Happy Teaching

The Kindergarten Connection

Happy Teaching with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  1. 11小時前

    Episode 61: Name Games & Songs for Back to School

    In this episode, Alex shares some of her favorite name games, songs, and chants for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Name activities are a simple way to help students learn each other's names while building classroom community and practicing early literacy and social skills. ✨ You'll learn: How name games help build classroom communityFun ways to practice rhyming, syllables, and name recognitionHow to adapt name songs for young attention spans💡 Name games may feel simple, but they're an easy way to help students learn about their classmates while building important early learning skills. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🍪 FREE Editable Pocket Chart Back to School Name Game - Grab the free cookie name game! Use the printable name cookies in a pocket chart or add them to a "cookie jar" for Alex's easier version of Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? 🎵 FREE Name Chants and Songs for Circle Time - Print the song and chant sheets for Who Took the Cookie, Willoughby Wallaby Woo, and Hickety Pickety Bumblebee so you have them ready for circle time. 🎒 Pre-K and Kindergarten Name Games & Activities - Make learning names fun with ready-to-use name games and activities that help students practice name recognition while getting to know their classmates and building classroom community. 🍎 Print and Play Club Want even more ways to practice names? Print and Play Club members can search Name Games to find pocket chart activities, centers, and other ready-to-use resources for helping students recognize and learn their classmates' names. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  2. 8月9日

    Episode 60: Making the Most of Classroom Volunteers

    In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making classroom volunteers a true support instead of another thing to manage. Whether you have parent volunteers every week or only a few throughout the year, a little preparation can make their time in your classroom much more effective. ✨ You'll learn: Why waiting a few weeks before inviting volunteers into the classroom can be beneficialHow a volunteer survey can simplify scheduling and expectationsA simple system for organizing volunteer tasks and projectsEasy ways volunteers can support both students and classroom preparation💡 This episode will help you create a volunteer system that saves time, supports students, and makes classroom help feel truly helpful. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 📝 Download the FREE volunteer survey and check out the related blog posts: Free Editable Classroom Volunteer SurveyTips for Organizing Volunteers in the ClassroomEffective Ways to Use Classroom Volunteers📚 Print and Play Club Looking for year-round classroom support? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find ready-to-use resources, classroom management trainings, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant. Poppy can help you brainstorm volunteer tasks, classroom routines, and practical solutions to everyday teaching challenges. 👉 Don’t wait! Click Here to Join the Club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  3. 8月3日

    Episode 59: Simple Center Storage Ideas for Teachers

    In this episode, Alex shares simple, practical ideas for organizing and storing classroom centers when they're not in use. If you've ever wondered what to do with all those laminated pieces, recording sheets, and activity cards, this episode is packed with teacher-tested solutions. ✨ You'll learn: Five simple ways to organize and store classroom centersHow to combine digital and physical storage to save spaceEasy storage ideas for laminated pieces and activity cardsTips for choosing an organization system you'll actually stick with💡 This episode will help you spend less time searching for materials and more time enjoying them with your students. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: ⭐ Want to see these organization ideas in action? Check out the blog post for photos and additional tips shared by teachers from our community. 👉 Top 5 Storage Ideas for Centers in Kindergarten ✏️ Print and Play Club Looking for ready-to-use centers? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find hundreds of hands-on center activities, plus Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, who can help you plan centers, organize your classroom, and solve everyday teaching challenges. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club! 🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Want to build classroom systems that save time all year long? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex shares step-by-step strategies for organizing your classroom, managing centers, creating independent routines, and implementing free-flowing centers with confidence. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📱 Connect on Instagram: How do you organize your classroom centers? We'd love to hear your favorite storage tips! 💜 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe for more simple classroom organization and center ideas, and leave a quick review if you found this episode helpful! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  4. 7月13日

    Episode 58: Building Strong Partnerships with Paraeducators

    In this episode, Alex shares practical ways to build a positive, productive partnership with the paraeducators in your classroom. Working alongside another adult isn't always something teachers are taught, but strong collaboration can make a huge difference for both you and your students. ✨ You'll learn: Why understanding your paraeducator's role and responsibilities mattersHow to create clear routines and shared responsibilitiesWhy communication and appreciation strengthen your partnershipHow to avoid relying on paraeducators as the "behavior police"💡 This episode will help you build a stronger working relationship with your paraeducators so your entire classroom can thrive. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Want to create a classroom where every adult can focus on supporting learning instead of constantly managing behavior? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex shares the classroom management systems, routines, and strategies that help students become more independent, making it easier for teachers and paraeducators to work together as a team. If you're looking to build a calmer classroom with stronger routines and more confident learners, the P.L.A.Y. Course will give you the step-by-step plan to make it happen. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📚 Print and Play Club Get ongoing classroom support with ready-to-use resources, classroom management trainings, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant. Whether you need ideas for routines, behavior, or working with paraeducators, Poppy is there to help all year long. 👉 Click here to join the Print and Play Club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  5. 7月5日

    Episode 57: The First Week of School: Go Slow to Go Fast

    In this episode, Alex shares the mindset and strategies for a successful first week of school. Instead of rushing into academics, you'll learn why focusing on routines, independence, and classroom community sets the foundation for the rest of the year. Plus, hear why going slow in the beginning helps you move faster later on. ✨ You'll learn: Why routines should be your lesson plan during the first weekWhat "go slow to go fast" really looks like in the classroomHow to avoid overwhelming students with too many expectations at onceSimple first-week activities that teach routines while building independence💡 This episode will help you start the school year with confidence by focusing on the routines and relationships that matter most. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Want a step-by-step plan for creating a calm, independent classroom from day one? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex walks you through exactly how to teach routines, build classroom management systems, introduce free-flowing centers, and create a developmentally appropriate classroom that supports learning all year long. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the first weeks of school, the P.L.A.Y. Course gives you the roadmap and support to start the year with confidence, not chaos. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📚 Print and Play Club Print and Play Club members have access to first-day activities, routine cheat sheets, classroom songs, and printable resources that make teaching routines simple and engaging. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  6. 6月28日

    Episode 56: Parent Communication Made Easier

    In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making parent communication simpler and less stressful. You'll hear easy ways to keep families informed, build trust, and maintain healthy boundaries throughout the school year. ✨ You'll learn: Simple ways to communicate consistently without adding more workWhy newsletters and classroom apps can strengthen family relationshipsWhen to choose an email versus a phone callHow to set healthy communication boundaries💡 This episode will help you create stronger connections with families while protecting your time and energy. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Strong parent relationships are an important part of a successful school year. Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex shares practical strategies for family communication, classroom volunteers, routines, classroom management, and building a classroom community that supports both students and families. If you're looking for ways to feel more confident and less stressed next school year, the P.L.A.Y. Course will help you create systems that make teaching easier and more enjoyable. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📚 Print and Play Club Need ready-to-use parent communication tools? Print and Play Club members have access to newsletter templates, parent resources, and classroom materials designed to save time and simplify your planning. 📍 Join the Club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  7. 6月21日

    Episode 55: Using Book Boxes to Build Independence

    In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite tools for building independence in the classroom: book boxes. Book boxes can do much more than hold books. They can help students manage materials independently, support small group routines, encourage a love of reading, and make it easier for children to use the entire classroom space. ✨ You'll learn: How book boxes support independence and classroom managementSimple ways to set up and organize book boxesTips for helping students "shop" for books independentlyEasy strategies to improve traffic flow and reduce classroom congestion💡 This episode will help you use book boxes as more than just storage, turning them into a powerful tool for independence, organization, and a love of books. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: 🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Want to build a classroom where students are truly independent? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex walks you through classroom design, routines, small groups, free-flowing centers, and the systems that help early learners take ownership of their learning. Book boxes are just one piece of creating a classroom that runs smoothly. In the P.L.A.Y. Course, you'll learn how all of those pieces fit together to support independence, engagement, and developmentally appropriate learning. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📚 Check out the related blog post: Teacher Tips for Using Book Boxes in the Classroom 🎧 Classroom Design Podcast Episodes: Want to learn more about using your classroom space intentionally? Be sure to go back and listen to our recent classroom design episodes. Episode 49: Playful Classroom Areas That Support LearningEpisode 50: Why Your Classroom Layout MattersThe Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

  8. 6月14日

    Episode 54: What If I'm Not Allowed to Play

    In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most common questions she hears from teachers: What if I'm not allowed to play? If you love the idea of playful learning but work in a school with strict pacing guides, scripted curriculum, or little room for centers and exploration, this episode is for you. You'll hear strategies for working within the system while still honoring what young children need most: meaningful, active learning experiences. ✨ You’ll learn: How to reframe play as purposeful, multi-sensory learningSimple ways to make standards-based lessons more engagingHow to add playfulness through transitions, review activities, and daily routinesTips for advocating for play using language administrators understand💡 This episode will encourage you to keep finding opportunities for joyful learning even when teaching within a rigid curriculum. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: Check out the related podcast episode: Episode 53: Why Play Is Never "Just Playing"🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course Feeling stuck between what you know young children need and what your curriculum requires? The P.L.A.Y. Course helps you bridge that gap. Inside, Alex shows you how to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences, align play with standards, advocate for playful learning, and build classroom systems that work within real-world teaching constraints. If you've ever wondered how to keep play alive in a high-pressure teaching environment, this course was created for you. 👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens! 📚 Print and Play Club Get access to ready-to-use activities, centers, and classroom resources designed to make learning engaging, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate. Don’t wait! Click Here to Join the Club! The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

關於

Happy Teaching with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!  Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.  Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy! ... Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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