Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Ashley Rives
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Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

  1. Small Spring Shifts, Big Classroom Energy

    4D AGO

    Small Spring Shifts, Big Classroom Energy

    Spring brings a noticeable shift in energy and it can leave even the most well-run classrooms feeling a little chaotic. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full reset to fix it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to refresh your preschool classroom in simple, manageable ways that actually work - without adding more to your plate. Because the goal isn’t to start over. It’s to work smarter with what you already have. Topics Discussed: Why spring behavior shifts are normal (and not a sign something is “wrong”)Why “new but familiar” is the key to better learningSimple ways to update your centers without extra prepWhy a plants theme is the easiest way to bring spring into your classroom Related Resources: Spring Resources that are done for you! Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    13 min
  2. The Science of Spring: More Than Cute Crafts

    MAR 18

    The Science of Spring: More Than Cute Crafts

    What does science look like in a preschool classroom? It’s not worksheets. It’s a child running across the grass with a kite they built themselves! They built it, tested it and discovered that it works! In this episode, we’re talking about how to move beyond “cute” spring activities and into meaningful science that actually builds cognitive skills. Topics Discussed: What real science looks like in preschoolWhy spring is the perfect time for scienceCenters vs. STEM ChallengesThe thinking skills hiding in spring scienceHow to make spring science simple Related Resources: Science Centers + STEM Challenges Bundle Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    20 min
  3. From Recognition to Application: A Better Way to Teach Preschool Skills

    MAR 6

    From Recognition to Application: A Better Way to Teach Preschool Skills

    In this episode, we’re talking about the common "recognition trap" in early childhood education and why stopping at identification can limit deeper learning. You’ll learn a simple four-stage framework you can use to guide children from basic familiarity with a concept all the way to meaningful application. Let's bring clarity and calmness back to your planning! Topics Discussed: Why recognition is the starting line, not the finish lineThe difference between naming and true recognitionThe four stages of preschool skill developmentThe framework and how it supports differentiationSimple ways to get started Related Resources: Skill-Based File Folder Games Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    19 min
  4. Name Writing Routines That Build Confidence (One Child at a Time)

    FEB 18

    Name Writing Routines That Build Confidence (One Child at a Time)

    In this episode, we’re breaking down how to scaffold name writing in a preschool classroom where readiness levels vary widely (because they always do). Let's discuss what the true progression of name writing looks like, how to structure a routine that supports mixed abilities, and what to do when a child simply isn’t ready yet. Because name writing isn’t a race. It’s a scaffolded skill and every child develops at their own pace. Topics Discussed: Why readiness for name writing varies so muchThe developmental foundations required before name writingWhat scaffolding name writing actually looks likeHow to build a name writing routine that works for everyoneWhat to do when a child isn't ready Related Resources: Name Learning Bundle Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    23 min
  5. Friendship Drama? Friendship Skills Are Learned Behaviors

    FEB 4

    Friendship Drama? Friendship Skills Are Learned Behaviors

    In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.” Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away. Topics Discussed: Why friendship drama increases as the year goes onWhat friendship skills actually areHow to teach friendhip skillsWhy mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instructionOne simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week Related Resources: Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    19 min
  6. Arctic Animals, Hibernation & Hands-On Winter Centers

    JAN 21

    Arctic Animals, Hibernation & Hands-On Winter Centers

    January is long and your kids have way too much energy. In this episode, let's talk winter themes like arctic animals and hibernation. When you use play-based, intentional centers, winter becomes a time for deep engagement, meaningful learning, and calmer classrooms. Topics Discussed: Why winter themes work so well in JanuaryThe problem with relying only on “cute crafts”How to turn arctic animals and hibernation into skill -rich center workPractical winter center ideas you can use Related Resources: Science Centers: WinterScience Centers: HibernationWinter Writing InvitationsWinter Dramatic Play CenterHunt the Room Winter Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    21 min
  7. Circle Time Check-In: What's Working Mid-Year

    JAN 7

    Circle Time Check-In: What's Working Mid-Year

    It feels like the perfect time for a little circle time check-in. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been working well, what I’ve adjusted along the way, and the incredible growth I’ve seen in my students since August. If you’re a teacher looking to make Circle Time more engaging, flexible, and responsive to your students’ needs, this episode will give you practical ideas and reassurance that evolving your routines is a good thing. Topics Discussed: How circle time looked in August vs how it looks nowWhat's working well mid-yearWhat we've changed along the wayThe social, emotional, and academic growth that has come with circle timeThe resource that I use to help make circle time a success Related Resources: Pre-K Circle Time VisualsTwo & Three Year Olds Circle Time Visuals Related Episodes: Podcast: The First Few Weeks of Circle Time Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    16 min
  8. Going Beyond Story Time with Interactive Read-Alouds

    12/17/2025

    Going Beyond Story Time with Interactive Read-Alouds

    In this episode, we’re talking about how to turn story time into an interactive literacy experience without adding more to your prep list. I’m sharing simple ways to dig deeper into books, what happens when you re-read with purpose, and how I use Interactive Read-Aloud units to keep everything organized and joyful. Topics Discussed: Why read-alouds are such an essential literacy tool in preschoolWhat makes a read-aloud interactiveHow to structure a full week of learning around one bookWhy re-reading builds comprehension, confidence, and a love of books Related Resources: Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Units Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

    21 min
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4.9
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Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

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