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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Inviting Preschoolers to Write - Without Pressure

    11/20/2025

    Inviting Preschoolers to Write - Without Pressure

    In this episode, we are diving into Writing Invitations! We want children to be excited about writing, which means we need a playful, child-led approach without pressure, prompts, or frustration. Learn what Writing Invitations are, why they work, and how to use them to make your writing center a place kids actually want to visit. Topics Discussed: What Writing Invitations are (and what they aren't)How to set up Writing InvitationsReal examples of Writing InvitationsWhy Writing Invitations support emergent writing, creativity, and confidenceHow to shift expectations and honor scribbles, symbols, and early marks as real writingCommon pitfalls to avoid (like comparison and overcorrecting) Related Resources: Writing InvitationsFine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!Name Writing Notebooks Related Blogposts/Episodes: How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool 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

    22 min
  4. The Real Work Behind Name Writing

    11/05/2025

    The Real Work Behind Name Writing

    Teaching preschoolers to write their names is about so much more than putting letters on paper. In this episode, we’re unpacking what really comes before name writing: the recognition, the fine motor readiness and the meaningful play that make writing feel exciting instead of frustrating. Listen in as I give you practical strategies to support your students at every stage - from recognizing their name in print to confidently building and eventually writing it. Topics Discussed: Recognition before formation.Before writing, we build - becoming familiar with their names.Hands-on beats pencil-down - strengthing fine motor skills and building letter memory.Are their hands even ready? - Pre-writing skillsWhat happens if we rush? Related Resources: Name Recognition ToolkitFine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing! 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

    28 min
  5. Handwriting vs. Writing: Why They're Not the Same

    10/22/2025

    Handwriting vs. Writing: Why They're Not the Same

    In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s often misunderstood in early childhood education: the difference between handwriting and writing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve very different skills and understanding that difference can change the way you support your preschoolers. Topics Discussed: What handwriting and writingreallymeanWhy mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectationsHow each skill develops (spoiler: not at the same pace!)Simple ways to support both - without overwhelming young learners Related Resources: Fine Motor Build a SkillName Writing NotebooksWriting Invitations for the Writing CenterShared and Interactive Writing Related Blogposts/Episodes: How to Use Writing Invitations in PreschoolThings to do Before Teaching Name WritingWhat is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool?Stop! Don't Hand that Preschooler a Pencil Yet! 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

    15 min
  6. Why Classroom Jobs Aren't Just 'Cute' - They're Crucial

    10/08/2025

    Why Classroom Jobs Aren't Just 'Cute' - They're Crucial

    In this episode, we’re diving into why class jobs are more than just 'cute helpers', how they support your students in meaningful ways, and how to make them manageable for you. Class jobs may seem like a small detail, but they can completely transform your classroom culture. Whether you’ve tried class jobs before (and dropped them) or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you simplify the system, make it sustainable, and connect it to your academic and SEL goals. Topics Discussed: TheWhyBehind Class JobsCommon Job StrugglesHow to Make it Work and Keep it Simple Related Resources: Classroom Jobs ResourcePre-K Circle Time Resource 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
  7. How I Keep Circle Time Engaging (Without Losing My Mind)

    09/24/2025

    How I Keep Circle Time Engaging (Without Losing My Mind)

    Ever looked out at your circle time rug and seen blank stares and wiggly bodies? You’re not alone. Circle time burnout is real (for both kids and teachers). But the good news? A few small changes can make a big impact (without hours of prep). In this episode, I’m sharing simple, sanity-saving strategies that keep kids engaged and make circle time something everyone looks forward to. Topics Discussed: Why kids get boredThe power of classroom jobsHow to rotate activities during circle timeAdding in brain breaks Related Resources: Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule Blogpost 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. Circle Time Isn't Broken (You Just Need a Better Reason)

    09/10/2025

    Circle Time Isn't Broken (You Just Need a Better Reason)

    In this episode, we’re digging into the real reasons circle time sometimes flops—and why it still matters when done with purpose. If you've ever felt pressure to skip it or questioned its value in a busy preschool day, this one’s for you. Topics Discussed: Why critics of circle time aren't entirely wrongHow to reframe circle time as a community builderPractical ways to make your circle time shorter, more engaging and developmentally appropriate Related Resources: Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule Blogpost 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

    11 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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