Best Uniquely Upper Podcasts (2025)

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14. Teaching Complex Sentences with Two Simple Formulas: 5 Effective Tips 6:54

Play Pause

4d ago6:54

6:54

Episode Summary Let’s be honest. Teaching complex sentences can feel anything but simple. Students get tripped up on commas, mix up dependent and independent clauses, and before long, everyone is frustrated. In this episode, I am sharing a strategy that completely changed how I taught this skill. It is a method that makes complex sentences finally …

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13. 5 Creative Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom 7:44

11d ago7:44

7:44

Episode Summary Last week, I shared the big-picture why behind using task cards, and the real benefits that make them worth your time. This week, we’re moving from theory to practice. In this episode, I’m sharing five creative ways to use task cards in the classroom that go far beyond centers and early finishers. These ideas are designed to get you…

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🛥️ Meet Steve: The Lock Keeper Who Keeps Shepperton Afloat! 20:41

13d ago20:41

20:41

We're diving into the heart of Shepperton this week, at the iconic Shepperton Lock! Steve Newman has been the friendly face of this historic landmark for over 50 years. Steve shares his journey from a printing job to becoming a lock keeper, a role he stumbled into after a serendipitous chat with a colleague. He feels incredibly lucky to work in suc…

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12. 3 Benefits of Using Task Cards (and Why You Should Use Them in Your Classroom) 7:39

19d ago7:39

7:39

Episode Summary You know that moment when you open your pacing guide and immediately think, How on earth am I going to fit all of this in? Between teaching 500 standards, trying to keep your sanity, and still having a few minutes left in the day, it’s a lot. That’s exactly why I want to talk about one of my favorite tools: task cards. In this episo…

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11. Teaching Grammar in Context: Why It Isn’t Enough on Its Own 13:53

26d ago13:53

13:53

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🧶 Handmade Happiness: Shepperton's Unique Craft Fair 17:43

27d ago17:43

17:43

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10. Grammar Skills: How to Use Skill Stacking to Spot Gaps and Strengthen Foundations 8:34

1M ago8:34

8:34

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09. 4 Benefits of Using Grammar Centers in Upper Elementary 6:58

1M ago6:58

6:58

4 Benefits of Using Grammar Centers in Upper Elementary Episode Summary When you hear the phrase classroom centers, do you tense up a little? I used to cringe too. Adding one more moving part to an already full day felt overwhelming. But once I saw how grammar centers transformed my classroom — giving students ownership, boosting engagement, and ma…

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Bound Together: A Journey of Friendship 22:10

1M ago22:10

22:10

In this guided meditation, we step into a cozy library where every book holds a chapter of our lives and the people who’ve shaped them. Behind a hidden door, we discover a space to meet with a dear friend—whether to heal, laugh over old memories, or simply sit in the warmth of love. With curiosity and ease, this journey invites you to explore the m…

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08. Building Classroom Community - 4 Simple Steps for a Powerful Impact 11:01

2M ago11:01

11:01

Episode 8: Building Classroom Community – 4 Simple Steps for a Powerful Impact Episode Summary Let’s press pause on grammar for a moment and talk about something just as important: building classroom community. If you’ve ever had a student walk into your room with a “reputation,” or you’ve wished your class felt more like a team and less like a bat…

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👀 Looking Back & Moving Forward with The Sheppertonian 🏡 18:29

2M ago18:29

18:29

We’re diving into a delightful recap of all the amazing voices and stories that have graced our show over the past year! From the charm of local events like Big Tree Night to heartwarming tales about community-driven initiatives, this compilation is like a cosy cup of tea on a rainy day. We’ve chatted with a whopping 19+ incredible guests, each add…

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The Quiet Compass Within 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

In this guided meditation, we journey inward to meet a younger version of ourselves and walk with them through a treasured memory. Along the way, we notice the strengths that have always been present, the natural gifts that shaped who we are, and the quiet wisdom that continues to guide us. This practice invites you to honor your past, recognize yo…

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07. Teaching Subjects and Predicates 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

Episode 7: Teaching Subjects and Predicates Episode Summary Fragments and run-ons — the bane of every teacher’s grading stack. By the time back-to-school writing assignments roll in, you’ve probably already seen sentences like “Went to the park” or “The dog with a long tail and spots.” That’s why this episode is all about teaching subjects and pred…

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06. Spiraling Grammar: 2 Effective Review Strategies for Making Grammar Stick 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

🎧 Grammar Teaching Strategies: 2 Effective Ways for Spiraling Grammar Episode Summary Have you ever taught a grammar skill on Monday, given the quiz on Friday, and by the next week your students act like they’ve never heard the word predicate before? 🙋‍♀️ Yep, been there. That’s why today’s episode is all about spiraling grammar—and why it’s one of…

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☀️ Rolling with the Good Times: Bishop Duppas Bowls Club ⚪️ 17:39

2M ago17:39

17:39

We're diving into the heart of community and competition at Bishop Duppas Bowls Club, where bowls is more than just a game - it's a way of life! This episode highlights how this cosy little club has been a cornerstone of village life since the '70s, bringing people together for friendly matches and serious competitions alike. Whether you’re a newbi…

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05. Grammar Teaching Strategies That Actually Work in Upper Elementary - Mini Challenge 9:25

2M ago9:25

9:25

Grammar Teaching Strategies That Actually Work in Upper Elementary Episode Summary Teacher friend, we made it! 🎉 Welcome to Day 5 of the Grammar Confidence Kickstart Challenge. You’ve put in the work, carved out time, and committed to building something better for your grammar block—and that’s huge. In this episode, I’m pulling everything together …

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04: How to Teach Grammar in Fun Ways - Mini Series Challenge 8:28

3M ago8:28

8:28

🎧 Episode 4: Teaching Grammar in Fun Ways Episode Summary You can teach the perfect grammar lesson, have the best anchor chart, and even crush the exit ticket… but what happens when that skill disappears the moment you move on to the next one? That’s where today’s episode comes in. In Day 4 of the Grammar Confidence Kickstart Challenge, we’re talki…

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03. Building Daily Grammar Routines - Mini Series Challenge 11:44

3M ago11:44

11:44

Episode 3: Building Daily Grammar Routines Episode Summary If you’ve ever felt like grammar gets lost in the shuffle of your busy day, you’re not alone. The truth is, when it comes to building grammar confidence—for both you and your students—consistency is everything. And that’s where a daily grammar routine comes in. In this episode of the Gramma…

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02. How to Sequence Grammar in Upper Elementary - Mini Series Challenge 8:49

3M ago8:49

8:49

Welcome back to Day 2 of the Grammar Confidence Kickstart Challenge! In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most powerful shifts you can make as a grammar teacher: sequencing grammar in upper elementary in a way that actually makes sense. If you’ve ever felt like you were jumping from nouns to conjunctions without a clear path, or that your…

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🏞️ The Sunbury & Shepperton History Society and Upper Halliford Medical Centre PPG 🩺 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

Water is the lifeblood of Shepperton, and it has shaped its history and community in ways that are both fascinating and vital. In our latest chat, we dive deep into the waterways that define our village - from the mighty Thames, which has served as a crucial trade route since Saxon times, to the Queen Mary Reservoir, which dramatically altered the …

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01. Why Grammar Matters - Mini Series Challenge 9:47

3M ago9:47

9:47

Episode 1: Why Grammar Matters More Than You Think Episode Summary: Let’s start with the big question: Why does grammar matter—and why should we care about it more than we already do? Welcome to Day 1 of the Grammar Confidence Kickstart Challenge, where we’re kicking things off with a dose of truth, a little myth-busting, and a whole lot of reassur…

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00. Welcome to Commas in the Chaos 2:02

4M ago2:02

2:02

Welcome to Commas in the Chaos! I’m Rachel, owner of Uniquely Upper, and this is your official invitation to take a deep breath, grab your coffee (reheated, of course), and join a space designed just for you — the grammar teacher juggling lesson plans, piles of ungraded assignments, and those never-ending to-do lists. Each week, you’ll get: Short, …

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⚽️ The Sheppertonesses and D'Oyly Carte Island 🏝️ 25:33

4M ago25:33

25:33

We’re diving into the heart of Shepperton this time, where community spirit is kicking off in style with the Sheppertonesses - a women’s walking football club that’s all about friendship, fitness, and some good ol' footie fun! Founded by the enthusiastic Denise Johnson, this club is not just about scoring goals; it’s about finding a supportive spac…

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🛍️ The Courtyard Shopping Event and Shepperton Village Fair 🎟️ 33:51

5M ago33:51

33:51

This podcast dives into the heart of Shepperton's community spirit, spotlighting the upcoming Shepperton Village Fair as it gears up for its 51st edition! We chat with Dik Gregory, the chair of the fair committee, who takes us on a nostalgic journey from its humble beginnings after a football match in 1972 to the vibrant celebration it is today. Yo…

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🇬🇧 Memories of VE Day and Shepperton Now! 💻 49:00

6M ago49:00

49:00

In this episode, we celebrate 80 years since VE Day with heartfelt stories and reflections on wartime life, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the Shepperton community. Shepperton resident Dallas Barnes-Hughes shares her vivid memories of wartime celebrations, including the excitement of jelly as a rare treat and the joy of street parties that…

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🎻 Spelthorne Orchestra and CAST Youth Theatre 🎭 45:37

7M ago45:37

45:37

Playing an instrument is the best thing you could do for your brain, and we're diving deep into that idea in this episode! We chat with David Bruce, the conductor of the Spelthorne Orchestra, who shares his journey and the joy of making classical music accessible to everyone. Plus, we’ve got Steve Oakes from CAST Youth Theatre joining us, highlight…

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🎶 Spelthorne Dementia Choir and Bumps & Babes 👶 41:22

8M ago41:22

41:22

This podcast episode is all about the powerful impact of community through music and support networks. We kick things off with Kelly Stewart, the founder of the Stewart Academy, who shares heartwarming stories from the Spelthorne Dementia Choir. Imagine a moment where someone living with dementia hears "Dancing Queen" and suddenly transforms into a…

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🌳 Laleham Park Hub and Cruse Bereavement Support 🤝 36:05

9M ago36:05

36:05

We're diving into an exciting vision for the future of Shepperton with the Laleham Park Hub, a community space that aims to breathe new life into our beloved park! Michelle Eden, the mastermind behind this initiative, is on a mission to create a welcoming spot for everyone -think dog-friendly café, workshops, and a cosy place to grab a cuppa and co…

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📸 Laleham Camera Club and Tulip Treasures Florist 🌷 34:04

10M ago34:04

34:04

Join us as we explore the vibrant world of local photography and floristry in Shepperton. We delve into the Laleham Camera Club, a welcoming community of photographers who encourage creativity and skill development among members of all experience levels. Steve Lawrence, the club's chairman, shares insights on their unique approach to learning throu…

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🎄 From Big Tree Night to Christmas at the Courtyard 🥳 28:49

11M ago28:49

28:49

Join us as we dive into the festive spirit of Shepperton with an exciting preview of Big Tree Night, an annual celebration that brings the community together for an enchanting Christmas market. Organisers Chantal and Jane share the history of this beloved event, highlighting its growth from carols under the big tree to a vibrant market attracting t…

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The Sheppertonian: The Trailer! 0:36

12M ago0:36

0:36

Your essential guide to Shepperton and its community. Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique Welcome to The Sheppertonian, your essential guide to everything happening in Shepperton, Surrey. Starting in December, Gareth will highlight local events, community news, and feature interviews with small business owners to keep you informed and e…

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Update! 5:44

1y ago5:44

5:44

Hello! Yes, I am still here, just not creating new meditations at the moment. The reason for that is a shift and expansion in my spiritual practice (all good). I hope this update helps to clarify my absence. I appreciate you all more than you know and can't wait to start sharing my new recordings. A special thank you to those of you who rate my pod…

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Connecting to our Higher Self 22:34

2y ago22:34

22:34

The meditation is a guide to connect to our higher self. The purpose of this meditation is to assist you in understanding the "why" and gaining a higher perspective of your current life, its lessons, trial, relationships, and beyond. This is a meditation you can keep as a favorite and come back to.

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What is the Lesson? 24:35

2+ y ago24:35

24:35

In this meditation, we get to connect with one our teachers. This is a great meditation to give perspective to a moment in your life, repeat themes, or people & places you feel strongly connected to. I use a very similar method during past life regression. Be open, be curious and you will most certainly gain the insight you need for your healing jo…

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To be Fearless 19:05

2+ y ago19:05

19:05

Who are we are when we maximize our potential, release fear, and step fully into who we desire to be? That is the intention of this meditation; to discover ourselves. In Shamanism, we utilize animal spirits a lot. They come as medicine or as guides and teachers. When they come as medicine, they help show us the light or the power that already exist…

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Healing after Loss 21:00

2+ y ago21:00

21:00

This meditation begins on the ocean and takes us to visit a memory with the intention of observing the memory with our younger selves. When we experience trauma or loss, a part ourselves can fragment off. In shamanic terms, this fragment is referred to as soul loss. A part of ourselves leaves. When we experience this, we can have loss of memory det…

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Finding Answers- Journey to the Upper World 24:52

2+ y ago24:52

24:52

This meditation is a guide to the Upper World and a path to answering the "why". This meditation starts in your power place; a place in nature where you feel safe, and guides you to your sacred space in the Upper World. When we journey to this place/plane, we're able to see meet our guides, visit our soul book and get answers on what we wanted to l…

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Balancing your Energy- Lower Chakras 26:50

2+ y ago26:50

26:50

This meditation places the focus on clearing and breathing energy through the lower chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, and Heart). It is within these four energy centers which we process the majority of our emotions and have a physical and emotional reaction to the outside world. At the end of the meditation, I offer guidance. The intention is to…

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Making Connections 20:08

2+ y ago20:08

20:08

In this episode, we have a series of moments and items that elicit feelings and possibly old memories. The intention here to is gradually bring forward a moment that needs your attention. This could be a memory and it could also be something that you strongly desire for yourself. Post meditation journal prompts: What's holding you back? What items …

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Processing Emotions- Opportunity for Release 23:55

3y ago23:55

23:55

In this meditation, we are joined by our master guide and asked to review an emotional moment. A moment where our emotions have transitioned and we continue to carry. The intention with this meditation is to observe the moment that brought the emotions and have an opportunity for closure and release. This meditation contains light music and sounds …

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Finding Our Calling 24:38

3y ago24:38

24:38

Through the pursuit of happiness we find our calling. It is the thing or things that bring us the most joy, make our heart soar, and our lips curl into an unstoppable smile. Right? Mmmmm not always. In this meditation we take the hand of our guide and explore what has defined our calling in this life and receive clarity on our journey. Enjoy!…

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An Emotional Release 30:08

3y ago30:08

30:08

This meditation is designed as an emotional release with sounds of the ocean and fire to help you relax and keep you grounded and connected to your body. This meditation is meant to assist with releasing an emotional burden from your youth and is focused on the Sacral and Solar Plexus. During this release you are visited by a younger version of you…

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Processing Our Past 23:19

3y ago23:19

23:19

This mediation brings us back to a moment in childhood and then forward to connect the learned behavior to an oder version of ourselves. This meditation has more guidance at the end to help you process and examine the images and feelings that came up. The chakras of focus in this mediation are the Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus.…

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The Path to Answers 23:19

3+ y ago23:19

23:19

This meditation gives us an opportunity to be guided to answers we need for our healing journey. This meditation includes sounds of water and birds and images of a forest.

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Spirits of the Land 26:24

3+ y ago26:24

26:24

This meditation takes us into the world of the Fae (Fairy). We are guided through a magical world that lives all around us by connecting to a fae guide and being transported to a space that we know and love.

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The Great Climb 23:48

3+ y ago23:48

23:48

The mountain or the great climb is really a metaphor for life. The path we take, off trail/on trail, steep climb to quickly summit or the slow winding incline...we are still climbing the same mountain. Our pace and path are ours to choose. This mediation is a reflection of the path we take and insights we gain.…

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Welcome Summer- Beltane 16:20

3+ y ago16:20

16:20

This meditation begins in a fairy circle. We step out of the circle and into the world of the Fae (earth guardian spirits). We are much smaller and get to see and experience the world as the Fae see and experience it. This guided meditation includes sounds of nature (birds/wind).

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Visting Home 20:44

3+ y ago20:44

20:44

This meditation involves a visit with our younger self. This visit takes us back to our childhood home as an adult. This meditation includes the sound of rain and children laughing. I also include some guidance for the meditation at the end. Many blessings.

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Journey- Healing Rock 21:27

3+ y ago21:27

21:27

This meditation is actually a shamanic journey to the lower world. The "lower world" in shamanic terms is a place to meet with our ancestors, spirit guides, animal guides, and receive healing. A a Shamanic Practitioner I travel to this place frequently for my clients but it is a place you can also go anytime for deeper healing. In this journey, we …

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Unburdening your Heart 19:12

3+ y ago19:12

19:12

In this meditation we sit by a fire with a small package of items, neatly wrapped and tied with string. These items belong to a past us, and old story, and moments that we have held on to. Are you ready to release and move forward? At the end of this meditation, I mention my 8-Week Chakra Meditation course. This class starts April 11th and registra…