Happy Teaching
by The Kindergarten Connection
Latest episode
Episode 70: Using Fidgets in the Classroom
Episode 70: Using Fidgets in the Classroom
About this podcast
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!
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Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com
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Episodes
The newest 20 of 71 episodes
- Episode 70: Using Fidgets in the Classroom · 13 min · Episode 70In this episode, Alex shares how to use fidgets intentionally in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. While fidgets can be helpful tools for supporting attention and…
- Episode 69: Sensory Bins Made Easy · 11 min · Episode 69In this episode, Alex shares how to make sensory bins more manageable, affordable, and accessible in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. You don't need a fancy sensory table…
- Episode 68: Make Sub Plans Easier · 10 min · Episode 68In this episode, Alex shares practical tips for making substitute plans easier to prepare and manage. Whether you're planning for an upcoming absence or unexpectedly waking up…
- Episode 67: Who’s Missing? A Circle Time Game · 8 min · Episode 67In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite circle time games for Pre-K and Kindergarten: Who’s Missing? This playful guessing game is a fun way to build classroom community…
- Episode 66: Meaningful Classroom Transitions · 8 min · Episode 66In this episode, Alex shares a fun way to make classroom transitions smoother while sneaking in a little extra learning along the way. Instead of having everyone move at once…
- Episode 65: Rethinking Classroom Jobs · 9 min · Episode 65In this episode, Alex shares a simpler approach to classroom jobs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Instead of assigning and rotating a different job for every student, she uses one…
- Episode 64: Simple Brain Break Songs for the Classroom · 8 min · Episode 64In this episode, Alex shares two simple songs you can use anytime your Pre-K or Kindergarten students need to get their wiggles out, refocus, or fill a few extra minutes. No…
- Episode 63: Songs for Smoother Classroom Transitions · 7 min · Episode 63In this episode, Alex builds on last week's conversation about singing in the classroom with two more simple songs to support classroom management. This time, the focus is on…
- Episode 62: Using Songs to Teach Classroom Routines · 8 min · Episode 62In this episode, Alex shares how simple songs can make classroom routines easier to teach and more fun to practice. You don't have to be a great singer. Your students don't care!…
- Episode 61: Name Games & Songs for Back to School · 8 min · Episode 61In 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…
- Episode 60: Making the Most of Classroom Volunteers · 10 min · Episode 60In 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…
- Episode 59: Simple Center Storage Ideas for Teachers · 12 min · Episode 59In 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…
- Episode 58: Building Strong Partnerships with Paraeducators · 13 min · Episode 58In 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…
- Episode 57: The First Week of School: Go Slow to Go Fast · 13 min · Episode 57In 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…
- Episode 56: Parent Communication Made Easier · 13 min · Episode 56In 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…
- Episode 55: Using Book Boxes to Build Independence · 11 min · Episode 55In 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…
- Episode 54: What If I'm Not Allowed to Play · 10 min · Episode 54In 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…
- Episode 53: Why Play Is Never "Just Playing" · 10 min · Episode 53In this episode, Alex dives into an important early childhood topic: the difference between free play and purposeful (or guided) play. Alex explains what each one looks like, how…
- Episode 52: What Are Free-Flowing Centers? · 12 min · Episode 52In this episode, Alex breaks down one of her favorite classroom systems: free-flowing centers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by center rotations, timers, constant prep, or…
- Episode 51: Community Supplies: Why They Actually Work · 11 min · Episode 51In this episode, Alex shares why she made the switch from individual student supplies to whole-class community supplies and why she never went back. If you’ve ever dealt with…
