This Teacher Life

Episodes

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  4 Things Teachers Should NEVER Do (But Let’s Be Honest… We Do) With Special Guests Jack Berckemeyer & Rachael McCoy 18.10.2026 17m

  If you use file folders, worksheets, competitions, or quieting techniques in your classroom, this episode is for you! And spoiler alert…. none of those are bad things! But the dialogue in this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast will get you thinking differently about each of them. Here we dive into the 4 things every teacher should promise not to do—but let’s be real, we probably do them. This silly episode has special guests Jack Berckemeyer and Rachael McCoy to explore those unspoken habits, practices, and behaviors that sneak into our classrooms, despite our best intentions. Tune in for a candid conversation, insightful advice, and a little laughter as we unpack the everyday realities of teaching. Don’t miss out—this episode might just challenge the way you approach your classroom this year! Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Awesome Classroom Lessons, Resources, and Activities Here:  monicagenta.com/shop Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  1 Classroom Idea that Will Solve All Problems in the Morning AND It’s a Blast (Full Lesson Details Included) 11.10.2026 28m

  In this episode, we’re diving into one simple classroom idea that can completely transform your mornings—yes, really. If your mornings with students feel chaotic, disengaged, disconnected, or just plain exhausting, this is the reset your classroom needs. This strategy is easy to implement, incredibly fun for students, and designed to build instant engagement, strengthen classroom community, and set a positive tone for the entire day. The best part? It doesn’t require any prep—and your students will love it. We break down the full lesson step-by-step, so you can start using it immediately. From boosting participation to creating meaningful social-emotional connections, this one idea hits everything teachers are looking for. If you’re ready to turn your mornings into something students look forward to (and make your life easier in the process), this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Episode Notes:  Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Engage Your Students Here: monicagenta.com/180SEL Join the E-Mail List to Get Weekly Resources: go here  Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  How to Host the Easiest, Most Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences Ever (And All You Need Are Raisins!?) 04.10.2026 26m

  Do you get 100% attendance at your parent teacher conference? Do you get 100% of people engaged at the table during those conferences? I’ve got an idea that can make BOTH of those happen. And the best part these conferences will create LESS work and LESS stress in your teacher life. Sometimes in order to make parent-teacher conferences between, we just need to remix them with raisins! Because this year, we can all be hosting raisin reunions. Are you ready to find out more on how to host the best conferences of your career? You are in the right place! Episode Links: Resource Bundle For Raisin Reunions: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Bundle-Raisin-Reunions-Host-BEST-Conferences-Ever-10241241 Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  6 Things Teachers, Principals, & Educators Need to Normalize This School Year (And They Are REALLY Simple) 27.09.2026 28m

  This school year doesn’t need more shiny initiatives or complicated systems. It needs a few simple things done consistently . In this episode, we’re breaking down 6 things teachers, principals, and educators need to normalize this school year to protect their energy, support student well-being, and actually enjoy their work again. None of these are revolutionary. All of them are realistic. And every single one can make your day feel lighter starting tomorrow. We’re talking about: Setting boundaries without guilt Letting go of perfection Making room for rest (yes, even during the school day) Creating healthier staff culture And choosing progress over pressure Whether you’re in the classroom, in the front office, or leading a school, this episode is your reminder that sustainable teaching doesn’t require superhuman effort—just simple habits done bravely and consistently. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or quietly burnt out, this one’s for you. Episode Notes:  Have Awesome Professional Development In Your School That Staff Will LOVE: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  1 Super Successful Idea for Your School- The Passport for Participation: A Fun Way to Get Families More Involved in Your Classroom & School Community 20.09.2026 19m

  Family engagement can feel like one of those things schools are constantly trying to improve—but getting families to actually show up and participate can be a whole different story! In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life Podcast, I’m sharing one super successful idea that can help increase parent participation and get more families involved in your classroom and school community: The Passport for Participation! This simple, fun, and interactive idea gives families a reason to attend school events, stay connected, and become more involved throughout the year. Whether your school struggles with turnout at special events or you’re simply looking for a fresh way to build stronger connections between home and school, this episode is packed with an idea you can easily make your own and implement immediately! Let’s make family engagement more fun—and get more people through those school doors! I promise this idea will have your stamp of approval. (That’s a passport pun) Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Awesome Resources for Your Classroom Here: https://monicagenta.com/shop Needing Some Help with SEL at Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd  
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  The 1 Idea That Your School Absolutely NEEDS This Year (Teachers This Will be Your FAVORITE Thing) 13.09.2026 17m

  What if one simple idea could completely change how supported you and all the teachers in your school feel this year? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, I’m sharing the 1 idea your school absolutely NEEDS—and yes, it just might become your favorite thing too. We’re breaking down how a Favorite Things Google Slide deck can be used all year long to surprise, encourage, and uplift teachers exactly when they need it most. From random “you’ve got this” moments to meaningful morale boosts during the toughest weeks of the year, this easy-to-set-up system makes it simple to show appreciation in ways that actually matter. You’ll learn: How to create a Favorite Things Google Slide deck in minutes When and how to use it throughout the year (not just during teacher appreciation week) Why small, thoughtful surprises have a HUGE impact on teacher morale How this idea works in any school—big or small If you’re a teacher, leader, admin, or staff member who wants to build a culture where educators feel seen, valued, and supported all year long… this episode is a must-listen. Fair warning: once you hear this idea, you’ll wonder how your school ever lived without it Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Awesome Resources for Your Classroom Here: https://monicagenta.com/shop Needing Some Help with SEL at Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  5 Simple & Strategic Ways to Determine if You are Using Worksh*ts or Worksheets In Your Classroom 06.09.2026 29m

  Let’s be real teachers—there’s a huge difference between a worksheet and a “worksh*t”. One of those is about authentic learning, amazing feedback, and active engagement. The other is about busy work, creating frustration, and a time vampire. The good news is… worksheets CAN be an amazing thing IF we use them correctly. In this episode, we’re cutting through the clutter and breaking down five simple yet strategic ways to evaluate the paper (or digital!) tasks you’re handing out. Whether you teach elementary or high school, you’ll walk away with practical tips, reflective questions, and a fresh lens for designing or choosing activities that actually move the learning forward. Spoiler alert: the information in this episode will actually save you SO much teacher time too! Episode Notes:  The BEST Classroom Management & Behavior Management Resource Bundle:  monicagenta.com/management  Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  How to Create an Amazing Classroom Climate Using a Simple Competition with The Game Plinko (Summer Replay Episode) 30.08.2026 38m

  If you want a powerful, practical strategy to boost student engagement, motivation, and classroom culture THIS is it! All with a little help from the iconic game of Plinko. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life, you’ll learn how to turn a simple competition into a classroom climate game-changer. Discover step-by-step ideas for implementing a custom Plinko board in your teaching routine, tips for aligning it with academic and behavior goals, and creative ways to make it fun, fair, and effective for all grade levels. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode will give you everything you need to spark joy and build connection from day one. Get ready to bring the excitement—and results—of game shows into your classroom! Want TONS more Awesome Ideas? Check Out These Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses for Official PD Credit:  monicagenta.com/courses Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Here is a Digital Board You Can Use:  games.washingtonpost.com/games/price-is-right-plinkoarkadium.com/games/price-is-right-plinko/ Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  UNO Classroom Idea that Will Make Your Students WILD-In a Good Way (Summer Replay Episode) 23.08.2026 28m

  Looking for ONE classroom idea that could make your school year awesome? You are in the right place. In this episode we will take a deck of Uno cards and show you how to: increase student motivation, decrease problematic behaviors, boost classroom camaraderie, and create SO much fun. Literally all you need to implement this super simple, but super effective idea is a deck of uno cards and a classroom of kids. I promise you will want to implement this idea immediately! Episode Notes:  Check out These Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses for Official PD Credit: monicagenta.com/courses Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  The BEST Behavior Management System for Schools that is SO Simple- Using the 3 Cs (Summer Replay Episode) 16.08.2026 28m

  We know as teachers that classroom management is essential, but we also understand that it can be very difficult. Sometimes students are defiant. Sometimes students don’t want to work. Sometimes students are antsy and energetic. Sometimes this causes stress and struggles in school. But what if there was a simple solution to create a classroom where things were both predictable and positive? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life we tackle all of this and more to help get your classroom culture headed in the right direction from the whole year! Episode Notes:  A Whole Bundle of Classroom Management Tools: Tons of Behavior Management Tools & Resources Looking for TONS of Classroom Ideas & Behavior Management Hacks? Check This Out:  monicagenta.com/courses Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  THIS Classroom Management Idea is EXACTLY What We Teachers Need To Start The School Year (Summer Replay Episode) 09.08.2026 24m

  Last year was your classroom a tornado of disorganized, disrespectful, or disengaged students? Is your teacher heart currently a tsunami of frustration, fear, or  freaking stressed? If you said YES to any of that I hear you. And I have the exact strategy to solve it! In this episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I share a super simple classroom management hack that will make the start of this school year awesome. I’m confident you will be clapping and praising the profession when you try this hack with your students! Episode Notes:  Classroom Management and Behavior Management Bundle: monicagenta.com/management  Get TONS of Awesome Classroom Management Ideas Here: monicagenta.com/courses Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd  
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  A Classroom Management Idea that Feels like a Game Show- Spinning and Winning- REMIX! (Summer Replay Episode) 02.08.2026 35m

  Want students to be prepared for class? This episode is for you! Want students to listen in class? This episode is for you? Wants students to have respectful attitudes? This episode is for you! Want students to have charged Chromebooks? This episode is for you! Creating classroom competitions is one of the easiest, most engaging, most beneficial ways to help manage a classroom and it can be SO fun for us as teachers too. In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life I explain how you can transform your classroom into a game show and spoiler alert- this takes NO extra time, NO extra effort, and can cost nothing. This episode is about spinning and winning and I promise it is literally a win-win for everybody! Episode Notes:  Check out this AWESOME curriculum for Advisory, Morning, Meeting and SEL- 180 FULL Lessons: monicagenta.com/180SEL Wheel That I Use in my Classroom: monicagenta.com/amazon Check out the Book Game Changers Here  monicagenta.com/books Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Wheel of Names Digital Wheel: https://wheelofnames.com/
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  How a Deck of UNO Cards Can FLIP Your Classroom Into Something AWESOME This School Year (Summer Replay Episode) 26.07.2026 40m

  Want this school year to be your best UNO yet? Sometimes things like classroom management and behavior management cam bog us down. But what if I told you this year can totally be flipped over in a good way?! What if there was one simple way to increase participation, decrease disrespect, get 100% of students organized, and have SO much fun. And all you need for it is a deck of Uno cards? This is not too good to be true and I’m confident after you listen to this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast you will be so flipping excited! Episode Notes:  Earn up to 90 Hours of PD Credit in these Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses: monicagenta.com/courses Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd  
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  Really Dumb Classroom Management Strategy Using Only a Pen!? (Summer Replay Episode) 19.07.2026 27m

  Sometimes the silliest ideas end up being the most strategic ideas! So let me ask you, how is classroom management going in your teacher life right now? Are students getting disorganized? Are students struggling to keep their hands to themselves? Are students simply not turning in work? If you are looking for a solution to solve common teacher problems you are in the right place. On this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we dive into one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done, but the good news is… it TOTALLY works! It takes no time to prep because all you need is a pen! Trust me, you are going to love this new classroom competition. Episode Notes: Don’t Miss This Teacher Opportunity Where You Will Learn SO Many Engaging Classroom Ideas: monicagenta.com/courses Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing Engaging, Relevant, Fun PD at Your School? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  1 Class Idea That Gets Students ROLLING In the Right Direction-A Dynamic Class Competition (Summer Replay Episode) 12.07.2026 31m

  Is there a behavior or classroom expectation that drives you crazy? Would you like to increase student motivation and decrease problems with students? Do you want to add a little bit of fun while also creating organized, effective, and engaged kids? If you said YES to any (or all) of those things then you are in the right place! And all you need for this idea is a dice. Seriously! Get everything “rolling” in the right direction for your school and your students with this simple, but significant class competition. Find out all the details right here, right now! Episode Links: Check out the Engaging Battle Brackets! Perfect for Relationship Building AND Engaging Competitions In Your Classroom monicagenta.com/shop Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Want some Awesome PD At Your School? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  The 1 Classroom Management Strategy That Will Change Everything-Seriously! (Summer Replay Episode) 05.07.2026 30m

  Spoiler alert: I am sharing an idea that has created a MAJOR decrease in classroom issues. The term “classroom management” is thrown around a lot. We had whole classes dedicated to it in undergrad. Our principals talk about it in our evaluations. And these days some teachers are even saying we need to “ditch it.” Some educators believe that classroom management “isn’t needed” if we just have classroom respect. What do you think? Well, in this episode I give my 2 cents on classroom management AND dish out my all time FAVORITE idea on how I manage my own students. And all you need is a deck of cards. Episode Notes:  Want Some Awesome Teacher Books for Summer Reading? monicagenta.com/books Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  How to MOTIVATE Kids (Using Just a Door), How to Get Kids Quiet FAST, and How to ENGAGE Kids Staring at the Wall (Summer Replay Episode) 28.06.2026 21m

  Do you have a door to your classroom?  If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you! Do you want to keep kids quiet at the right times? If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you. Do you want students engaging rather than staring at the wall? Of course you do! So, I’ve for an engaging idea for you. 3 ideas will come your way in this episode that is all about being a Game Changer for kids. If you are looking for ways to boost student engagement and increase student motivation, this episode is for you! Episode Links: Get Your Copy of Battle Brackets Right Here: monicagenta.com/brackets Sign Up for Monica’s Mailing List and get TONS of FREE Resources Sent Out All Summer Long! https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Want some Awesome PD At Your School? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd  
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  4 Habits That Will Take Your Teacher Game to New Levels (Summer Replay Episode) 21.06.2026 31m

  Tired of creating resolutions that don’t last more than a few days? Feeling like your new year’s goals never get off the ground? If you are truly ready for this year to be different then this episode is for you. We will dive into 4 small habits that will set your morning up for total success so you can have an incredible day in the classroom. These 4 habits will make you a better teacher because they will impact your whole day on a positive level. Get ready to be mind-blown on how easy these ideas are to implement too. Episode Notes:  Get your copy of 180 Days of Awesome-Relationships: monicagenta.com/books Wanting AWESOME PD for Your Whole School?  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd
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  2 Biggest Things Causing Stress in Schools: Apathy & Attendance with Special Guest Jack Berckemeyer (Best Episode Replay) 14.06.2026 34m

  Needing or wanting 3 extremely easy and practical solutions to solve today’s problems in schools? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we tackle two of the biggest stressors teachers face—apathy and attendance—and how they’re affecting classrooms everywhere. From students who just don’t seem to care, to the endless challenges of getting them to show up, we’ll explore practical solutions that can make a real difference. Tune in for fresh, fun ideas to boost engagement, increase attendance, and make your school days a whole lot smoother! And spoiler alert… this idea DOES NOT involve burping up ANOTHER binder! Episode Notes:  Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Improve Apathy & Attendance in Your School:  monicagenta.com/180SEL Students Refusing to Work? Check out this Management Solution: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Behavior-Management-Increase-Success-Decrease-Stress-11500061 Wanting AWESOME PD for Your Whole School?  monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd  
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  You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up! Crazy Stuff That Has Been Said in Schools (Get Ready to LAUGH)- (Summer Replay Episode) 07.06.2026 18m

  Sometimes the best thing we can do in schools is laugh. Parents, students, and fellow teachers will say something or ask a question and then our jaw drops to the floor. “Did you really just say that?” “Did that really just happen?” Yes… yes it did! Come take a listen to this episode where I will share hilarious, ridiculous things that have actually been said or done in schools. You won’t be able to get through this 20 minutes without cracking up and thinking, “Yep! that sounds familiar.” Episode Notes:  Make Your Summer Reading AWESOME with These Books:  https://monicagenta.com/books Needing Some Help with SEL at Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd