Kindergarten Cafe Podcast

Get rid of the clip charts and public behavior displays! We need to understand behavior as communication and advocate for a problem-solving approach. In this episode, we explore effective classroom management strategies, and highlight the inefficacy of quick-fix systems. It is important to invest time in proactive measures rather than implementing instant solutions. Key components such as teacher language, classroom setup, routines...

In this episode, we discuss classroom decoration dos and don'ts from a kindergarten teacher's perspective. We want to create purposeful decor, avoiding overstimulation, and prioritizing student needs over personal aesthetics. Tips on cost-effective decoration and fostering student ownership are shared, encouraging a student-centered approach to classroom design.

In this episode I share:

• Decorating with a purpose
• Avoiding ...

This episode covers key insights on effective classroom organization for kindergarten teachers. I discuss the importance of using visual labels to aid student independence and emphasize font readability and supply organization based on traffic flow and subject areas. I also explore strategies for managing shared materials, stressing the separation of teacher and student supplies and offering tips on efficient teacher resource organ...

Join me on Kindergarten Cafe as I chat with Sam Marsden about the magic of drama games for young learners. We explore the benefits of imaginative play, the power of repetition, and how drama boosts empathy and confidence. Sam shares tips for hesitant teachers and introduces her book "Drama Games for Early Years." 

In this episode we share:

• Benefits of Drama Games
• Morning Meeting Activities
• Using Music in Drama Games
• Ti...

In today's episode, we explore the benefits of using Seesaw as a communication tool among teachers, students, and families. I discussed how Seesaw facilitates the sharing of students' learning experiences with their families, promoting engagement and connection. By guiding the integration of Seesaw into the classroom, I highlighted the importance of privacy and security measures for student submissions. Additionally, I want to empo...

In today’s episode, I have Cara from @core4parenting here to discuss the importance of the four C's in managing conflicts in the classroom and nurturing teacher-student relationships. We emphasize mutual respect, open communication, and honesty to build strong connections with students, encouraging collaborative problem-solving for impactful learning experiences. It's vital for educators to model desired behaviors, engage students ...

Today I want to talk about the misconceptions that people have about early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers. Specifically my biggest pet peeves when it comes to the responses I get from telling people I teach kindergarten. I wonder if we have the same responses. I'm so curious. Make sure you send me a DM after the episode @KindergartenCafe and let me know if these are the same responses you get when you tell people tha...

In this episode, I chat with my Instagram friend, Lindsay from Sweet ‘N’ Sauer Firsties about strategies for enhancing student participation. Lindsay is a first-grade teacher with a decade of experience, who emphasizes engaging all students in learning through techniques like giving think time before answers and incorporating movement activities. She suggests several strategies you can implement in your classroom to deepen engageme...

We have come to that time of year where attention spans are few and far between. Curriculum is wrapping up and we find extra time in our day with highly energized kiddos. In this episode I want to discuss the importance of movement breaks for engaging kindergarten students, especially towards the end of the school year. I provide you with various activities, songs and games to keep your students moving and engaged. These movement b...

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, I share effective strategies for maintaining student engagement during lessons, particularly as the school year progresses. I provide practical tools and tips for teachers to use when students show signs of losing focus. You can enhance engagement by adjusting volume, speech speed, and incorporating interactive elements like singing and actions into lessons for a more dynamic learning experienc...

In this episode, I have my teacher friend, Holly, from Research and Play on the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. We explore the significance of purposeful classroom setup, focusing on child-centered approaches including the Reggio Emilia method. Holly stresses designing rather than decorating the classroom, using natural materials to stimulate learning. We also discuss challenges in shifting to student-centric designs, encouraging studen...

Join me in this episode for strategies on ending the school year stress-free. Keep students engaged with choices and themed days. I also provide many tips to help you prepare for the next year by decluttering and communicating with parents. Cherish moments with students and share this episode with fellow teachers for more tips.

In this episode I share:

• End of the Year Tips
• Keeping Kids Engaged with Activities
• Engaging Stud...

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, we explore the topic of supporting multilingual learners in the classroom. We highlight the importance of fostering strong relationships and creating a safe environment for these students. Strategies such as using gestures, visuals, and pair work are discussed to help newcomers feel included and comfortable. We stress the significance of understanding and supporting students as they...

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, I discuss the significance of Earth Day. I share how I incorporate Earth Day activities into my classroom to teach students about environmental awareness and taking action to care for the planet. From observing nature and cleaning up litter to planting and creating art projects with earth-friendly messages, I provide engaging and purposeful ideas for celebrating Earth Day with students.

In t...

This week I have Mona from Honest Math Chat on to discuss navigating new math curriculums. Mona is a former math avoider, teacher & instructional coach in Chicago. Her passion for math came when she discovered how to engage every student in a subject she, too, disliked. Through intentionally changing her math class to help students BE mathematicians using a student centered approach math came alive for Mona and her students. No...

Join us in this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, where we dive into the enchanting world of the Chick Life Cycle Unit, a magical experience for students and educators alike. We explore the journey of hatching chicks in the classroom, from sourcing eggs to nurturing the hatchlings. I share personal experiences and educational insights, guiding you through each stage of the chick life cycle. From egg anatomy to post-hatch ca...

In this episode, I chat with Melysa, a Pre-K teacher, discussing the essence of child-led teaching. Melissa shares insights on balancing play and curriculum, incorporating student interests into learning, and the magic of letting children explore and discover. She highlights the importance of fostering curiosity and independence, showcasing the beauty of child-led exploration in creating meaningful learning experiences for young le...

This episode is a sneak peek at a workshop I did on what to do when a child cries all the time. We explore effective strategies for supporting children who cry frequently and the importance of recognizing crying as a form of communication in children. I offer tips on how to respond calmly and empathetically. This portion of the workshop introduces the concept of a "calm corner" or "control spot" in classrooms to help children regul...

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, I go into the foundational aspects of teaching addition to kindergarteners. Emphasizing the progression from concrete objects to abstract representations, I want to stress the importance of utilizing diverse strategies like counting all, counting on, and drawing to foster understanding. We also discuss engaging activities such as dice games and Play-Doh addition to make learning int...