Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

Zeba McGibbon
  • 4.9 (48)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you an overworked or overwhelmed kindergarten teacher? Or maybe you're just a kindergarten teacher looking for fresh, new ideas. You are in the right place. The Kindergarten Cafe podcast will share weekly tips and tricks to help you save time, work smarter (not harder) and support students with engaging and purposeful lessons. I'm here to help you with everything you need from arrival to dismissal. Let's get started!

  1. 116. Help Kids Move Beyond Labeling to Writing Sentences

    5D AGO

    116. Help Kids Move Beyond Labeling to Writing Sentences

    Are your students stuck at labeling their pictures and freezing when it’s time to write sentences? Today we’re tackling this super common writing hurdle with strategies that actually work in a real kindergarten classroom. With simple, supportive ideas to help students go from oral storytelling to complete sentences. In this episode I share:How to move from ideas to full thoughts on paperWhy oral storytelling and drawing are key first stepsThe power of underlining and sentence mappingThe one thing to focus on before adding more sentencesA logical order for teaching spaces, punctuation, and capitalsEasy sentence starters that build confidence and independenceHow to support students in small groups without doing the writing for them Send Zeba a voice messageResources:Writing Warm Up SlidesMonthly Journal Writing in KindergartenTeaching Kindergarten Writing Sentences: Writing Small Group on Conventions Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Kindergarten Essentials Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

    12 min
  2. 115. Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies

    JAN 1

    115. Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies

    New year, new mindset! In this episode, we're talking all about growth mindset. What it actually looks like in a kindergarten classroom and how you can start teaching it in simple, meaningful ways. Whether you’re heading back after winter break or saving this for later, you’ll walk away with clear ideas you can use right away. In this episode I share:How to explain “persistence” to young learnersA super relatable way to teach the “Goldilocks zone” of challengeWhy praising effort (not just outcomes) builds real resilienceThe magic of the word “yet” and how to help kids use itFavorite books, videos, and activities that reinforce growth mindsetWhy your modeling of mistakes might be the most powerful lesson of all Related Episodes:Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20 Learn More:Social Emotional Learning Resources:Free 5-day social-emotional challengeNew Year's Classroom PackGrowth Mindset: Social Emotional Read AloudsSesame Street: Power of YetClass Dojo Growth Mindset Video Series Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Caring Critters Books Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

    15 min
  3. 114. A Developmental Approach to Teaching Writing with Melissa from Teaching to Transform

    12/18/2025

    114. A Developmental Approach to Teaching Writing with Melissa from Teaching to Transform

    Let’s talk about the real kind of kindergarten writing, where every student is on their own unique journey. In this episode, I’m joined by literacy consultant and podcast host Melissa Morrison (of Getting Students to Write) to unpack what it looks like to teach writing in a developmentally appropriate way. We talk about why some students are still scribbling while others are crafting full stories and how to meet all of them where they are. Plus, Melissa shares how teachers can slowly shift their practice to better support young writers, even if your current curriculum doesn’t match developmentally appropriate expectations. Whether you're new to kindergarten or just want to make writing more manageable, this episode will help you see your students (and yourself!) in a whole new light. In this episode I share:What “writing” really means in kindergarten (hint: it’s not all about sentences)Why oral language is the foundation of early writingHow to support kids at every stage - from scribbles to sentencesThe role of labeling, drawing, and invented spelling in writing developmentHow to make writing time more engaging and meaningful (without ditching your curriculum) Resources:Language Composition FrameworkMatt Glover and Kathy Collins Connect with Melissa:LinkedIn - @melissa-morrisonWebsite - teaching-to-transform.comPodcast - Getting Students to Write  Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Caring Critters Books Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

    37 min
  4. 113. Managing Math Expectations and Math Materials

    12/11/2025

    113. Managing Math Expectations and Math Materials

    This week, I’m answering two real questions from teachers like you, all about math in kindergarten. If you've been wondering how to organize counting collections without drowning in buttons and cubes… or what students should realistically be able to count and write by December… you're in the right place. In this episode I share:How I organize and rotate counting collections (without spending a fortune)Why I group collections into 0–10, 10–20, and 20–100Tips for choosing the right containers and labeling systems What realistic number writing and counting should look like in December vs. FebruaryWhen to worry about number skills and what’s totally developmentally normalSimple strategies to boost number sense + help kids count and organize objects  Resources:What are the Key Components to Teaching Math in Kindergarten? Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Caring Critters Books Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

    14 min
  5. 112. A Kindergarten Social Studies Year-Long Plan

    12/04/2025

    112. A Kindergarten Social Studies Year-Long Plan

    What should kindergarten social studies actually look like across the school year? In this episode, I’m giving you a big-picture breakdown of how I teach social studies in kindergarten, how the family unit fits in, and how I structure my curriculum to help students explore their classroom, local, and global communities. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your social studies lessons more meaningful, inclusive, and connected to the real world … this one’s for you. In this episode I share:How I structure the year around different types of communities (classroom, neighborhood, global)Where identity, belonging, and rules fit into the kindergarten social studies standardsMy favorite way to introduce maps and geography (plus the perfect book to support it)Why I tie lessons to real-time holidays and celebrations  even if no one in class celebrates themMy go-to books and videos for teaching traditions, culture, and inclusionHow I help students understand their role in a global community Related Episodes:The Magic of Teaching in December with Gingerbread and Winter Holidays – Episode 12 Resources:Kindergarten Holiday Activities Year-Long Bundle | Seasonal Literacy and MathSocial Studies Mentor TextsCommunity Helpers Bundle: A Social Studies Unit with Literacy ConnectionsMe on a Map - Social Studies Geography Mapping and Community for KindergartenSeasonal and Holiday Favorite BooksSocial Studies for Kindergarten: Mapping Standards Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Caring Critters Books Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

    13 min
  6. 111. A Kindergarten Social Studies Unit: Families

    11/20/2025

    111. A Kindergarten Social Studies Unit: Families

    Teaching about families in kindergarten is about so much more than who lives at home. It’s an opportunity to build empathy, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive classroom community. In this episode, I’m sharing how I approach a social studies unit on families with care, intention, and developmentally appropriate strategies that honor all types of family structures. Whether you're teaching this unit in November, December, or any time of year, this approach will help your students feel seen, respected, and connected  while learning about the diversity that makes each classroom beautiful. In this episode I share:Why I start with students’ real-life experiences as a gateway to empathy and understandingMy favorite picture books about families that reflect both windows and mirrorsHow to adapt lessons to be mindful of diverse home situations (e.g., two homes, loss, homelessness)The email I send families before we begin this unit to foster partnership and awarenessActivity ideas that combine literacy, math, and SEL from graphing family sizes to sharing traditionsHow I use inclusive language like “who lives with me” instead of “who lives in your house”Ways to transition into discussions on culture, food, religion, and traditions Resources:Kindergarten Family Unit | Social Studies, Literacy, & Math Activities WorksheetSocial Studies Mentor TextsFamily Traditions Poster Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Caring Critters Books Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

    13 min
  7. 110. Honest Talk on Handling Teacher Burnout and Difficult Students

    11/13/2025

    110. Honest Talk on Handling Teacher Burnout and Difficult Students

    Some years in the classroom just feel harder than others. This one’s for the teachers who’ve cried in the car, vented to their partner, or counted down the minutes until dismissal. You're not alone and there are ways to feel like yourself again. In this deeply personal episode, I’m answering a heartfelt question from a kindergarten teacher who asked:  “How do you keep showing up every day when one student’s behavior is draining your energy?” This episode isn’t just about burnout - it’s about what it feels like to be a teacher who cares deeply, even when it’s hard… and what to do when you feel like you’re at your limit. In this episode I share:The emotional weight of wanting to help a student who needs more support than you can giveWhy your brain feels stuck in survival mode and how to shift itThe importance of setting boundaries while still showing up with loveWhat to say to yourself when you feel like quittingHow I “quit the day” (without quitting the job) and reset my energyHow to reconnect with the joy of teaching when one student is taking up all your headspaceWhy focusing on relationships with all students can help you feel grounded again Related Episodes:De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions ~ Ep. 109 Resources:Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning ChallengeCoachingSocial Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL Units Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: SEL Challenge Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm https://www.kindergartencafe.org/challenge/

    21 min
  8. 109. Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions

    11/06/2025

    109. Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions

    If you’ve ever felt at a loss for how to support a student who cries over everything… or melts down in frustration when things don’t go their way… this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m sharing two real-life case studies of students with big emotions and big reactions and how I’ve supported them in the moment and over time using a combination of observation, behavior analysis, and social-emotional teaching strategies. In this episode I share:What to look for when tracking disruptive behaviorsHow to identify what a student’s behavior is really communicatingIdeas for breaks, routines, and visual supports that actually helpWhat to say (and not say) when a student has an emotional outburstHow to teach size-of-the-problem and emotional regulation skillsThe difference between quick fixes and long-term support Related Episodes:How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64What to Do When a Child Won’t Stop Crying ~ Ep. 26Setting Up A Calm Down Corner For Your Classroom ~ Ep. 100 Learn More:Behavior Plans: Tips, Tricks, and Tools!Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning Challenge Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: SEL Challenge Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm https://www.kindergartencafe.org/challenge/

    17 min
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Are you an overworked or overwhelmed kindergarten teacher? Or maybe you're just a kindergarten teacher looking for fresh, new ideas. You are in the right place. The Kindergarten Cafe podcast will share weekly tips and tricks to help you save time, work smarter (not harder) and support students with engaging and purposeful lessons. I'm here to help you with everything you need from arrival to dismissal. Let's get started!

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