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TitreDateDurée
How Long to Schedule Centers28 Aug 202400:07:35

Center time is a major staple of a preschool program. And if you are running a play-based classroom like I am… free-play centers is the key ingredient! But have you ever wondered…. how long should I schedule time in centers? Tune in and I will walk you through what the recommendations are for scheduling center time.

Topics Discussed:

  • ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Education Rating System) recommendations.
  • Recommendations based on length of day
  • How to schedule center time so it doesn't feel so overwhelming

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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


Important Considerations to Take When Setting Up Your Preschool Classroom21 Aug 202400:12:11

Setting up a preschool classroom is both exciting and daunting.

This is the space where new little young minds will explore, learn, and grow. As a play-based classroom, my classroom truly is the second teacher. But, I truly believe we can’t just ‘wing it’.

There are some important factors to take into consideration when setting up your preschool classroom – and I’m sharing them all here with you! Tune in!

Topics Discussed:

  • The 7 key factors to think about before setting up your preschool classroom

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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



The Un-popular Play Centers12 Jun 202400:18:36

You know the centers in your classroom that your preschoolers rarely go to? The centers that when they do get students, those students rarely stay for too long? I call those the "un-popular" centers. I've found a way to liven up those centers! Tune in!

Topics Discussed:

  • Un-popular centers - writing, math, science, literacy
  • How to make the un-popular centers fun and appealing

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

5 Strategies for Keeping Preschoolers Engaged in Centers05 Jun 202400:12:46

We all know the magic of center time: a room buzzing with creativity, exploration, and little minds learning through play. But let's be honest, sometimes center time can feel more like...chaos erupting.

Keeping children engaged can be challenging. Today I want to share with you 5 strategies that have helped guide me to making my free play centers more enjoyable for all!

Topics Discussed:

  • Change it up
  • Use hands-on materials
  • Put it on the table
  • Use novelty
  • Play in the center

Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

End of the Year Reflection29 May 202400:16:53

The end of the school year is definitely bittersweet. It's exciting for our current students to be headed to new adventures and hard to let go of the littles we have had in our classrooms all year! One thing I do at the end of each year is spend some time reflecting. What worked in my classroom and what do I want to change for that new group of students coming in!

Topics Discussed:

  • The importance of reflection
  • Several key areas to reflect on (wins and needs work)
  • Setting goals for next school year

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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



Parent Teacher Conference Tips for Early Educators15 May 202400:15:17

While conferences are a great time to connect with parents, celebrate student achievements and also provide a space to express concerns - it's not easy. Most of us are extremely comfortable talking to young children, but talking to parents can feel like a totally different experience! In this episode of the Lovely Preschool Teachers podcast, you will get tips on how to make conferences go more smoothly and actual examples that you can use when talking to parents!

Topics Discussed:

  • Positivity First
  • Giving Specifics
  • Focusing on Skills
  • Providing Support

Connect with Ashley


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

Analyzing Preschool Assessment Data08 May 202400:11:01

I’ve done a lot of required assessments in my day. And when I think back, I can confirm that I didn’t actually use the results from the assessments. I just got the assessment done and called it a day.

But, the purpose of assessing is to check progress and if there is a discrepancy, to use that data to create lessons and learning opportunities to help teach that missing skill.

Tune in to this episode to hear the why, how, and what behind data collection and the system I created!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why assessment data should be analyzed
  • The system I created and how to use it
  • What can be learned from collecting assessment data

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Our New Assessment Approach in Preschool01 May 202400:10:41

We all know the importance of preschool assessment – it helps us understand our little learners and tailor our teaching to their needs. But traditional assessment periods can sometimes feel overwhelming. Testing all of the skills multiple times per year is exhausting and unnecessary! What if you were only focusing on specific skills to assess for each testing period? You'd be doing LESS assessing. Now you can use that time saved to TEACH those missing skills in small group! Let me introduce you to 'The Storybook Method'.

Topics Discussed:

  • Why use the Storybook Method for Preschool Assessment?
  • The Skill Break-Down
  • What to do about Re-Assessing
  • The 4 Step Process to Storybook Your Assessments

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Keep Circle Time Lively24 Apr 202400:14:48

Circle time is a great way to review skills and grow class community! However, what do you do when circle time feels like more of a hassle than it's worth? Is it hard to keep the students engaged? Is your circle time becoming boring? In this episode I will help you bring joy into your circle time!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why circle time might need a refresh
  • Ways to keep circle time lively

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Quick & Easy Circle Time Games17 Apr 202400:14:50

Raise your hand if you struggle to ‘fit it all in’.

Relying on small group time to fit in all the things that preschoolers need to know just wasn’t cutting it.

The problem is… since small group time often occurs during free play, there are many distractions. Not only do some children not want to leave their play to come to the small group table, teachers are often needed for conflict resolution.

But, while teachers are taking the time to help students in the social setting, they are struggling to fit in all of the other things!

That's where quick and easy circle time games come in!

Topics Discussed:

  • What is a circle time game?
  • How do you use a circle time game?
  • Do they really help?

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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



Keeping Our Year Simple10 Apr 202400:15:26

As Play-Based Preschool Teachers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to create engaging and play-filled experiences for our little learners. However, while trying to provide the best education possible, we can end up getting overwhelmed and stretched too thin.

Topics Discussed:

  • Reconsidering classroom parties
  • Simplifying student gifts
  • Rethinking seasonal decor
  • Eliminating 'themed days'
  • Holiday programs

Connect with Ashley


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

Why We Need to Stop Telling Preschoolers to Share03 Apr 202400:21:35

Sharing. It's a common topic amongst those who teach young children. Why are preschoolers expected to share? What impacts might forcing young children to share have? What should we do instead. This episode covers it all!

Topics Discussed:

  • The reasons preschoolers are told to share
  • The negative impact it can have
  • What we should teach instead
  • How to help children solve "sharing issues"

Connect with Ashley


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



Why Planning Classroom Management Before Day 1 Makes all the Difference14 Aug 202400:18:02

The first day of preschool is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and new faces. As preschool teachers, we know the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment from the start. And we also know how a little strategic planning can go a long way in setting the stage for a smooth and successful year.

In this episode, we’re talking about why investing time in planning classroom management before those tiny humans even walk through the door is a game changer. 

Tune in!

Topics Discussed:

  • 5 ways to pre plan your classroom management - there might just be a couple you haven't thought of.

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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

Teaching Peer to Peer Communication27 Mar 202400:24:53

Preschool is often the first time that young children are leaving their home environment and trying out a classroom setting. This includes the need for peer-to-peer communication. It can be hard for children who have not had many opportunities to practice these types of interactions before. As educators, it is our job to help them navigate these peer relationships.

Topics Discussed:

  • Skills children need to effectively communicate with peers
  • Ways to teach peer communication to preschoolers
  • Ideas and activities to help children interact with peers

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Survey of the Day - Preschool Graphing20 Mar 202400:11:09

Question of the Day, Daily Question, Preschool Graphing and Survey of the Day has long been a staple in early childhood classrooms… for good reason.

With children being quite ego-centric (a nice way of saying, they think it’s all about them), students learn new things more easily when they are at the center of it.

So, when we ask each child a question, gather everyone in the classes’ responses and analyze the data – children are interested!

Topics Discussed:

  • How to use survey of the day and the benefits of it
  • A walk through of exactly what survey of the day looks like in the classroom
  • Types of surveys

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

How to Use Environmental Print in the Preschool Classroom13 Mar 202400:17:10

As preschool teachers we are constantly looking for ways to incorporate literacy in our classrooms to support our young learners.  One powerful tool that surrounds us every day is environmental print.

This type of print refers to print that children see around them in their day to day lives, such as signs, logos, labels and symbols. Environmental print can play an important role in literacy development in our preschoolers.

Topics Discussed:

  • How environmental print benefits literacy development
  • Ways to incorporate print into your classroom
  • Activities that support environmental print

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

9 Pre-K Math Games We Love06 Mar 202400:28:13

Looking for some cool math games for pre-k?

I am a game-loving teacher who brings games into learning whenever I can. And math lends itself well to game play, because most of the time my pre-kers don’t even know they are learning! 

What’s even better… my students are practicing turn-taking and how to win and lose gracefully.  Name me a worksheet that can do that!?

Topics Discussed:

  • 9 types of games
  • Benefits for each of the games mentioned.

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

When Behavior Supports Aren’t Working28 Feb 202400:36:55
Have you tried everything when it comes to behavior management? Taught them all of the expectations and practiced the procedures? Sometimes we need to play detective to find out what is really going on behind one (or more) of our student's unwanted behavior. Topics Discussed:
  • Playing behavior detectives and loads of questions to ask yourself
  • Asking for help
  • Recognizing when something is out of your realm of expertise
  • Realizing that some days are just hard

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
Connect with Ashley
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.comListen to the entire Classroom Management Series
Going Beyond Managing Behaviors21 Feb 202400:20:42
Are you a teacher or a manager? I don’t know about you, but I refer to myself as a Preschool Teacher, not a Preschool Manager. So, why when it comes to behaviors in the classroom, we feel that they need to be managed? Why not taught? I didn’t sign up to be managing behaviors, I signed up to teach…. and that shouldn’t just mean academic skills. Topics Discussed:
  • Why teach instead of manage
  • Teaching missing skills in the moment
  • Teaching skills before a behavior happens
  • Teaching skills in a whole group setting

Resources Mentioned:
Learn More about Social Emotional Learning Units Here Related Episodes or Blogposts:
Connect with Ashley
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.comListen to the entire Classroom Management Series
What Student Behaviors are Telling You14 Feb 202400:27:26
All behaviors are a form of communication. What are the little ones in our classroom trying to tell us? Children aren't trying to ruin our days. They learn how to behave through experiences and modeling. In this episode, I will talk about how we can modify the unwanted behaviors we are seeing in our classrooms. I'll give you a hint... the first step is to find out the WHY behind the behavior. Tune in! Topics Discussed:
  • 3 examples of unwanted behaviors (hitting, sitting on the carpet, and following directions)
  • What behaviors can tell us about the child and the situation
  • How we can modify the unwanted behaviors

Related Episodes or Blogposts:
Connect with Ashley
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.comListen to the entire Classroom Management Series
Beware of Classroom Rewards07 Feb 202400:17:53
Deciding whether or not to implement a classroom rewards system is a decision worth putting some thought into. Scroll through Pinterest and you can find all kinds of reward systems: sticker charts, brag tags, token economies, dojos, punch cards, candy rewards and coupons. The ideas are truly endless. But, are these systems right for your students? Topics Discussed:
  • Classroom Reward Systems
  • Individual Reward Systems
  • The Downside to Reward Systems and What to Use Instead

Related Episodes or Blogposts:
Connect with Ashley
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.comListen to the entire Classroom Management Series
Honest Truth about Behavior Charts31 Jan 202400:17:44
Behavior charts in schools are a hot topic. Many preschool teachers use them. But, are they harmful to young children? This episode will take you through how my thoughts and feelings on this topic have changed over the years. Learn how I went from using those fancy clip and star behavior charts to relying on relationships, a little detective work, and teaching and why it is a much better system. Topics Discussed:
  • Behavior charts and my old way of thinking
  • What I do to manage behaviors in my classroom currently
  • Why behavior charts don't work and can even be harmful to children

Connect with Ashley
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.comListen to the entire Classroom Management Series
8 Valentine Activities Your Preschoolers Will Love24 Jan 202400:15:54

February is coming near! Want to bring some of that February Fun into your classroom?  I’ve got 8 Valentine Activities that I know your Preschoolers will love (because mine do!).

So, if you are ready to do some February Lesson Planning, take a listen to these activities – you might just find a couple you want to try too!

Topics Discussed:

  • 8 Easy Valentine Activities

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Hard Truths about Behavior Management in the Preschool Classroom07 Aug 202400:19:16

Preschool teachers often find themselves navigating many tiny humans with big emotions. While the rewards of being a preschool teacher are huge, it doesn't come without challenges! Behavior management in the preschool classroom is complex and so much of it is our own mindset. Let's talk about the hard truths of behavior management!

Topics Discussed:

  • 6 hard truths about behavior management in the preschool classroom
  • What preschool teachers can do to change their mindsets around behavior management

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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

Activities for Teaching Children to be Good Friends17 Jan 202400:13:57

One of the most important (if not THE more important) area in Early Education is Social Emotional Learning.I am a firm believer that by helping teach children self awareness, social awareness and healthy relationship skills we are helping them become functioning members of society… and who doesn’t want that?!

So, when it comes to teaching children to be good friends– it starts in our preschool classrooms. 

Listen in as I discuss the friendship skills I focus on, how I teach my students to be good friends, and what is currently working in my classroom!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why I choose to teach friendship skills
  • Friendship skills for preschool classrooms
  • How to teach children to be good friends

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Why we Use a Name Writing Notebook10 Jan 202400:14:23

One of the first exciting milestones that many preschoolers meet in their pre-k year is learning to write their name. 

While this process can be exciting, preschool teachers often face the challenge of keeping track of where each child is on their name writing journey. 

Not every child is ready to jump in and write their full name. It's a process and one that we must respect for each child.

And respecting that process is the exact reason I created the Personalized Name Writing Notebook my second year teaching pre-k. 

Topics Discussed:

  • Why the Personalized Name Writing Notebook is a successful approach to name writing
  • When to use the Name Writing Notebook
  • Differentiating the Name Writing Notebook

Resources Mentioned:


Blogposts or Episodes Related:


Connect with Ashley


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

Indoor Gross Motor Games03 Jan 202400:20:31

As preschool teachers, we know the amazingness that is outdoor play. The fresh air, the movement, the unstructured play. But, when winter (or the rain) puts a halt to outdoor play, it can leave both children and teachers in a cooped-up, cranky state!

So, today I wanted to share with you some Indoor Gross Motor ideas - many shared from fellow teachers in our Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group. Just because the outdoors is off limits, doesn't mean we shouldn't be providing time and space for gross motor movement.

Topics Discussed:

  • Indoor Gross Motor Games and Activities
  • Indoor Gross Motor Toys we Love

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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

Winter Activities that Preschoolers Love!20 Dec 202300:27:07
Winter Activities that Preschoolers Love!

If you are one of those teachers that love to get ahead and get your winter planning done before break - this one is for you! There are so many amazing winter activities that we can do with preschoolers and I have some to share with you today that are student approved!

Hold onto your mittens, because there are enough ideas here for you to fill up your winter lesson plans!

Topics Discussed:

  • Winter Activities for Small Group
  • Winter Activities for Whole Group
  • Winter Activities for Preschool Centers

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Tips for Keeping Holiday Stress Down13 Dec 202300:14:52
Tips for Keeping Holiday Stress Down

Do the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed every single year?

We want our students to have a magical holiday and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create a classroom that is filled with holiday cheer! BUT...what if we re-evaluated the season and re-imagined what a meaningful holiday experience could look like in our classroom?

Listen in to find out how I've decided to cut back on the pressure I was putting on myself AND still create a meaningful holiday experience for the littles in my class!

Topics Discussed:

  • Decrease visual noise and instead provide only interactive holiday items
  • Plan time for parent gifts and rethink student gifts
  • When to ask for help and donations
  • Remember to take the time to truly enjoy your students

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Why We Change Out Our Drama Center06 Dec 202300:17:03
Why We Change Out Our Drama Center

Does just thinking about changing out your drama center make you feel overwhelmed?

Changing out centers, especially the drama center, can be hugely beneficial for your students and your sanity! As littles become tired of one theme, we can start noticing some challenging behaviors.

Listen in to find out how and why I like to change out the drama center in my classroom!

Topics Discussed:

  • When to decide if the center is no longer working
  • Why I consider center planning important
  • The benefits of changing the drama center themes
  • How and why to add props to the drama center

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Get Ready for December!29 Nov 202300:20:46
Get Ready for December

Oh, preschool teachers…December is a comin’! 

I love the Holidays, but man… the first part of December (before break) is stressful.

I start thinking of all the things I have to do….

√ parent gifts

√ themed centers

√ holiday parties

√ thematic units

Then, you also have your family and friends to shop and wrap for. Don’t forget to put up the lights and the tree. There is also cooking and baking to do and Hallmark movies that need watching… all on top of the regular house chores and the chauffeuring of your own children to after school activities.

Exhausted yet?  Yeah, me too.

I honestly felt like I need a graphic organizer to map out all the craziness….

So, I created one.  Keeping myself organized is what keeps me sane. Listen in to hear all about the planner I created and what December activities I include in my classroom!

Topics Discussed:

  • The Planner
  • The Materials List
  • Centers, Gifts, and the Class Party

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional Learning15 Nov 202300:18:30
Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional Learning

As a preschool teacher, you know that managing behaviors in the classroom can be a challenging.

From fit-throwing, to hitting, to peer issues - behavior issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

I get it. But, there is a better way that can help you transform your classroom environment and help your little learners thrive. Listen in and don't forget to grab your FREE Guide to Social Emotional Learning!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why the Guide to Social Emotional Learning was created
  • How can teachers transform unwanted preschool behaviors with social emotional learning
  • What the guide is and how it can help transform the thinking around student behaviors

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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

Art Center Storage08 Nov 202300:15:46
Art Center Storage

The art center is one center that can get really messy really fast. It’s a good kind of messy though- one full of creativity and color.

But, messy nonetheless. Listen in as I explain the perfect solution to storing all of the artsy stuff our preschoolers love!

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the art cart and how does it evolve throughout the year?
  • Why teaching procedures is key when it comes to the art cart and the materials in it.

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Using Nursery Rhymes in Preschool01 Nov 202300:14:02
Using Nursery Rhymes in Preschool

Do your preschoolers know the traditional nursery rhymes that we used to recite as kids?  I bet you remember Jack and Jill, Hey Diddle Diddle and Little Miss Muffet, don’t you? What was the point of those rhymes anyway? Listen in to find out why and how I use nursery rhymes in the classroom!

Topics Discussed:

  • Benefits of nursery rhymes
  • How to use nursery rhymes in preschool

Resources Mentioned:

Nursery Rhyme Bundle 1


Nursery Rhyme Bundle 2



Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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


The Chill Spot31 Jul 202400:20:34

No preschool classroom is immune to it… little learners with BIG emotions. Some years are different from others, but every school year we will have children in our class that need help processing big emotions. And this year was the year I finally created something that I feel like really helps…. It’s called The Chill Spot and I want to share it because I’m so excited about the progress I am seeing! Tune in to find out what it is and the benefits I have seen from using it!

Topics Discussed:

  • What the Chill Spot is
  • Why and how it is used
  • How it has been working in my classroom

Resources Mentioned:


Related Blogposts or Episodes:


Connect with Ashley


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

5 Ways to Encourage Writing Through Play25 Oct 202300:16:20
5 Ways to Encourage Writing Through Play

Getting children to go to the Preschool Writing Center isn't the easiest task, is it? The appeal just isn't there.

So, what's a preschool teacher to do when getting children to the writing center is such a chore? We could take the writing out of the center... We could also make our writing center more appealing... both great options for encouraging writing through play!

When it comes to upping my writing game through play, I've found 5 sure-fire ways and I want to share them with you!

Topics Discussed:

  • How to incorporate writing into the Drama and Science Centers
  • Hunt and Write the Room Activities
  • Writing Invitations
  • Book Making

Resources Mentioned:


Related Episodes or Blogposts:


Connect with Ashley


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

Master List of Social Emotional Skills to Teach18 Oct 202300:15:56

Master List of Social Emotional Skills to Teach

We, as preschool teachers, are the experts of social and emotional behaviors. Just think about how many times you may have intervened in a squabble, comforted a crying child, calmed an angry one or helped a child solve a problem.

Probably quite a bit, huh?

But, in all honesty, sometimes doing these things over and over again makes you feel insane. Why can’t these children just play nice?! You are putting out fires left and right. Sometimes being a firefighter is all you do in a day… there has GOT to be a better way!

Here is what I do when I feel that insanity coming on…I flip my script…

Topics Discussed

  • Changing our own thought process when it comes to teaching social emotional skills
  • What types of social emotional skills should you be teaching

Resources Mentioned


Related Episodes or Blog Posts


Connect with Ashley


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

Is it Time to Start Small Group?18 Oct 202300:20:15
Is it Time to Start Small Group?

 

Episode Summary

 

As the school year starts, our focus is on getting to know our new little students. We are teaching them procedures, rules and practicing routines. We are playing with students to get to know them and helping children learn how to use the materials in classroom centers.

At the beginning of the year, these things are the most important things!

So, back to the question at hand... When is it time to start small group? When is it okay for you step back from monitoring, playing and helping children in centers? 

Listen in to find out!

 

Topics Discussed:
  • What questions to ask yourself to know if your class is ready to start small group

  

Resources Mentioned:

 

Related Episodes or Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

Parent Education Boards17 Oct 202300:12:02
Parent Education Boards

 

Episode Summary

Preschoolers learn amazing things through play, but this isn't something that is easy for parents to see. Help educate the parents in your early childhood program with Parent Education Bulletin Boards.

I wanted our families to better understand all the amazing growth and learning goodness that really happens inside a preschool classroom --- that's when the Parent Education Bulletin Boards were born!

With 10 done-for-you bulletin boards, teaching families has never been easier! All you have to do is print, laminate and hang - the rest is done for you!

Learn all about the benefits of Parent Education Boards in this episode!

 

Topics Discussed:
  • A breakdown of the different boards
  • The benefits (and results) of including Parent Education Boards in your classroom

  

Resources Mentioned:

 

Related Episodes or Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures16 Oct 202300:10:36
Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures

 

Episode Summary

Teaching young children the procedures and routines of the classroom is important for a safe and (less) chaotic environment. The benefits of implementing visual procedure cards are huge.

To get the most out of visual procedure cards, first...

 * Learn why they are important, then...

 * How to implement them

You can use pre-made procedure cards or create your own by taking pictures of the steps in each routine. Either way, these tips will help you make the most of the cards you created.

 

Topics Discussed:

 

  • Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures- Everything from printing and displaying cards to using, adapting, and adding fun elements to your cards and procedures.

Resources Mentioned:

 

Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

How to Teach Classroom Procedures25 Sep 202300:12:13
How to Teach Classroom Procedures Episode Summary 

Our young learners aren't yet

readers. Therefore, posters of written rules, schedules and procedures

are null and void. To young children, these posters are just visual

noise.

But, pictures are a different story. Young children can 'read' pictures.

So when it comes to helping young children learn about routines in the classroom- visuals are the way to go.

I found a need for visual procedure

cards in my classroom several years ago, so I created them, implemented

them and I am so happy I did.

The benefits of procedure cards are

huge and I saw all of those benefits when I implemented them myself.

Plus, the visuals have kept me from having to say a routine procedure

over and over and over and over and... you get it!

Topics Discussed:
  • The benefits of procedure cards 
  • How to use visual procedure cards
  • Managing your own expectations when it comes to procedures

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:
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.

Why you should be Using Visual Procedure Cards15 Sep 202300:00:24
Episode Summary

 

Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of things that we have to teach our new little students at the beginning of each year?

Coming to the carpet, sitting at the carpet, lining up, walking in the hall, using the restroom, washing hands, how to clean up, how to treat toys, how to pack up to go home.... and the list goes on! <<does this list make you as tired as it does me?

If so, good news! I have a tool to share to make teaching all those procedures easier! <Woohoo!

Topics Discussed:
  • Communicating your expectations through Procedure Cards
  • Using Visuals to help children learn Procedures
  • Tools you can use to teach Procedures

Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Ashley:
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.

Visual Schedules for Preschool15 Sep 202300:16:33
Episode Summary

Schedules are an important way of life. They keep us in our daily routines and get us to the places we need to be.

In a preschool classroom, a daily schedule is the backbone to our day. At the beginning of the school year, I create our classroom schedule (using the 5 step method) and have it hanging up in the room. But, of course the young children in our classroom can't read it! I found that many of my students were asking 'what do we do next?', 'when can we go outside?' and 'when is my mom coming?'. 

So, I knew it was time to create some visual supports for my little non-readers! Listen in to learn about a great resource to include in your classroom!

Topics Discussed:
  • Creating a Picture Schedule for Little Learners
  • The Benefits of Displaying Visual Schedule Cards
  • Using Visual Classroom Schedules

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:
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.

Center Signs that Work Harder30 Aug 202300:11:10

EPISODE 49

Episode Summary

When it comes to play-based learning, sometimes it's hard to see what children are actually learning.

Think about it, in a center where children are sitting and doing worksheets or workbooks, we can see the learning outcome.

But, in a play-based classroom (the best way for children to learn) this learning isn't as easy to see. It takes a trained eye to see what benefits and results can come from centers or hands-on activities - not much of which is coming home in a backpack.

So, it becomes our job to communicate the amazing, endless learning opportunities that play-based learning can bring.

There are many ways to communicate the benefits of play to parents.

In this episode, let's discuss center signs!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why preschool center signs shouldn't be just a label on the wall
  • Using the center signs to teach/inform other adults
  • How to make the center signs work for you

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley:


 

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.

Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?23 Aug 202300:13:44
Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?

 

Episode Summary

One of the most common questions that I get in regards to preschool centers is "Do you do free-choice centers or a rotation?". While I have my own opinions on the topic, I think it's important to look at the pros and cons to everything you do in your classroom, as to make an educated decision. So, let's take some time to look at both the pros and cons of both - to better help you make a decision on which is best for your classroom. Listen in!

Topics Discussed:
  • Free Choice Centers - the pros and cons
  • Center Rotations- the pros and cons

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

Overview of my Plan to Implement Literacy24 Jul 202400:06:20

We all know the importance of fostering a strong literacy foundation in our little learners. But with so much to juggle, ensuring we're hitting all those crucial emergent literacy goals can feel overwhelming.

I do understand why many teachers still grasp to a step-by-step plan. It makes sense to our brains and makes us feel confident that we are covering the skills we should be (even if it's done in a way that research tells us is not best for young children).

But in this episode, I will help you understand how and why taking the non-traditional path to teaching emergent literacy skills is truly the way to go!

Topics Discussed:

  • Literacy plan - why I no longer use plans like LOTW
  • What makes this plan different from a sequential curriculum

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with Ashley


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

3 Must-Do’s for the Beginning of the Year16 Aug 202300:21:12
3 Must-Do's for the Beginning of the Year

 

Episode Summary

The beginning of the school year is such an exciting and exhausting time! Isn't it funny how we forget how little and new our students are when they start?! It's like we have to reset our brains back to beginning after sending on last year's students.

There is so much to teach our new little friends before we can have a functioning, well-running classroom. The work at the beginning really does pay off later in the year - however - it doesn't make those first few weeks (months?) any easier!

Listen in as I discuss my 3 R's for the beginning of the year!

Topics Discussed:
  • Relationships
  • Routines
  • Rules

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:
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.

A Guide to Preschool Centers09 Aug 202300:12:50
A Guide to Preschool Centers

 

Episode Summary

When you are running a play-based preschool classroom, centers are the core of the program. Carefully planned centers create an environment for learning through play because play is not a break from hard work, play is a child's work!

But sometimes, as the teacher, wrapping your head around all the moving parts of play-based centers can be a challenge!

There are So. Many. Questions. 

'Which centers should I have in my classroom? What are the most common centers? I know I want blocks and art, but what other centers should I add?'

Those questions lead to more questions... 'What do I put in the centers? What materials are essential? Also, how long should I schedule center time for? I have other things we have to do in our schedule, how long is needed for free play?'

... 'Can I keep the same materials in the centers the whole year? Won't children get bored? Should I change centers out? If so, how often should I change them?'

The Guide to Preschool Centers was created many years ago, but just got a new update. I have added answers or recommendations to ALL the questions you read above. 

Listen in! Episode 46 will walk you through ALL of your center questions!

 

Topics Discussed:
  • 10 different centers with material lists & learning goals
  • Ideas on which centers to change out and when
  • How long to schedule center time in your day
  • How to use my Guide to Preschool Centers
  • Center Tub Labels + The Preschool Center Hub

Resources Mentioned:

 

Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom02 Aug 202300:22:10
How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom

 

Episode Summary

Setting up your preschool classroom doesn’t sound that daunting… at first.

But, year after year I find myself determined to find the perfect (as if it exists) flow. After changing my mind about a billion times, I usually land on a setup that seems to work for me, but (more importantly) is conducive to little learners that learn through play.

I’ve found that creating a successful layout isn’t just me drawing squares and labeling them on my ‘map’. Making the environment conducive to my little preschoolers takes some planning. Listen in as I walk you through the process of How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom!

 

Topics Discussed:
  • Mapping out the physical space
  • Important things to consider (that you may not have thought of)
  • How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom - the workbook!

 

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:
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.

A Detailed Look at the Preschool 2 & 3 Year Old Plans26 Jul 202300:12:39
A Detailed Look at the Preschool 2 & 3 Year Old Lesson Plans

 

Episode Summary

 

Got three year olds? How about two year olds?

Feel the need to help your littlest students learn important social skills, academic skills and build attention to task - all while loving the open-ended environment of a play-based school setting? 

After my experience with sweet little 3 year olds, I knew I wanted to share the ideas and activities that I had used (and more!). Because, lets face it - there isn't a ton of help for teachers of two and three year olds.

So, today I wanted to share with you all the details of one of my preschool 2 and 3 Year Old Lesson Plans! That way you can see if these lesson could help you and therefore save you some time and sanity!

Topics Discussed:
  • The exact details of my weekly plan
  • Why the plans are layed out the way they are
  • How these lesson plans can save time
  • The teacher components of these lesson plans

 

Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
Connect with Ashley:

 

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.

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