Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Kindergarten Toolbox

Does it feel like your kindergarten class was doing SO well and then suddenly...they weren't? The routines you practiced are getting sloppy, students are talking more, and you're repeating directions you swear they were following just fine last week.

In this episode, we're talking about why kindergarten classroom management can suddenly feel harder a few weeks into the school year and why you probably don't need to throw out your behavior system and start over. You'll learn how to make an overwhelming behavior problem feel more manageable by choosing one expectation to reteach, getting really clear about what you want students to do, and looking for opportunities to reinforce the positive behavior you want to see more often.

If you're already Googling new kindergarten classroom management strategies because it feels like everything that was working suddenly isn't, this episode will give you a simple place to start.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
👾 Free Build-a-Reward Monster
🎧 The Kindergarten Reward System That Doesn't Require a Prize Box
🎧 Lining Up Without the Chaos
📝 Show notes:

🎧 Follow The Kindergarten Toolbox so you don't miss future episodes with simple, practical kindergarten classroom management and teaching strategies.

Does a kindergarten reward system really need a prize box, classroom money, or complicated points to keep students motivated? Some of my kindergarten students' favorite classroom rewards didn't cost me a single penny.

In this episode, we're talking about how to use simple whole class rewards to reinforce positive behavior in kindergarten without creating another classroom management system you have to keep up with. You'll learn why free classroom rewards can be just as motivating for five- and six-year-olds, how focusing on one behavior at a time helps students understand the goal, and why the visual component of a reward system can make such a big difference in student buy-in.

If you're looking for a kindergarten reward system that's simple for you, easy for students to understand, and doesn't require you to keep a prize box stocked, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
🏗️ Build-a-Reward Characters Bundle
🔗 Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/kindergarten-reward-system-without-prize-box-episode-34/

🎧 Follow The Kindergarten Toolbox so you don't miss future episodes with simple, practical kindergarten classroom management and teaching strategies.

Does it feel like every kindergartener needs you for everything, all day long? And have you caught yourself thinking, I swear last year's class wasn't this needy?

In this episode, we're talking about why kindergarten students need so much help at the beginning of the school year and what it really takes to build independence in kindergarten. You'll learn why you might be comparing your brand-new kindergarteners to the independent students you sent home last spring, how classroom routines and visual supports help students become more independent, and what those constant questions can tell you about the systems you still need to teach.

If you're tired of answering the same questions over and over and wondering when your students will start doing more for themselves, this episode will help you build kindergarten independence through simple, consistent classroom management systems that work for real five- and six-year-olds.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
👀 Classroom Visuals Bundle
🍎 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint
📝 Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/building-independence-in-kindergarten-episode-33/

🎧 Follow The Kindergarten Toolbox so you don't miss future episodes with simple, practical kindergarten classroom management and teaching strategies.

How many classroom rules do you really need in kindergarten? And what should happen when students don't follow them?

In this episode, we're talking about how to keep kindergarten classroom rules simple, explicitly teach your expectations, and choose consequences that actually make sense to five- and six-year-olds. You'll learn why consistency doesn't mean giving every behavior the same consequence, why consequences should be timely and connected to the behavior, and how visuals can help students understand what's expected of them.

If you're looking for a practical approach to kindergarten classroom management that teaches students how to be successful in school instead of simply punishing misbehavior, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

🔗 Classroom Rules Posters
🔗 Classroom Visuals Bundle
🍎 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

📝 Show notes:  https://kindergartentoolbox.com/best-classroom-rules-and-consequences-for-kindergarten/

🎧 Follow The Kindergarten Toolbox so you don't miss future episodes with simple, practical kindergarten classroom management and teaching strategies.

What behavior system should you use in kindergarten? Classroom economy, Dojo points, desk pets, prize boxes, reward systems...there are SO many options. But just because a behavior system works with older students doesn't mean it's the right fit for five- and six-year-olds.

In this episode, we're talking about how to choose a kindergarten behavior system that is developmentally appropriate, manageable for teachers, and actually supports strong kindergarten classroom management. I'll share some popular behavior systems I would think twice about using in kindergarten, why taking away something a student has already earned can create problems, and the questions I want you to ask before choosing a behavior system for your classroom.

I'll also share the two behavior tools that became my go-to choices in my own kindergarten classroom and how they helped me reinforce positive behavior without creating another complicated system to manage.

And if you're looking for more support with classroom management in kindergarten, Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint gives you both the training AND the tools to build strong classroom management through simple, consistent systems.

►►► Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint is $97 through August 5th. Today is the LAST DAY to save $50!

Resources Mentioned:

🍎 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

✨ Glow & Grow Behavior Notes

🏗️ Build-a-Reward Behavior Charts

🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-behavior-system-should-you-use-in-kindergarten-episode31/

Do you think classroom management starts when student behavior becomes a problem?

One of the biggest classroom management myths kindergarten teachers believe is that behavior management is all about consequences, clip charts, rewards, or figuring out what to do when students misbehave. But strong kindergarten classroom management starts long before that.

In this episode, I’m sharing the lesson that completely changed the way I thought about kindergarten behavior and classroom management. We’ll talk about why relationships, behavior systems, student independence, consistency, and simple routines all work together to help you feel more confident and in control of your classroom.

I’ll also share the story of returning from maternity leave to a kindergarten classroom where my old behavior system suddenly wasn’t working, and what that experience taught me about what classroom management really is.

If you’re preparing for a new school year and wondering, “What if they don’t listen?” this episode will help you focus on building strong classroom management from the beginning instead of waiting for behavior to become a problem.

Resources Mentioned:

🍎 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

KBB is both a course and a toolbox of ready-to-use classroom management resources built around the BRICK Method: Behavior Systems, Relationships, Independence, Consistency, and Keep It Simple.

Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint is $97 through August 5th only.

🔗 Learn more about Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/classroom-management-myth-kindergarten-teachers-believe/

Are you spending your summer organizing centers, decorating your classroom, and shopping for kindergarten supplies, but you're still not sure what to teach during the first week of school?

You're not alone. Every summer, kindergarten teachers spend hours preparing classroom centers, bulletin boards, and materials while putting off the one thing that has the biggest impact on the entire school year: planning the first week of kindergarten.

In this episode, I'm sharing what actually deserves your attention before school starts, why routines, procedures, and classroom expectations matter more than perfectly prepped centers, and how focusing on the right things will help you start the year feeling confident instead of overwhelmed.

If you've been wondering what to teach during the first week of kindergarten or you're feeling unsure about where to start, this episode is for you.

I also share all the details about First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint, my three-day workshop designed to help you stop guessing and walk into your classroom with a clear plan for those critical first five days. You'll learn exactly what to teach, when to teach it, and how to build the routines and classroom management systems that set the tone for the entire school year.

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

Show Notes: 

Should kindergarten teachers send home a daily behavior report for every student?

It's one of the most common classroom management questions I see every summer, especially from teachers preparing for a new school year. While many classrooms use daily behavior calendars, clip charts, or behavior reports to communicate with families, are they really the most effective way to talk about kindergarten behavior?

In this episode, I'm sharing why I stopped using daily behavior calendars in my kindergarten classroom, what I use instead, and how a simple shift in communication helped create more meaningful conversations with families while saving me time.

If you're looking for kindergarten behavior strategies, classroom management ideas, or a better way to communicate student behavior with families, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

🔗 Shop Glow and Grow Behavior Notes

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/should-kindergarten-teachers-use-a-daily-behavior-report/

Should kindergarten students have classroom jobs?

Classroom jobs have been a tradition in elementary classrooms for years, but are they actually teaching responsibility or creating more work for teachers?

In this episode, I'm sharing why I stopped using traditional classroom jobs in my kindergarten classroom and switched to a simple Helper of the Day system instead. You'll hear how this change simplified my classroom management, eliminated job chart headaches, and still gave every student meaningful leadership opportunities.

If you're preparing your kindergarten classroom for back-to-school and wondering whether classroom jobs are worth it, this episode will help you decide what works best for your students—and your sanity.

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-27-should-kindergarten-students-have-classroom-jobs/

Should kindergarten students have individual school supplies or community supplies?

It's one of the biggest classroom setup decisions kindergarten teachers make before the school year begins. In this episode, we're breaking down the pros and cons of both systems and why the "right" answer depends more on your classroom management than the supplies themselves.

I'll share why I chose individual toolboxes in my kindergarten classroom, how I used numbered supplies to teach responsibility and accountability, and why explicitly teaching students how to use their school tools is far more important than whether those tools are shared.

If you're preparing your kindergarten classroom for back-to-school and wondering how to organize crayons, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and other classroom supplies, this episode will help you choose a system that works for both you and your students.

Resources Mentioned:

🖍️✏️ Free School Tools Worksheets

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/community-or-individual-supplies-for-kindergarten/

If you're planning for the first week of kindergarten and feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to teach, this episode is for you.

One of the biggest mistakes kindergarten teachers make is trying to jump straight into academics before teaching students how to be students. Before children can successfully learn letters, numbers, and all the other skills on your curriculum map, they need to learn how to walk in line, use classroom materials, follow routines, and understand expectations.

In this episode, I'm sharing what I actually focused on during the first week of kindergarten and why relationships, routines, and procedures matter so much more than academics during those first few days of school.

You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how I taught school tools like crayons, pencils, glue sticks, and scissors one tool at a time so students could build independence while learning classroom expectations.

If you're wondering what to teach during the first week of kindergarten, how to introduce school supplies, or how to set your classroom up for success from day one, this episode will give you a practical starting point.

Resources Mentioned

🖍️✏️ Free School Tools Worksheets

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-to-teach-first-week-of-kindergarten/

Are you a new kindergarten teacher preparing for your first year in the classroom? Or maybe you're switching grade levels and wondering what makes kindergarten so different from every other grade?

In this episode, I'm sharing my biggest piece of advice for new kindergarten teachers: assume they don't know how to do anything.

From lining up and walking in the hallway to using the bathroom, sitting at the carpet, and using school supplies, kindergarten students need explicit instruction for routines, procedures, and expectations that older students often take for granted.

I'll share stories from my own first year teaching kindergarten, the mistakes I made, and what I wish I had known before those five-year-olds walked through my classroom door.

If you're preparing for the beginning of kindergarten, the first week of school, or your very first year as a kindergarten teacher, this episode will help you focus on what matters most: building relationships, teaching routines, and creating a classroom environment where students can succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• My unexpected journey into teaching kindergarten
•  Why new kindergarten teachers should assume students know nothing
• The importance of explicitly teaching classroom routines and procedures
• Common beginning-of-kindergarten surprises
• Why relationships and routines matter more than academics at the start of the year
• Preparing students to use school tools successfully

Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Free School Tools Worksheets

🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/new-kindergarten-teacher-episode-24/

Before school starts, there are five classroom management decisions every kindergarten teacher should make.

Too often, we spend our back-to-school time organizing supplies, decorating bulletin boards, and planning lessons while putting off the classroom management planning that actually helps our year run smoothly. But students don't struggle because your classroom isn't decorated. They struggle when expectations aren't clear.

I walk you through the five key pieces of a kindergarten classroom management plan: classroom rules, consequences, procedures and routines, positive behavior supports, and family communication. Whether you're a brand-new kindergarten teacher or looking to improve your classroom management this year, these simple decisions can help you start the school year with clear expectations and a plan you can actually stick with.

You'll also learn why consistency matters more than complicated behavior systems and how to create a classroom management plan before students walk through the door.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Creating simple classroom rules for kindergarten

• Planning classroom consequences ahead of time

• Teaching procedures and routines effectively

• Encouraging positive behavior and building classroom community

• Creating a family communication plan

• Building a kindergarten classroom management plan that works

Links & Resources:

🔗 Free Kindergarten Classroom Management Plan

🔗 Last day to save on Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/5-kindergarten-classroom-management-decisions/

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Do calm kindergarten classrooms have better-behaved students?

Not always.

In this episode, we're talking about the real secret to successful classroom management in kindergarten. It isn't a complicated behavior system or the latest classroom management trend. It's simple, predictable systems that help students know what to expect.

We'll discuss why consistency matters so much in kindergarten, how routines create student independence, and why classroom management becomes exhausting when everything depends on the teacher.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why calm classrooms aren't created by perfect students
• How predictable routines improve student behavior
• Why simple classroom management systems work better than complicated ones
• How to reduce constant reminders, interruptions, and redirection
• The key to creating a calmer, more manageable kindergarten classroom

Links & Resources:

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

🔗 Free Kindergarten Classroom Management Plan

Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/the-real-secret-to-kindergarten-classroom-management/

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

When classroom management feels exhausting, the problem may not be your students or your behavior strategies. It may be that too much of your classroom depends on you constantly reminding, redirecting, and holding everything together all day long.

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful kindergarten classroom management tools teachers often overlook: simple visual systems.

From visual schedules and classroom routines to behavior supports and transition expectations, visual systems help kindergarten students understand what to do without relying on constant verbal reminders. And when students know what to expect, classrooms start to feel calmer, more predictable, and much less overwhelming for both teachers and students.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

•  why classroom management feels exhausting when the teacher becomes the system 
•  how visual supports increase student independence 
•  why simple classroom management systems work better than complicated behavior programs 
•  and the small shifts that can completely transform classroom management next school year 

If you’re tired of repeating yourself all day, constantly redirecting behavior, or feeling like your classroom only functions when you’re actively managing every moment, this episode will help you rethink kindergarten classroom management in a simpler, more sustainable way.

Plus, I’m sharing how Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint helps teachers build calm, consistent classroom management systems that actually work with real five and six year olds.

Links and Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/the-one-thing-every-kindergarten-classroom-needs-for-better-classroom-management/

Getting kindergarten students to stop talking can feel impossible sometimes.

The blurting, interruptions, constant calling out, and nonstop classroom chatter can quickly make your classroom feel chaotic and exhausting. And after a while, it starts to feel like you’re spending your entire day repeating:
“Raise your hand.”
“Stop talking.”
“Voice level zero.”

In this episode of The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, we’re chatting about a simple classroom management strategy for reducing calling out and teaching appropriate classroom participation in kindergarten.

You’ll learn:

• Why kindergarten students often struggle with calling out and interruptions
• How to teach classroom participation expectations step-by-step
• Why visual supports are so important for kindergarten classroom management
• How to use a simple whole-class behavior challenge without overcomplicating things
• Why consistency matters more than complicated behavior systems
• Easy ways to reduce classroom noise and improve student behavior during lessons

I’m also sharing how I used the Chatter Challenge — a simple visual classroom management tool designed to help kindergarten students practice raising their hands, listening, and participating appropriately during lessons.

If your classroom has been extra chatty lately, this episode will give you practical, realistic classroom management ideas you can actually use with real five and six-year-olds.

Links and Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Chatter Challenge Resource
🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/how-to-stop-the-constant-calling-out-in-kindergarten/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review so more kindergarten teachers can find the show too!

If your kindergarten classroom feels louder, messier, and harder to manage right now, you are not alone. End-of-year behavior in kindergarten is real, and May can start to feel like pure survival mode for teachers.

In this episode, we’re talking about the “May-cember” effect, why classroom behavior gets harder at the end of the school year, and realistic ways to make these last few weeks feel more manageable for both you and your students.

We’ll chat about why it’s easy to focus only on negative behaviors, how to shift back toward connection and positive reinforcement, and simple ways to help your class finish the year strong without overhauling your entire classroom management system.

Plus, I’m sharing easy end-of-year behavior supports, positive reinforcement ideas, and why simple incentive systems like Build-a-Reward charts can help reset the tone in your classroom.

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and counting down to summer break, this episode will help you feel more calm, more supported, and a little less alone.

🔗🍩 Try our donut reward chart FREE

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/end-of-year-behavior-kindergarten

Kindergarten classroom management shouldn’t feel this hard, but if you’re constantly repeating directions, managing every transition, and ending the day exhausted, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why classroom management still feels overwhelming even when you’re using routines, behavior strategies, and clear expectations.

Here’s what’s actually happening:

It’s not that you need more strategies.
 It’s that your classroom systems aren’t working together.

When routines, visuals, and expectations aren’t connected, everything falls back on you. That’s when teaching starts to feel exhausting.

We’ll talk about how to shift from managing behavior moment by moment to building simple, consistent systems that help your students work more independently so you can actually teach again.

If your classroom feels chaotic or harder than it should, this episode will help you see what’s missing and what to do next.

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-18-why-your-classroom-management-still-feels-hard/

In this episode of The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, Amy Murray breaks down the three essential components of effective kindergarten classroom management: clear expectations, visual supports, and consistent routines.

If your classroom feels unpredictable, if you are constantly repeating directions, or if your behavior strategies are not sticking, this episode will help you understand what is missing and how to fix it with simple systems that actually work in a real kindergarten classroom.

You will learn how clear expectations help students know exactly what to do, why visual supports reduce interruptions and increase independence, and how consistent routines create a calm, predictable classroom environment.

This is not about adding more strategies. It is about putting the right pieces in place so your classroom management system can do the work for you.

Plus, walk away with a simple, actionable step you can try tomorrow to start improving behavior and routines right away.

Calmer days start with simple, consistent systems. 

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

🔗 Show Notes: kindergartentoolbox.com/kindergarten-classroom-management-system-3-things

In this episode of the Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, Amy Murray breaks down what a well-managed kindergarten classroom really looks like on a normal day. Not perfect. Not silent. But structured, predictable, and calm enough for real teaching to happen.

You’ll hear what shifts when simple systems and clear expectations are in place, from smoother routines and transitions to more focused small groups and more independent writers. If you’re tired of constant interruptions, repeating directions, and ending the day mentally drained, this episode will help you see what’s possible.

Plus, walk away with a simple way to improve one part of your day using visuals, routines, and consistency that actually work for real five and six year olds.

Calmer days are possible. This is what it looks like.

🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

🔗 Show notes: kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-16-what-does-kindergarten-classroom-management-actually-look-like-when-its-working

You try a behavior strategy… and it works.

Your class is calmer.
 You’re finally able to teach.

And then… it stops.

If you feel like you’re constantly starting over with classroom management, this episode is for you.

Let’s chat about why behavior strategies work at first—but don’t last—and what your classroom actually needs instead.

Because it’s not that nothing works…

You just haven’t been given something simple enough to stick with yet.

Get step by step clasroom management systems the work inside Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint.

Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-15-why-behavior-strategies-work-and-then-suddenly-stop/

Phonemic awareness in kindergarten does not always click with repetition alone. Many students need more support than fast-paced, verbal routines can provide.

In this episode, we break down how to teach phonemic awareness using hands-on and visual activities that support skills like rhyming, syllables, and beginning, medial, and ending sounds so students truly understand and apply these foundational skills.

🔗 Save on the Kindergarten ELA Bundle

Show notes:  www.kindergartentoolbox.com/phonemic-awareness-that-works-in-kindergarten

Alphabet principles and letter sounds are the foundation of literacy and a huge part of what we teach in kindergarten.  But what's the best way to introduce letters?

In this episode, I explain how we introduce letters and sounds in the first 30 days of kindergarten and how you can use the tools to reinforce learning all year long.  The key is to set up predictable routines with activities that kindergarten students can actually do - no tiny pieces to lose, limit the cutting, etc. 

🔗 Save on the Kindergarten ELA Bundle

Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-13-how-to-introduce-the-alphabet-in-kindergarten/

What consequences can you use in kindergarten if you aren't allowed to take away recess?  In this episode, we talk about natural consequences, and I share a classroom management secret weapon. 

Free Glow & Grow Notes

Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint

Show Notes:  https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-12-behavior-consequences-to-try-in-kindergarten-without-taking-away-recess/

Teaching sentence writing in kindergarten is much easier when students understand what a sentence is so they can learn the basic conventions and check their own work using a simple checklist.

In this episode, we talk about how to teach kindergarteners to write sentences with our 5-star sentences method.  You can teach beginning writers to independently write real sentences!

🔗 Join Kindergarten Writing Toolbox

🔗 Beginning Writers Bundle

🔗 5-Star Sentence Resource

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-11-writing-5-star-sentences-in-kindergarten

If your kindergarten students struggle with sentence writing, this episode is for you. Many students are asked to write sentences before they truly understand what a sentence is, which leads to frustration, random words, or a complete writing shutdown.

In this episode, we break down how to teach sentence structure in kindergarten using naming part and telling part so students understand that a sentence is a group of words that tells us something. You’ll learn how to build a strong foundation before introducing independent sentence writing, setting your students up for success so they will become confident writers.

Beginning Writers Bundle

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-is-a-sentence-kindergarten/

Is your kindergarten behavior system not working anymore? If your classroom reward system or behavior chart has lost its effectiveness, this episode will help you reset with confidence.

Learn what actually makes a kindergarten behavior system work, including picture-based visuals (not just text), focusing on one behavior at a time, using concrete progress tracking, and staying consistent so students stay motivated. These practical kindergarten classroom management strategies are simple enough to maintain and clear enough that any adult can walk in and understand your expectations.

If you’re ready to simplify your reward system and build stronger classroom consistency, this episode is for you.

Free Build-a-Reward Charts

Kindergarten Management Toolbox

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-to-do-when-your-kindergarten-behavior-system-stops-working/

If your kindergarten small groups are constantly interrupted, this episode is for you. Learn how to reduce interruptions during centers by using visual schedules, picture directions, predictable routines, and simple behavior goals that build real independence.

Discover how to help kindergarten students work independently so you can actually teach your small groups without nonstop questions and distractions.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/how-to-stop-constant-interruptions-during-small-groups/

Resources Mentioned:

Classroom Visuals Bundle

Kindergarten Management Toolbox

10-Frame Behavior Incentive Charts

If you feel like you’re constantly repeating directions and kindergarten students still aren’t listening, this episode is for you. In this episode, we break down why kindergarteners struggle to follow directions the first time and why it’s not about better wording or louder reminders.

You’ll learn how using visuals, structure, and consistent routines helps kindergarten students listen, remember directions, and work more independently, leading to calmer classrooms and fewer interruptions.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-7-how-to-get-kindergarten-students-to-follow-directions-the-first-time-using-visuals-and-consistent-routines/

Resources Mentioned:

Classroom Visuals Bundle

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Tattling in kindergarten can feel nonstop and exhausting. 

In this episode, Amy breaks down why constant tattling isn’t just a behavior problem, but a trust and classroom culture issue. You’ll learn the difference between tattling and reporting, why ignoring tattles can actually make things worse, and simple, practical strategies to reduce tattling without shutting kids down. From positive behavior shifts to classroom systems that build trust and independence, this episode gives kindergarten teachers realistic tools to manage tattling in a healthy, effective way.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/reduce-tattling-in-kindergarten-without-ignoring-real-problems/

Resources Mentioned:

Glow & Grow Behavior Notes

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If your kindergarten writing center looks great but your students freeze, wander, or constantly interrupt you, this episode is for you. In this episode, we unpack why kindergarteners struggle with independent writing tasks and how starting with simple skills like labeling can transform your writing center.

You’ll learn how breaking writing into smaller, concrete steps builds confidence, increases independence, and helps kindergarten students move from freezing to actually writing, without frustration, chaos, or constant teacher support.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/why-kindergarteners-freeze-at-the-writing-center/

Resources Mentioned:

Kindergarten Writing Toolbox 

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If planning the 100th day of kindergarten has you feeling overwhelmed and behind, this episode is for you. With Pinterest ideas and social media pressure everywhere, it is easy to feel like you need to do more to make the day special.

In this episode, I’m sharing low-prep, low-stress ways to celebrate the 100th day of school that keep routines calm and kids successful. We cover simple activity ideas using materials you already have, easy writing and movement ideas, and a mindset shift that helps you celebrate without burnout.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/100th-day-of-school-in-kindergarten-without-stress-or-tons-of-prep/

Resources Mentioned:

100th day of School Printables

FREE 100th Day Hat

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Picture this: you’re ready to start your kindergarten writing block, but before you’ve even handed out all the papers, you hear every student call out “I don’t know what to write about.” The stress and confusion that often swirl around writing blocks can leave even the most prepared teachers feeling exhausted. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by blank stares and reluctant writers, this episode is your go-to guide for turning hesitation into excitement.

In this episode, I’m sharing effective strategies for overcoming the dreaded “I don’t know what to write” excuse in young writers. We dive into specific tools designed for kindergarten classrooms to help students get started and build independence in their writing. You’ll walk away with practical tips on structuring your writing time, supporting overwhelmed students, and setting up routines that foster confident, capable writers from the very first day.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-3-how-to-stop-the-i-dont-know-what-to-write-about-excuse/

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Writing Toolbox

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If your classroom lineup feels more like a wrestling match than a calm transition, this episode is packed with practical solutions just for you. Kindergarten teachers everywhere know the chaos that happens when it’s time for students to line up, and establishing routines that actually work can feel overwhelming.

Today, I’m sharing the simplest change that transformed my classroom’s lineup routine that took my class from pushing and shoving to calm and organized transitions. In this episode, we cover why young children need clear visual markers and structure, tips for making the system work (including how to make the “caboose” and “line leader” jobs special), and encouragement to practice routines from the very first day of school. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for fostering positive classroom behavior and smoother transitions that you can use today!

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-2-lining-up-without-chaos/

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Writing Toolbox

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Do you ever feel like your classroom sounds like a playground no matter how many times you ask your students to be quiet? If you find yourself constantly competing with the chatter of your kindergarten students, this episode is just for you. Today, we're diving into practical, easy to implement strategies to bring peace and order back to your classroom, all while supporting your students' needs.

In this episode, I’m sharing my tried-and-true approaches for managing noise levels in early elementary settings. We’re diving into the power of using visuals, such as voice-level charts, to set clear expectations, and the importance of consistency in classroom management. We explore both classroom-wide and individual incentive systems, like Glow Notes and personalized sticker charts, to reward quiet behavior and motivate students. You'll also get practical tips for handling especially talkative students and creative solutions for managing transitions. This episode covers everything from establishing routines with visuals to implementing targeted support and incentives to create a calmer, more focused learning environment.

Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-1-getting-kids-to-be-quiet-in-kindergarten/

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

Grab your FREE Glow Notes

Chatter Challenge 

Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Welcome to The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, your go-to guide for creating calmer classrooms and more confident writers in the wonderfully unique world of kindergarten.

I’m Amy Murray — former kindergarten teacher, Type C “organized-in-piles” human, and vanilla-latte enthusiast. After years of helping teachers streamline their classroom routines with tips and tools that actually make sense for 5- and 6-year-olds, I created this podcast to support you with the practical strategies you’ve been craving.

Each episode is short, actionable, and designed to help you:

✔ simplify classroom management

 ✔ reduce behavior chaos with systems that stick

 ✔ teach writing in a way that meets beginning writers where they are

 ✔ build routines that make your day flow

 ✔ use visuals, tools, and expectations that really work in K

Whether you’re a brand-new kindergarten teacher or a seasoned pro looking for clarity and calm, you’ll find step-by-step support to help you feel more confident and in control.

Because kindergarten isn’t just the new first grade, it’s a world all its own, and you deserve tools that actually work.

Hit follow so you never miss an episode…

Here’s to calmer days and more confident writers!