Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

Zeba McGibbon
  • 4.9 (50)
  • 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. 126. Making the Shift to Systematic Phonics Intruction with Melanie from Phonics Rules for Kids

    4D AGO

    126. Making the Shift to Systematic Phonics Intruction with Melanie from Phonics Rules for Kids

    Phonics can feel… well, stressful. For teachers and parents. I invited Melanie Jeffrey, host of the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast and former K–3 classroom teacher turned phonics coach to talk about what actually helps early readers become confident decoders (and what looks like reading but is really just guessing). Melanie shares how her instruction shifted from leveled texts and “cueing” strategies to more systematic phonics, and why it made such a noticeable difference for kids. You’ll hear practical, classroom-friendly ideas like: what to focus on in small groups when a child is stuck at blending/decodingwhy that jump from easy leveled books to harder ones can completely derail kidssimple “must-have” materials for phonics-based small groups (without needing 97 bins)an easy phonics game kids will beg to play again (and that won’t require re-teaching directions weekly)why partner reading often beats silent reading in kindergarten (and why “silent reading” can be a wild expectation anyway) Plus, Melanie shares what inspired her to start helping parents teach phonics at home in short, doable chunks so it doesn’t turn into nightly tears and drama. Connect with Melanie:Podcast - Phonics Rules for KidsWebsite - phonicsrulesforkids.com Work with Zeba 1:1 Coaching Send Zeba a voice message Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Literacy Support Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Literacy-Support-for-Small-Group-Instruction-BUNDLE-Reading-Writing-11977457

    27 min
  2. 125. Kindergarten Addition Tips and Extensions

    MAR 12

    125. Kindergarten Addition Tips and Extensions

    This episode tackles two opposite classroom math challenges: students who don’t get addition, and students who’ve already mastered it. Whether you're trying to build understanding from the ground up or keep your addition knowers engaged, I shares real, classroom-tested strategies that go beyond just “more worksheets.” In this episode I share:Why addition often breaks down when students move too quickly from counting to abstract story problemsHow using concrete tools (counters, 10‑frames, visuals) helps students truly understand “total” and “altogether”The importance of modeling, repetition, and explicitly teaching how to combine groupsWays to deepen learning by having students explain their thinking, create their own problems, and find multiple solutionsHow logic puzzles and open‑ended math tasks build problem‑solving skills without rushing ahead in content Send Zeba a voice message Resources:Kindergarten Cafe Math ResourcesKenKen PuzzlesTangMath by Greg TangBedtime MathMath Books I recommend (Amazon Affiliate Link) Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE Year Bundle Grab the bundle at https://www.kindergartencafe.org/math

    17 min
  3. 124. Small Group Ideas for Kindergarten Reading Comprehension

    MAR 5

    124. Small Group Ideas for Kindergarten Reading Comprehension

    Your students are finally decoding with confidence, so what’s next? In this episode, I share what comprehension-focused small groups can look like once your students are fluent readers. Spoiler: it’s about more than just “did they understand the story?” In this episode I share:Why decoding must come first before comprehension groupsHow comprehension is built through modeling, discussion, and real conversationsA breakdown of skill-based small group topics like: Retelling, Character focus, Predicting, Making connections, Comparing/contrastingTips for keeping it simple with before/during/after comprehension questionsHow to use comprehension jobs, cards, or bookmarks to guide small group rolesWhen to try independent book clubs with higher readers (and how to structure them) Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success ~ Ep. 119 Resources:Kindergarten Small Group Comprehension Pack 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

    13 min
  4. 123. Decodable Books vs Leveled Texts in Kindergarten

    FEB 26

    123. Decodable Books vs Leveled Texts in Kindergarten

    Feeling torn between leveled readers and decodables? There are strong opinions out there, but in this episode, I share the difference between the two and what I use in my classroom (and why). I also share my favorite decodable resources and how I use them during small groups and independent reading time. In this episode I share:The difference between decodable vs. leveled booksWhy I stopped using leveled texts in small groupsHow decodables build student confidence and support phonics instructionWhen it’s okay to mix in leveled textsHow to match decodable texts to students' phonics skillsTips for organizing your classroom library and book bagsWhy it’s okay if you’ve done things differently in the past (you’re learning!) Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Science of Reading 101 With Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge ~ Ep. 81 Resources:Decodable Readers 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

    15 min
  5. 122. Navigating Tricky Team Dynamics w/ Jenna from @ThatStrongTeacher

    FEB 19

    122. Navigating Tricky Team Dynamics w/ Jenna from @ThatStrongTeacher

    Grade-level teams can make your year feel supportive… or completely draining. In this episode,I’m joined by Jenna Everetts (aka @ThatStrongTeacher) to talk honestly about navigating team dynamics, communication challenges, and collaboration struggles teachers face at every stage of their career. We unpack what to do when you feel unheard, left out, or pressured to teach in a way that doesn’t align with you, especially as a new teacher or someone new to a grade level. Jenna shares real experiences from her own teaching career and introduces her F.A.N.S. framework for building stronger, healthier team relationships. In this episode Jenna shares:How to communicate needs and concerns using simple, effective languageWhat to do when teams feel cliquey, unbalanced, or hard to break intoHow to advocate for yourself while still being a supportive teammateWhy celebrating small moments and sharing resources matters more than you thinkPractical ways to build trust and connection with colleagues over time Send Zeba a voice messageConnect with Jenna:Instagram - @thatstrongteacher Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Social Emotional Lessons Download the free Social/Emotional Lessons: https://kindergartencafe.org/social-emotional-lessons

    37 min
  6. 121. How to Stop Tattling and Build Problem-Solvers

    FEB 12

    121. How to Stop Tattling and Build Problem-Solvers

    If you feel like you're spending all day listening to “he said/she said” drama, this episode is for you. I share my favorite strategies for reducing tattling and teaching students to manage problems on their own. Plus, learn why teaching kids to “take care of themselves” is a life skill that goes way beyond kindergarten. In this episode I share:How to teach kids to solve conflicts with the “Bug and a Wish” sentence frameThe difference between tattling vs. telling (and how to teach it explicitly)How to help kids understand the size of a problem: small, medium, or bigWhy I am NOT a fan of the “viral tattle” ideas floating around (and what to do instead)Simple responses to redirect tattling in the momentWhat to say when you don’t know who to believeHow to address trust, lying, and repeat offenders gently but firmlyBook recommendations for teaching about tattling Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57 Resources:A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer (amazon affiliate link)More SEL Children’s Books for tattling and other expected behaviors (amazon affiliate link)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 Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167

    17 min
  7. 120. Unpacking Mid-Year Assessment Data

    FEB 5

    120. Unpacking Mid-Year Assessment Data

    Midyear assessments are in and if you're feeling overwhelmed, or just plain frustrated, this episode is here to help. I’m answering three real teacher questions about assessment results, struggling students, and managing all that data. In this episode I share:What to do when students aren’t showing the progress you expectedHow to turn midyear data into small group plans that actually move the needleWhy consistent, repeated practice (even if it’s boring) worksTips for talking to families without just giving the problem to themWhat to try if students still don’t know letters or soundsThe system I use to organize assessment data (that won’t make your binder explode) Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success ~ Ep. 119Kindergarten Small Groups for Teaching Letter Sounds ~ Ep. 106Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105 Resources:Decodable ReadersCVC Words: Beginning, Middle, End Sounds Phonemic Awareness Games and CentersPD By the Pool Private PodcastBook a Coaching Session Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: Free Math Guide Download the free Math Guide: www.kindergartencafe.org/math-guide

    16 min
  8. 119. Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success

    JAN 29

    119. Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success

    Have students who know their letters and sounds… but freeze when it’s time to blend them into a word? This episode is for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I support early readers in small groups who need extra help with blending and decoding and it’s simpler than you think. In this episode I share:My go-to small group structure for decoding supportWhy a quick sound review still mattersHow nonsense words help build real skillsA simple trick using decodable books for more independenceWhy Elkonin boxes are game changersEasy, hands-on activities to make blending stick Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Kindergarten Small Groups for Teaching Letter Sounds ~ Ep. 106Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105 Resources:Decodable Readers - and general recommendationsCVC Words: Beginning, Middle, End Sounds Phonemic Awareness Games and Centers 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
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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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