When we’re on the lookout for stellar literature to bulk up our classroom curriculums, we’re more likely to head to Google than to look right under own noses! It’s time we stop underestimating the power of local literature. Literature from local authors can have a special impact on our students. Their writing can empathize with the pain and joy of an area in a way someone unfamiliar with the area can’t. Local authors get it. They understand that the dollar-fifty theater on 21st street is a special gem, how the weather turns icy more often than it does snowy, and the under-appreciated beauty of the rolling Flint Hills at sunset. Their work is both familiar and refreshing. Join us today as we delve deeply into using local Kansas literature in the classroom with Tim Collins, an English teacher. We discuss how he uses local literature in with his students, &nbsp;how landscape is an integral part in shaping our personas, and how much we both care for our Kansas roots--no matter its nickname as a ‘flyover state.’ While we talk a great deal about Kansas in this podcast, since we’re biased Kansans, these ideas can be transported to any state or general area. If you haven’t taken the time to explore your local author scene, use this as a sign to get started! Undoubtedly, they have some great work for you to explore. If you listened to this podcast, you’re a champ and should definitely check out more. We’re on iTunes, Google Play, and Soundcloud. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at The Suggestion Box Podcast. If you’d like to suggest an idea to us, contact us at thesuggestionboxpodcast@gmail.com. We would love, love, LOVE to hear from you!

14 - Local Literature

Balance in our state of well-being is the most widely sought after, yet seemingly unattainable, phenomenon in existence. Every human being, but especially teachers, want it all: the successful career, the joyful family, and the happenin' social life--we refuse to quit! Our classrooms will be Pinterest perfect, our children will behave like angels, and our date nights will happen every other Friday. And when those plans don't fall perfectly into place, we blame ourselves with an intensity that is borderline cruel. How can teachers learn to be kinder to themselves, find reasonable expectations in life, and prioritize balance (read: happiness!) before all the other nonsense? Join us in this week's episode to discuss this with us. We don't have all the answers, but we've got some suggestions.&nbsp; Catch up on all things The Suggestion Box by following us on Twitter at @thesuggestnbox, Instagram at @thesuggestionboxpodcast, and on Facebook at The Suggestion Box Podcast Page. Our website is also great at thesuggestionboxpodcast.com. Last, but not least, if you have any desire to share your suggestion with other teachers, reach out! We WANT to hear from you. Email thesuggestionboxpodcast@gmail.com.

15 - Balancing Act

Back in my day, science class was built of lectures, notes, and tests. Education has come a long way, especially in Cassie Geis's classroom! Instead of rote memorization, students apply their learning by trying to find the cause of death for Anna Garcia, a fictional woman, who is found dead in our school library. In this episode, we discuss this interesting journey through medicine and biology through the Project Lead the Way program as well as how education has evolved over time. Is a more project-oriented style of learning a good idea for your classroom? Listen to gain ideas and learn how hotdogs are eerily similar to human body parts.&nbsp; Catch up on all things The Suggestion Box by following us on Twitter at @thesuggestnbox, Instagram at @thesuggestionboxpodcast, and on Facebook at The Suggestion Box Podcast Page. Our website is also great at thesuggestionboxpodcast.com. Last, but not least, if you have any desire to share your suggestion with other teachers, reach out! We WANT to hear from you. Email thesuggestionboxpodcast@gmail.com.

16 - CSI Classroom

Sugar, spice, and everything nice; forget harmful gender stereotypes, is this what positive classrooms are made of? The key ingredients to a positive classroom are different for every teacher's needs, but our host Andrea Marshbank has narrowed her ideal classroom down to these critical items: kids feeling safed, loved, and liked. And she implements this classroom culture perfectly every single day! Just kidding. You saw the title, right?!&nbsp; This podcast is a solo episode where Andrea details some ways she tries to cultivate a positive classroom culture each day. It's not a perfect system, and it's constantly evolving, but these tips are good ones. What tips do you have to offer other teachers about creating a positive classroom culture?&nbsp; Catch up on all things The Suggestion Box by following us on Twitter at @thesuggestnbox, Instagram at @thesuggestionboxpodcast, and on Facebook at The Suggestion Box Podcast Page. Our website is also great at thesuggestionboxpodcast.com. Last, but not least, if you have any desire to share your suggestion with other teachers, reach out! We WANT to hear from you. Email thesuggestionboxpodcast@gmail.com.