logic can take a backseat. In this episode, discover simple ways to move students out of “threat mode” and back into learning, using connection, validation, choice, and a little more “we” and a little less “you’re doing it wrong.”

Season 1

Summer Reset: Recharging your mind and body

As the school year winds down, we reflect on the importance of slowing down, recharging, and embracing social-emotional wellness during the summer months. We share practical ways educators can reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, rest, hobbies, meaningful relationships, local adventures, and guilt-free downtime. From journaling and quiet moments to professional growth opportunities and reconnecting with friends, this episode is packed with encouragement and realistic ideas to help teachers reset emotionally and mentally before the next school year begins. Perfect for educators looking to find balance, joy, and renewed energy this summer.

Who is Raising Our Kids Online?

From Roblox videos to “self-improvement” gurus, today’s kids are growing up in a nonstop stream of influence. This episode explores how algorithms, influencers, and parasocial relationships shape the way young people think about masculinity, beauty, success, and self-worth. We unpack the hidden messages behind the content kids consume, the pressure to monetize attention, and how parents and teachers can help children build media literacy, critical thinking, and healthier sources of inspiration online.

From Meltdown to Mindful

What’s really happening in the brain when stress and anxiety take over? In this episode, we break it down in a way that actually makes sense and is immediately useful. You’ll explore how the brain responds to big emotions, why “name it to tame it” works, and what’s going on beneath the surface when students feel overwhelmed. Plus, we share practical, classroom-ready strategies to help students build emotional awareness and regulation skills.

How to Support SEL at home

Have you ever asked your child how their day was and got the response "fine?" That "fine" may not give you a lot of information but the body language and tone will! In this week's episode, we dive into how ideas for how to support families at home and how to stay connected to your kids. It takes a village!

Red Flags and Peer Pressure

With social media and technology being more prevalent in our society, teaching kids how to appropriately use these mediums is vital. If you are wondering how to even begin those conversations, we provide some ideas about what ages to have the conversations as well as how to address it.

SEL Activities

Have you hit a slump with your teaching and need some new ideas? This episode gives several easy ways to add SEL activities into your instruction. These activities take little to no prep time.

1 of 2