Today I'm tackling a topic that every single one of us has encountered at one point or another, and that is working with challenging families or caregivers. Now, I know what you're thinking. Challenging families. Oh boy, here we go. But before you roll your eyes, stick with me because we're going to flip the script on this topic and approach it in a way that might just make your job a little easier and a whole lot more fulfilling. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Hey teachers! Let me ask you a question, do you have “schoolmares” – or nightmares about the first day of school, long before the first day?

It's only natural, because facing the unknown can be scary, it’s only natural.  

And each new school year brings many unknowns for both teachers and our little learners.  

Welcome to another episode of "Elevating Early Childhood!"

I'm your host, Vanessa, and today we're tackling a topic that many of us face at the start of every school year: separation anxiety.

Yes, that moment when the parents or caregivers leave and the tears start flowing. We've all been there, right?

In today's episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I'm sharing my top 3 tips to help teachers (and families) ease separation anxiety.

Trust me, by the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to face the first day of school with confidence!

Before we can talk about it, let's define exactly what the term "Separation Anxiety" means so we're all on the same page.

You see, young children can become very fearful when they experience a new environment for the first time.  

And when you add that they may be separated from their families for the very first time into the mix, it adds to those feelings of being fearful and anxious.  

So, the definition of separation anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being apart from family members or caregivers is called separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a natural and normal response for young children.  

It's their way of saying, "Hey, I'm not so sure about this new place without my family members."  

 

So, how can we, as teachers, help ease this anxiety and make the transition smoother for everyone involved?  

Here are my top three tips.

Tip #1: Help Guide Parents  

One of the best ways to help our little learners feel less anxious is to help guide their caregivers' behavior.  

Because some parents and caregivers might feel just as anxious about leaving their child as the child does about being left.  

And this anxiety can be contagious! So, it's crucial for families to talk with their children about how school is a fun and safe place.

My favorite, and most effective way happens before the school year even starts, by hosting a Parent Orientation/ Meet the Teacher/ Back to School type of event.  

You can use this time to teach parents how to talk positively about school.  

Share examples of phrases they can use when talking with their children, like, "You're going to have so much fun at school today!"  or "I can't wait to hear about all the new things you learn!"  

Encouraging parents to stay calm and positive can help set the tone for their child's first of school.

One way to help parents feel more calm is to have all their burning questions about you (the teacher) and school answered.  

For some parents, this may be their first experience sending a child off to school.  

One way you can do that is by having all the answers to their questions ready to go on a single sheet of paper (or digitally if you prefer).

Of course,  your smiling face and welcoming demeanor during the event will go a long way in ensuring parents feel comfortable leaving their child with you.  

You're also going to want to remind caregivers to keep their goodbyes short and sweet.  

A quick hug, a big smile, and a confident, "I'll see you soon!" can make a world of difference.  

The longer they linger, the more anxious the child might become.  

Remember, it's all about confidence and positivity!

 

Tip #2: Create a Visual Daily Schedule

My next tip is all about consistency and routine.  

Young children, especially those who are three to five years of age, crave predictability.  

And one of the very best ways to provide this is by creating a daily schedule with visual picture cues.

A visual schedule helps children understand what to expect throughout the day.  

When they can see the sequence of events, it reduces uncertainty and helps them feel more calm and secure.  

For instance, having pictures that show activities like circle time, snack time, center time, can be very reassuring.

When a child is feeling anxious, gently guide them to the schedule and talk them through it.  

Say something like, "Right now, we're having circle time. Next, we'll go to the playground, and then it'll be snack time. See? We'll have lots of fun, and before you know it, it'll be time to go home!" This way, they can see the structure of their day and know that the time apart from their caregivers is only temporary.

 

Tip 3: Create a Calm and Welcoming Classroom Environment

Finally, let's talk about the classroom environment.  

Creating a calm and welcoming space is key to easing a child's separation anxiety.  

Start your day with consistent routines and rituals that help children feel safe and secure.

One simple yet powerful ritual is greeting each child at the door with a choice, such as the way they would like to be greeted. Simple things like a smile, a high-five, or a handshake can be helpful.  

This personal connection can make them feel valued and ready to start their day.  

Inside the classroom, your environment is going to be inviting and child-friendly.  

Soft lighting, a cozy reading area, soothing natural colors, and familiar items like a family photo can all contribute to a sense of comfort.

After the children enter the room, invite them to find their name cards (with photos) and place them in a pocket chart to show that they are "here" at school.  

This small task gives them a sense of ownership and belonging.  

You could also sing a welcome song to bring everyone together and set a positive tone for the day.  

And let's not forget the end of the day, closure is just as important as the beginning of the day.  

Providing closure with a good-bye song or ritual can help children feel a sense of completion and look forward to coming back.  

"See Ya Later Alligator" is always a hit!

So there you have it — three tips to ease separation anxiety for your preschoolers on the first day of school.  

Remember to guide parent behavior, create a visual daily schedule, and foster a calm and caring classroom environment.  

These strategies can make a huge difference in helping your little learners feel more secure and excited about school.

If you liked this episode, or any of my others, please consider subscribing, commenting, and smashing that thumbs up button.  

Let's support each other in making the first day of school a positive and joyful experience for everyone involved.

Until next time,  

I'm Vanessa Levin

Onward and Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Teachers, are you overwhelmed by all the “non-teaching” responsibilities you have at school? I’m talking about the things not related to when the students are in the classroom, like labeling the tubs in your centers, communicating with parents, planning events like meet the teacher etc. I could go on because the list is endless, but you know what I’m talking about. All these things can add up quickly and lead to feeling completely overwhelmed. In this episode I'll be sharing ways to make all the "non-teaching" related tasks you have just a little bit easier and less overwhelming. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Picking up from last week's episode, we continue on today with my discussion with fellow preschool educator, Allison McDonald, about the Science of Reading.

In the last episode of Elevating Early Childhood, Allison and I discussed the science of reading, the importance of oral language development, and how you can help your students create a foundation for literacy.

Today, we pick up again and discuss even more exciting (and fun) subjects, such as the importance of being intentional with your teaching (yes, it's possible to do that in preschool!), if sound walls are really necessary, the difference between phonemic awareness and phonological awareness, and a bunch of other great stuff!

So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

 

Key Takeaways:

Picking up from last week’s discussion (00:00)

The importance of being intentional with your teaching (02:00)

What are articulatory gestures? (05:16)

Do you really need sound walls in pre-k? (07:36)

The difference between phonemic awareness and phonological awareness (11:18)

The Science of Reading’s more controversial parts (14:33)

A quick summary of our discussion (21:31)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Check out Allison’s latest book, Everyday Preschool.

- Check out the book we based our discussion on here.

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

What is the Science of Reading? And what should preschool teachers know about it?

In this week's episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I answer these two questions and more. 

But I won't be doing this alone! 

Yes friends, this is an interview episode! And in it, I will be discussing this hot topic with the lovely Allison McDonald.

Allison is the creator and founder of the early childhood website No Time for Flash Cards. She's also an author, a mom, and a rockstar early childhood educator!

Today, she and I will be discussing all things Science of Reading and what early childhood professionals need to know.

Are you ready?

Let's dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Discussing the Science of Reading (00:00)

Meet Allison (00:42)

Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom (05:28)

The importance of oral language development (07:00)

Why you should be more intentional (11:19)

The importance of building background knowledge (14:46)

Moderate planning is okay (19:20)

Phonological awareness and phonemic awareness are key (20:47)

The four factors of future reading success (25:12)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Check out Allison’s latest book, Everyday Preschool.

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

What does it take to teach preschool children how to draw? I get asked this question a lot, so I thought why not share my answer with all my listeners?

Yes guys, you've guessed it, it's another "Calm Down Corner Special" episode!

If you've ever wondered "Is directed drawing right for my class?", then this episode is the right one for you.

A few years ago, directed drawing became a trend on the internet, and as a result, many pre-k educators started asking themselves if they should be adding this activity to their preschool curriculum.

My answer? I personally think it’s not a very good idea.

Why is that?

Well, you might want to listen to this episode to find out the answer.

So, what are you waiting for? 

Let's get to it!

 

Key Takeaways:

- Is directed drawing right for my class? (00:00)

- Story time! (00:40)

- Fact #1: Learning to draw is a developmental skill (02:33)

- Fact #2: The ability to draw is tied to the child's fine motor skills (07:12)

- Fact #3: Motivation to draw or write is needed (07:41)

- Myth #1: It is our job as teachers to teach our students how to draw (10:20)

- Myth #2: Directed drawings make great bulletin board displays (15:54)

- Myth #3: Directed drawing is a great way to practice listening skills (16:55)

- Myth #4: You're not a good teacher unless you're doing directed drawing with your students (18:11)

- Myth #5: Parents love it (18:54)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get replay access to the 2021 Soar to Success Summit here.

- Learn more about creating the perfect Morning Message here.

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Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Do your kids love visiting your preschool library center?

For many pre-k teachers, getting children interested in books and reading can be very difficult. And there are various reasons why that is so...

The kids aren’t interested…

They’re mistreating the books...

And very often, we’re not given the adequate resources to create a proper classroom library!

So in this week’s episode, I’m going to provide a solution for each of these challenges and share some proven practices for creating an exceptional preschool library center your kids will adore.

By applying these techniques, you’ll teach your kids to love books and handle them properly while designing an inviting and organized classroom library.

And you can do all of it on a shoestring budget!

All that and more on this week’s episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

Key Takeaways:

- Do your kids love going to your preschool classroom’s library center? (00:00)

- The most common library center challenges for pre-k teachers (00:51)

- Why children mistreat books (and how to teach them not to) (02:13)

- How to teach preschool children to love books and reading (06:27)

- Is having too many books in your preschool library center a bad thing? (11:01)

- The secret to making your preschool library center more inviting (11:53)

- An excellent system for teaching kids how to put books back where they belong (13:31)

- How many books should your preschool library center have? (15:19)

- Best methods for creating a fantastic library center on a low budget (17:37)

- Resources to help you create a top-notch library center! (blog post + book-handling skills kit + learning centers essential guide) (21:00)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get your 2021 Soar to Success Summit pass here.

- Check out our Preschool Classroom Library Center blog.

- Get our Book Handling Skills Kit here.

- Download our FREE Center Essentials Guide.

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Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Every single year, I get questions about the first days of school.

And so, I thought, why not have an episode about it? After all, that first day of school is a pretty big deal, not just for the students, but also for professional educators like you.

That is why I’ve created a free printable lesson plan to go along with the episode! I’ll also explain how to use it, so make sure you listen all the way through!

But, did you know? It's not just the first day of school that's crucial, it's actually the first ten days, and you should be focusing on them as much as you can.

Why is that?

Simply because those first ten days of school will set you and your students up for a successful year. And who doesn't want that?

So, how do you make sure they go as smoothly as possible?

Join me now to discover the answer to that question (and a few tips you can use to help yourself and your students transition smoothly into the school year).

Let's dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Focusing on the first ten days of school is important (00:00)

First, let's start with a quick story (00:56)

Tip #1: Always go for quality over quantity (03:38)

Tip #2: Less is more (04:27)

Tip #3: No product art in the first ten days (06:28)

Tip #4: Ignore the teacher next door (08:02)

Tip #5: Troubleshooting (10:26)

Why the first ten days of school are sacred (12:53)

Check out my free First 10 Days of School Lessons Plans (17:20)

Use engaging, fun books in those first ten days (19:54)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get our free First 10 Day of School Lesson Plan here.

- Get your 2021 Soar to Success Summit pass here.

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

In today's episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I will be discussing something every professional educator needs to use in their classroom: Emotions and feelings activities for preschoolers.

As we all know, social skills are not innate. They're learned and honed through life, and of course, the earlier you start, the more social intelligence and emotional literacy you acquire.

This is why emotions and feelings activities are crucial. 

In order to learn social skills, children have to first learn how to name and express their own feelings and emotions. 

There are many ways to help them achieve that, and today, I'll be sharing a few of them with you.

After all, what better way to teach your students about their feelings than through some fun games?

So, without further ado, let's get to it! 

 

Key Takeaways:

- It's never too early to introduce Bingo to your students (00:00)

- Using real photographs is a must (03:07)

- The memory-matching game (04:18)

- The feelings and emotions check-in chart (06:12)

- You can also use playdough mats (10:35)

- Bingo teaches self-regulation skills (12:01)

- The importance of emotional literacy (15:30)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get our Feelings Chart for Preschool Kids here.

- Get your 2021 Soar to Success Summit pass here.

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another “Calm Down Corner” special. 

In this week’s episode, I’ll be answering a couple of burning questions from some of my listeners, and also offering some tips on how to use your calm down cozy corner in the most effective way.

You see, many professional educators set up calm down corners (or Zen zones or calming areas) and find out —sometimes the hard way— that they’re not working as well as they wanted them to.

Why does that happen?

Simply because calm down cozy corners are not a magic pill and they don’t cure behavior. But, what they can be is an amazing tool, when used correctly.

Another reason they might not work is what’s in the calm down corner. If there’s too many tools in it, then you might find yourself with a few children who’d rather spend their whole time there (and that’s not what we want).

So, how can you solve these issues?

I answer this question in today’s episode of Elevating Early Childhood.

There’s a lot for us to explore, so let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

- Let's start with a question from one of our listeners! (00:00)

- Tip #1: Understand the true purpose of a calm down corner (01:25)

- Tools don't work if we think them as cures for behavior (02:04)

- Tip #2: Never put anything in your calm down corner that you haven't introduced to your whole class (06:57)

- Tip #3: Less is more (08:12)

- Answering another great question from a listener (09:09)

- What you can do differently to create a different outcome (11:12)

- Our goal as professional educators is not to get compliance from students (14:52)

- Some resources for you (15:26)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get my freebie bundle by entering our Podcast Launch Giveaway.

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Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Are focus walls REALLY an effective teaching tool for preschool and pre-k? Find out on our first ever “Calm Down Corner” episode of our podcast!

As early childhood professionals, we’re frequently exposed to misinformation about educating young children. Inappropriate, unfounded practices are being shared on the internet left and right. 

Shiny, buzzwordy—and completely opposite to how kids learn!

Not only are they ineffective, but they’re also a massive source of stress and anxiety for teachers because they make us feel like we’re not doing enough.

So to fight back, I’ll be getting on my soapbox from time to time and creating special episodes to dispel these harmful myths about early childhood education.

To get things started, I will bust the five biggest myths surrounding focus walls and their effectiveness. And to end the show on a constructive note, I’m going to share some of the best practices you can apply alternatively!

If you ever have any questions about other dubious early childhood education tips, feel free to reach out, and I might use it in one of my future “Calm Down Corner” specials. We can fight misinformation together!

And now, let’s dive into the show!

Key Takeaways:

- The two key things that help professional educators make instructional decisions (00:00)

- My first “Calm Down Corner” episode: dispelling top myths about focus walls (00:39)

- What is a focus wall and how does it supposedly “help” children learn? (02:28)

- Myth #1: Focus walls are research-based (03:35)

- Myth #2: Kids love focus walls, so it can’t hurt (04:25)

- Myth #3: Learning is linear (05:21)

- Myth #4: Focus walls help visual learners (06:07)

- Myth #5: They help children focus their attention (07:46)

- Best practices to use as alternatives for focus walls in your classroom (09:25)

- How to inspire young children to think critically and problem-solve (12:36)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers”.

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Have you ever entered your email address to download a freebie...and then been disappointed by what you got? I know I have plenty of times! 

When you’re trying to find new ideas for your classroom, freebies can be very helpful. But it can also go in another direction—one where you catch yourself thinking...

“Huh? That’s it? I could’ve Googled that!”

So when I create freebies and bundles, I’m particularly mindful of trying to provide the very best resources and in plentiful fashion. 

And for quite some time, I’ve been making a list of my favorite alphabet activities and games—things I’ve picked up along the way that I found precious and effective but were too small to give away individually.

Recently, I’ve finally collected enough to finish my bundle, and today I want to tell you all about it!

We have a bunch of games to break down—car games, board games, magnetic letters... You name it! 

And for each and every one, I’ve created printables that I’m going to share with you for FREE at the end of this episode.

There’s a lot for us to explore, so let’s get going!

Key Takeaways:

- THIS is why you need fun alphabet learning activities in your classroom (00:00)

- How I created this super freebie with printable alphabet games and activities (01:11)

- Alphabet Learning Game 1: Alphabet Fishing (02:32)

- Alphabet Learning Game 2: Alphabet Board Game (11:13)

- Alphabet Learning Game 3: Alphabet Roads (15:42)

- Alphabet Learning Game 4: Alphabet Sensory Cards (18:11)

- Alphabet Learning Game 5: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Magnet Tree (21:26)

- Alphabet Learning Game 6: Parking Lot (23:53)

- Alphabet Learning Game 7: Puppy Chow Letters (27:14)

- Alphabet Learning Game 8: Wikki Stix Alphabet (29:10)

- How to download my free alphabet games and activities printables bundle for free (31:15)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get my freebie bundle by entering our Podcast Launch Giveaway.

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Time young children spend in learning centers is precious for their development. And yet, it’s one of those strictly school-related activities, which is why we must do our very best to set them up for success.

Creating a successful learning center requires lots of strategic planning and effort. There are many questions you need to answer first, including…

How many centers should you create? 

How long should the center time be? 

What are the centers going to be about? 

How will your students know which centers to go to?

I know, right?! Makes your head spin! And that’s just barely scratching the surface.

Luckily, in over 20 years of teaching, along with 11 years in mentoring early childhood educators, I’ve gained plenty of experience with learning centers, as well as methods for improving and fine-tuning learning centers. 

For this episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I’m going to share my top 5 methods, along with some additional tips to help tie everything together.

Alrighty, Changemakers! Let’s get to it!

Key Takeaways:

- How to create learning centers that set kids up for real success (00:00)

- Questions you NEED to answer before creating a great learning center (01:39)

- Do THIS if you’re having challenges with learning centers (02:35)

- My top methods for fine-tuning your learning center time and make it run smoothly (06:29)

- Method 1: Applying labels so kids could recognize and organize them easier (7:24)

- Method 2: Creating a picture schedule for clarity on the order of their daily activities (8:48)

- Method 3: Making visual routines explaining how each learning center works (10:36)

- Method 4: Adding a visual planning component to your center time (11:54)

- Method 5: Implementing a cleanup routine at the end of center time (15:20)

- Real results from someone who implemented these learning center methods (16:48)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers” here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/teach-smarter-book/

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers” here:

https://bit.ly/join-teaching-trailblazers

- Get my FREE guide on how to create successful learning centers here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/center-essentials/

- Get our Teacher Success Bundle:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/products/teacher-success-bundle/

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Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Teachers, have you ever felt like a failure? Of course you have, and so have I! Every teacher out there feels like a failure some, or even all of the time. And that feeling of failure, it can really drag you down if you let it, am I right? That’s exactly why #teacher quittok exists. But before you throw in the towel and turn in your resignation, I encourage you to watch/listen to this episode until the very end because I’m going to share my #1 method to help you STOP feeling like a failure, and start experiencing that sweet success you deserve. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Have you ever encountered an educational program so boring you knew right away it wasn't going to work? One that is so dry and anti-fun the only thing it could do effectively was put children to sleep?

Throughout my career, I've had plenty of less-than-fortunate encounters with these types of programs. Some were so awful they literally drove teachers to quit their jobs! 

Luckily, if proven, research-based teaching methods guide your approach—NOTHING can stand in your way. 

Not even a dreadful educational program.

Today, I will show you how true early childhood professionals find ways to make learning fun regardless of how hopeless their situation may seem. I'll also share some of the best practices for teaching letters of the alphabet and making sure they stick.

Are you ready? Let's go!

Key Takeaways:

- Why are expensive programs not necessarily effective for teaching letters to preschoolers? (00:00)

- Is your classroom a bowl of Brussels sprouts or a delicious Thanksgiving dinner? (00:37)

- My encounter with a boring educational program so ineffective it made a young teacher quit! (3:56)

- How to turn dry educational programs into a fun and memorable experience for your students (06:44)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers” here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/teach-smarter-book/

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers” here:

https://bit.ly/join-teaching-trailblazers

- Get my FREE guide on how to teach letters of the alphabet to young children here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/how-to-teach-the-alphabet

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Early childhood teachers have it pretty rough. We face all sorts of indignities daily without even getting a hint of the respect we deserve as professional educators.

We’re constantly looked down upon, whether it’s coming from the parents of our students, administrators, or even our own peers!

With all that going on, it’s easy to drift into negative thinking, which can lead you down a destructive path. And if you go down that road long enough, you’re running the risk of becoming a complainer.

I want to show you a different way.

It’s not fair, and I get that. Trust me—I’ve been there myself, plenty of times before. 

Still, if we genuinely want to change how people perceive early childhood education, we first have to make a mindset shift of our own.

We need to start believing in our own self-worth as educators. If we don’t - no one else will!

My goal for this episode is to help you start thinking like a changemaker. It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t be easy, but I know you CAN do it.

You can do hard things! I believe in you!

Key Takeaways:

- What does it mean to be a changemaker in early childhood education? (00:00)

- How to stop falling victim to negative thinking and start believing in your self-worth (02:14)

- The many indignities we face as early childhood professionals and how to overcome them (03:56)

- The key steps to becoming a changemaker and earning the respect you deserve (05:02)

- My experience of going from complainer to changemaker (and why it felt so empowering) (05:52)

- I want you to start thinking of yourself as a professional educator and a changemaker! (08:12)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers” here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/teach-smarter-book/

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers” here:

https://bit.ly/join-teaching-trailblazers

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

One of the biggest challenges teachers face with teaching the alphabet is getting the letters to stick.

You spend weeks teaching, following your curriculum, doing everything by the book. Everything seems to be going great - the kiddos are getting it! And then...

Poof! They forget all of it! As if you’ve never even mentioned it before! Has this ever happened to you? Because it’s happened to me plenty of times.

When I was a young student teacher, I had an opportunity to shadow a kindergarten teacher following the Letter of the Week curriculum. Remember—this was a long time ago, so back then, it was considered a perfectly suitable way of teaching children the alphabet.

And after just several weeks of working there, it became clear just how ineffective this method was. The kids struggled to retain what they’ve learned, and some didn’t know any letters whatsoever!

Luckily, these days we know better!

Children do NOT learn the alphabet linearly, from A to Z. It is a global process that requires a lot more than rigid schedules, worksheets, and a funny letter P-themed costume.

So in this episode, I will share an excellent method for teaching children the alphabet, which is fun, effective, and backed by research.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

- Why the letters of the alphabet CAN’T be taught in 26 days (or even weeks)? (00:00)

- The biggest challenge teachers face when teaching young children the alphabet (00:41)

- How I learned firsthand that the Letter of the Week curriculum is highly ineffective (02:19)

- Why teachers need to teach smarter and not harder? (04:42)

- How do young children learn to identify letters? (06:18)

- How to teach letters of the alphabet in a way that’s, fun, effective, and backed by research (08:20)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers” here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/teach-smarter-book/

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers” here:

https://bit.ly/join-teaching-trailblazers

- Get my FREE guide on how to teach letters of the alphabet to young children here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/how-to-teach-the-alphabet

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Welcome to our first-ever episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

I’m Vanessa Levin, and I help pre-k, preschool, and kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more! 

Have you ever encountered a problem in your classroom you weren’t sure how to solve? Maybe you’ve felt alone, isolated from your colleagues, not knowing who to turn to for help?

These were the biggest challenges I’ve faced when I was starting out as an early childhood teacher. I spent years fantasizing about creating a place where teachers could exchange classroom experiences, give out tips, share successful practices, and support each other in tough times.

Starting Pre-K Pages helped me turn those dreams into reality, gathering a following of more than a million early childhood professionals who share a desire to be and do better.

It warms my heart to see so many teachers feel supported by the community I’ve created! 

Still, it’s been quite the journey getting there, and for this episode, I’d like to share some of the most important moments of my career with you.

I’ve had the opportunity to work and teach all across America - even internationally. And each one of those experiences has taught me a valuable lesson, making me the teacher and the person I am today.

Come! Let me tell you all about it!

Key Takeaways:

- The key to becoming a more successful teacher in 2021 and beyond (00:00)

- My journey from teaching English in Seoul, South Korea to creating Pre-K Pages (00:31)

- How I conquered the biggest problems most teachers faced and still thrived (01:31)

- How the power of community made teaching easier, more fun, and more fulfilling (03:23)

- How resistance to change improved my teaching (and other parts of my life, too) (04:13)

- The origin story of Pre-K Pages and why it has become the best place for teachers all over the world (05:20)

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers” here:

https://www.pre-kpages.com/teach-smarter-book/

- Learn more about my membership program “Teaching Trailblazers” here:

https://bit.ly/join-teaching-trailblazers

--

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Listen, it's no secret that teaching preschoolers isn't easy peasy. It's full of ups and downs with lots of bumps along the way, which leaves you exhausted from trying to find a balance between work and life. You just wish somebody would tell you what to teach and when to teach it, so you can find time to do the endless mounds of laundry or cook the occasional meal for your family. If any of this sounds familiar to you, I want you to know that you're not alone. In this episode of Elevating Early Childhood I'm sharing my top 3 tips for knowing what to teach and when to teach it in your pre-K classroom. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the behaviors in your preschool classroom? That’s a trick question because every teacher feels like that sometimes. And those behaviors, do they seem like they’re getting worse each year? If any of this sounds familiar, then you’re in the right place because this week’s episode of Elevating Early Childhood has the answers you’ve been looking for. But those answers might surprise you, so be sure to stick around until the very end so you don’t miss a thing. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Let me ask you a question, how is teaching Pre-K different from, let’s say, 4th grade? Or even first, second, or third grade? It’s an entirely different animal, isn’t it? So, if you’ve you been moved down to Pre-K from a higher grade, OR you’re brand new to teaching Pre-K, Then this episode of elevating early childhood is for you! And if you’re an administrator, instructional coach, or a classroom teacher who works with teachers new to Pre-K – you’ll find this episode useful too! Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Are you looking for ways to incorporate more nature into your classroom? Bringing the outdoors into your classroom can provide a calmer and more soothing environment for young children. Who doesn’t want more calm and less chaos in their classroom, am I right? In today’s episode of elevating early childhood I’m going to share easy and inexpensive ways to build a more natural math center in your preschool or pre-k classroom. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Teachers, let’s be honest, the end of the school year is almost as stressful as the beginning of the year, am I right? If you’re not rehearsing for the end of the year “program,” you’re assessing your students, doing report cards, planning Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, field trips, and much more! The very last thing teachers need at the end of the school year is more “stuff to do” piled on their already overflowing plates. In today’s episode of elevating early childhood, I’m going to share 5 easy hacks preschool and even kinder teachers can use to lighten the load during this busy time. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

What does it really mean to be “kindergarten ready?” Should we be teaching kids to read before they enter kindergarten? Are you worried that your preschool or Pre-K kids won’t have all the skills they need to excel in today’s kindergarten classrooms? In this episode I'm going to break it all down for you so your kids will be well-prepared for kindergarten - and beyond. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Do puzzles cause headaches in your classroom? Are your kids uninterested in puzzles? Or maybe they’re frustrated because they can’t put them together? If you think puzzles are too much of a hassle, or they’re too old school for today’s kids – think again! In today’s episode I’ll be sharing my best tips and tricks for teaching smarter, not harder when it comes to puzzles in the classroom, AND how to set your kids up for success with puzzles by following the developmental sequence that nobody taught you in college. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Teachers, have you ever been told by an administrator that centers are “just playing?” Maybe you’re even one of the unlucky ones who have been told by an administrator that you can’t have centers in your classroom because they’re “just for fun” and not enough academic learning is taking place. Or even worse, maybe even thought about throwing in the towel on centers because they’re just too darn hard to manage! Today I’m going to help dispel the 6 myths that preschool teachers should never fall for when it comes to learning centers. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Unpopular opinion alert! Today I'm taking on fine motor journals. Let's talk about the developmental stages of writing, proper letter formation, and authentic opportunities for developing fine motor skills - without fine motor journals! Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

Do you ever feel like you just don’t have enough center materials in your classroom?

Are you wondering if what you have is enough? And how do you know?

You see, setting-up and stocking your classroom centers can be very tricky. 

Every good teacher knows that centers are essential for a high-quality early childhood experience. 

The issue is that no one ever gives you an actual roadmap to follow when it comes to setting-up or stocking your centers.

And that can leave teachers like you and me struggling to figure it out on our own.

But today's your lucky day! I'm going to share my Ultimate Center Essentials Guide with you that will lay it all out for you in a very easy-to-follow format. 

So if centers are getting you down, this episode is for you!

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Do transitions in your classroom have you at the end of your rope? Does it feel like you’re trying to herd kittens during arrival, dismissal, or cleanup time?

Then I have two things to tell you:

1. You’re not alone.
2. I can help!

You see, transitions are something that all early childhood teachers struggle with. Yes, even the most experienced ones.

The issue is that even though everyone says transitions are important, no one ever gives you an actual roadmap to follow.

And that can leave teachers like you and me feeling a bit… all over the place.

Lucky for you, because I’ve been through this more than enough times, I’ve come up with a foolproof formula to easy transitions in the preschool classroom; specifically, cleanup transitions.

So if getting your preschool students to clean up seems like an impossible task, this episode is for you!

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Tune in now.

 

Key Takeaways:

Are cleanup transitions a nightmare for you? (00:00)

The four building blocks of cleanup time (03:05)

An easy step-by-step process you can follow (06:07)

Some troubleshooting tips (21:13)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Watch my previous transition video here.

- Get my Visual Routine Bundle here.

- Get my Back to School Bundle here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Do your students struggle to write the letters of the alphabet?

If so, I’ve got some good news for you: You’re not alone! 

In fact, most preschool teachers have to deal with this issue every single year (if not several times a year).

And because I have dealt with it too, I’ve ended up coming up with a few solutions to this pesky problem.

Improving your preschool students' handwriting can be a difficult task (even daunting for some of us), but it’s not impossible.

Don’t believe me?

Then listen to this episode where I share my top three steps to improve your preschoolers’ handwriting, try those tips, and let me know how it goes. I promise, they work!

All right, are you ready to learn more?

Let’s dive in.

 

Key Takeaways:

How to help your preschool students improve their handwriting (00:00)

Understand the importance of fine motor skills (03:56)

Set developmentally appropriate expectations (06:13)

Use the right tools at the right time (10:30)

Let’s discuss some conflicts (24:27)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Watch my episode about playdough tools here.

- Discover more handwriting tips here.

- Check out my favorite fine motor tools here.

- Get our Farm Fine Motor Printables here.

- Get your pre-writing cards here.

- Grab your FREE Fine Motor Parent Handout here.

- Get your FREE printable playdough recipe here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Friends, I have a question for you: Are the students in your classroom too loud?

If so, then welcome to the club no one wants to join (yes, I have jokes).

I can relate to students who have trouble keeping their outside voices where they belong, outside. 

And principals who complain about noisy classrooms.

No matter what has brought you here, you and I both know there is no magic fix for this little (but very loud) problem. 

Yes, we all wish we had a magic wand sometimes. Alas, no one has discovered that yet. So, we’ll have to go with the next best thing…

What’s that?

Tune in to this week’s episode to find out.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Is your classroom too loud? (00:00)

Story time! (02:37)

My 5-step solution to a loud classroom (03:26)

A few pitfalls you need to avoid (12:44)

How about troubleshooting? (18:35)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Friends, I have a question for you: Could your students use a little extra help paying attention during circle time? Are they constantly interrupting you? Or maybe they're struggling to learn important academic skills? 

All right, that was more than one question, but you get the gist!

Children have short attention spans, and that can mean constant interruptions in the early childhood classroom.

But what if I told you that there's one thing that you could do in the classroom to help with all of that and more?

And the good news is you don’t need any extra tools for it!

That one thing, my friends, is American Sign Language (ASL for short), and I’ll be discussing how you can incorporate it in your preschool classroom with today’s guest, an expert in ASL and a nationally-certified ASL interpreter, the brilliant Cynthia Long.

Are you ready to learn more?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Let’s talk about ASL (00:00)

Is ASL only for people with hearing challenges? (02:54)

The benefits of using ASL in the classroom (06:15)

Is ASL difficult to learn? (16:40)

Parting thoughts from Cynthia (24:35)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Discover our ASL alphabet posters here.

- More ASL FREE teaching resources here.

- Use code FREEFC to get your ASL flash cards freebie here.

- Learn more about Cynthia’s work here.

- Follow ASL Teaching Resources on Instagram here.

- Follow ASL Teaching Resources on Facebook here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Do your students love playing with playdough in your classroom or at home? I know mine do!

Playdough is not only super fun for children to play with, it’s also a great tool for them. It can help them develop stronger hand muscles and better hand-eye coordination. It’s also a great way for them to develop their fine motor skills.

Plus, let’s be honest: It’s the one thing you can offer preschoolers and know it’ll keep them engaged and on task for waaaay longer than a few minutes.

This is why having a playdough center in your preschool classroom is a must! 

Wondering how to make yours as interesting as possible?

Listen to this episode where I share my best tips for setting up and organizing your playdough center PLUS my favorite play dough recipe and dough tools to increase student engagement in the center.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Let’s talk about playdough! (00:00)

How to organize your playdough area (02:41)

What type of playdough should you use? (05:49)

My top playdough accessories (07:38)

How to make your playdough super colorful (17:23)

Some troubleshooting tips for you (19:02)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get your FREE printable playdough recipe here.

- Discover more playdough ideas here.

- Get playdough task cards here.

- Get textured rolling pins here.

- Get dough extruders here.

- Get plastic dough scissors here.

- Get cookie cutters here.

- Get alphabet dough stampers here.

- Get liquid watercolors here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a teacher more than a formal observation. 

You’re exhausted from all the hours you spent creating the perfect lesson plans. 

You’re waiting anxiously with a dry mouth and sweaty palms for your principal to walk through the door.

And there’s this sound of a clock ticking inside your head that you just can’t get rid of, no matter how hard you try.

Are you stressed out yet? Because I sure am!

But no need to panic, because, as always, I’m here to help!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, formal observations will always get those butterflies in your stomach going.

But that doesn’t mean you should let those butterflies ruin your day.

Instead, listen to this episode, and discover my top tips for a stress-free observation, as well as all the pitfalls to avoid.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Discover my tips for a stress-free observations (00:00)

Let’s go back to the nineties! (02:34)

The pitfalls you need to avoid (03:02)

What you should do (05:47)

Three things you need to focus on (07:45)

An example of a successful lesson (10:00)

Let’s focus on the things that are out of our control (14:49)

What to do if your observer is inexperienced (19:23)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get the Complete Fairy Tale bundle here.

- Get the 3 Little Pigs lesson plan here.

- Get the Picture Schedule Cards and Classroom Rules here.

- Get the 3 Little Pigs book list here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

--

Onward & Upward!

--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Our morning routine sets the tone for our whole day. And the same can be said for your students.

You see, what young children do from the minute they walk into your classroom each morning will affect the rest of their day. And this is why choosing the right morning activities for your classroom is a must!

So, here are a few questions you should ask yourself: 

• How do I handle arrival time in my preschool classroom? 
• Are my students practicing independence skills during this time?

And the most important question of all: What do my students do when they arrive?

Sure, these may seem like little things at first glance. But the way your students arrive in your classroom and what they do when they get there will set the tone for the rest of the day.

And if you want to set your students up for success, then it’s time to integrate free choice fine motor activities into your classroom’s morning routine.

Are you ready to learn more?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Morning routine: Yay or nay? (00:00)

Quick story time! (02:36)

Three things that will help you improve your arrival routine (04:21)

What to use in your fine motor morning tubs (10:29)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about morning work here.

- Get the arrival routine picture cues here.

- Get the spring fine motor printables here.

- Find the nail art tools for the poke activities here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Friends, I have a question for you: Have you ever had a parent request that their child not participate in holiday activities in your classroom? 

If you've taught for any length of time, chances are you've encountered this issue before. 

But what can you do about it? And how do you deal with it in a respectful and inclusive way?

In today’s episode, I’ll be answering these exact questions and sharing a few dos and don’ts of dealing with these situations.

Are you ready?

Tune in now!

 

Key Takeaways:

Dealing with preschool holiday party pitfalls (00:00)

You’ve got mail! (02:18)

What to do instead of a Halloween party (04:21)

How to have celebrations that are respectful and inclusive (07:44)

What about Valentine’s Day? (10:40)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Onward & Upward!

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

In the last two episodes, Dan St. Romain and I sat down and discussed everything from how to teach your students to become more independent to how to get them not to interrupt you during small group time.

Today, he and I will be tackling another hot topic: What to do when a parent tells you their child is being bullied. 

Nothing strikes fear in a teacher's heart more than hearing from a parent who says their child has been bullied. 

As a teacher, hearing those words makes us feel like we’ve let our students down. 

Bullying should never happen in the preschool classroom, that’s a given. But once a parent mentions it, there's no going back.

What's the first thing you should do? And what words should you use to discuss it with your young students’ parents? 

These are a few of the questions Dan and I discuss and answer in today’s episode.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

What to do when one of your students is getting bullied (00:00)

Has bullying increased? (01:52)

The importance of building a positive relationship with parents (07:11)

What if you haven’t had time to develop the relationship? (13:28)

Is it bullying or normal early childhood behavior? (20:28)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Dan St. Romain here.

- Get Dan’s book here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Check out my latest circle time area makeover, 2023 edition! Have you ever wondered what you should have in your circle time area? Or maybe you're wondering what's really necessary, and what's not. In this episode of Elevating Early Childhood I'll be unveiling my new circle time board for 2023-2024. You'll learn the must-haves, as well as the "don't bothers" so you can set yourself, and your students up for success all year long. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers   

In last week’s episode, Dan St. Romain and I discussed how to teach children not to interrupt you during small group time.

Something Dan and I really focused on during that conversation was the importance of teaching preschool-aged children to be independent the right way.

Well, today, Dan and I will dive deeper into that, so I hope you’re just as excited as I am!

Listen in as he and I discuss the best ways to teach your preschool students to become independent and how to ​​avoid the pitfalls many teachers make when it comes to fostering independence in the early childhood classroom.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Why teaching your students to be independent is a must! (00:00)

How teachers can encourage independence in the classroom (01:44)

Why going back to a place of joy is important (06:25)

Why we have to break our own habits (11:17)

Story time (16:56)

Don’t always solve your students’ problems (23:05)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Dan St. Romain here.

- Get Dan’s book here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Onward & Upward!

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

It’s no secret that small group time can be challenging, even for the most seasoned early childhood teachers.

Why is that?

Simply because it’s not always easy to manage the other students while working with small groups, which means the possibilities for interruption can be… infinite. 

But what can you do if you're struggling with constant interruptions during small group instruction?

To answer this question, I’ve invited the amazing Dan St. Romain to join me in this week’s episode, which is part of my Behavior Bites series.

Dan is a nationally recognized behavior specialist, and today, he shares his best tips for reducing interruptions so you can get through your small groups. 

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

How to troubleshoot small group interruptions (00:00)

Meet Dan! (02:05)

Some strategies for you (05:48)

How to help your students become more independent (12:28)

Quick story time! (20:13)

A recap of everything we discussed (24:03)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

 - Find all of our visual cues here. 

- Learn more about Dan St. Romain here.

- Get Dan’s book here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Many early childhood teachers feel like a broken record. They’re always saying “no” and “no hitting” and “use your words,” etc…

If you’ve been teaching preschool for a while, then you know that every day can be like a battlefield (full of cute children, yes, but a battlefield nonetheless). 

Our job consists of putting out a hundred fires at once while teaching children skills they will need in life and making sure they’re in one piece at the end of the day.

This is exactly why we need to learn how to redirect behaviors. Because it’s not always enough to say “no” or “don't do that,” most of the time, you have to present children with another option.

How does that work?

To discuss this, I have over the brilliant Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green for a third episode of my Behavior Bites series. 

Curious about what she has to say?

Tune in now!

 

Key Takeaways:

How to redirect behavior in the preschool classroom (00:00)

What is redirection? (02:29)

The power of redirection (07:33)

How to redirect children in the preschool classroom (11:35)

It’s time for some detective work! (15:00)

Where to connect with Carolyn (28:56)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green’s work here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Instagram here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Facebook here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Friends, I have a question for you: Do you ever dread saying no to your students because you’re worried they might have a full on meltdown?

I get you, I’ve been there too. 

Trying to say “no” to a child without having them throw a temper tantrum is a whoooole lot of work.

In simpler words, it’s hard. 

But as you know if you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, it’s not impossible!

Every preschool classroom problem has a solution. Yes, even this one.

And to discuss this, the brilliant Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green is back on the podcast for a second episode of the Behavior Bites series.

Today, she’ll be sharing with us why those meltdowns happen, how to prevent them, and what to do in case one of your students decides to go full Hulk anyway.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

How to say “no” to your students without meltdowns (00:00)

Why children hate being told the word “No” (02:52)

Why we need to teach children to deal with their emotions (07:48)

How to say “no” without saying “no” (11:38)

A real life example (17:13)

The tools you can use to avoid meltdowns (24:09)

A quick review (29:22)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green’s work here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Instagram here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Facebook here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

If you’ve ever wondered why your students wander around the classroom and just… dump their toys on the floor, then you’re not alone!

Let's face it, we've all had children in our classrooms wandering aimlessly from center to center pulling tubs of toys off the shelves without ever playing with them.

The truth is, this is a fairly typical scenario in the early childhood classroom.

The question then is: Why oh why do toddlers (and preschoolers) do that? 

And most importantly, how can you teach them not to do it?

To answer this question, I’ve invited the brilliant Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green.

If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while (thank you for that), then you know this isn’t the first time I’ve had Carolyn over.

And this won’t be the last either!

Listen in as she and I try to answer the age old question: Why do toddlers do what they do?

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Why do toddlers wander around the classroom and dump toys? (00:00)

Dumping is a milestone (06:33)

This behavior is totally… okay! (09:36)

How to support your students through this stage (11:37)

Advice from Carolyn (17:02)

How Carolyn introduces centers to her students (20:54) 

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Bobb-Green’s work here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Instagram here.

- Follow Training U To Succeed on Facebook here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

If you’ve ever taught young children (and my bet is you have, since you’re listening to this podcast) then you’ve probably had your fair share of daily fires to put out.

I feel you, I’ve been there too. 

It’s no secret that the daily life of an early childhood educator isn’t always sunshine and roses. And sometimes, it’s just really, really hard.

One of the issues many pre-k teachers struggle with is what to do when all their students want to go to the same center at the same time!

As you know already, some centers are simply more popular than others (like the dramatic play center, for example), so it makes sense that everyone wants to participate in it.

When that’s not possible, you may have to limit the number of students in a center.

How do you do that?

Tune in now to find out!

 

Key Takeaways:

What to do when your students want to go to the same center (00:00)

How I manage my classroom (00:56)

How to get students interested in other centers (03:22)

What if your class only meets a few days a week? (08:10)

What to do when there are too many kids in one center (10:09)

A few practical tips for you (14:23)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Teaching young children literacy skills can be tricky. They’re such an important skill that it can become downright intimidating to teach them to your students.

Which one do you even start with? Letters? Letter names? Or letter sounds?

Sometimes, the answer to that question seems obvious. But, most of the time, it’s truly not. And so, deciding which skill to start with can give even the most seasoned preschool educators a headache.

But, lucky for you, this is exactly what I’ll be discussing in this week’s episode of Elevating Early Childhood.

Tune in now and learn all you need to know about teaching literacy skills in preschool and which one to start with.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Letters, names, and sounds: Which comes first? (00:00)

Learning the alphabet is not a linear process (03:48)

One recommendation you need to follow (06:46)

Answering the second part of the question (08:04)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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--

Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

Before we start, let me ask you a quick question: Do your preschool or pre-k students need help learning how to count and develop number sense?

If your answer is "YES!" then you've come to the right place, because that's exactly what I'm discussing today.

As you know, math doesn't come easily to everyone. Some children have real difficulties with it, while others find it super fun and easy, almost like solving a puzzle game.

However, the math activities I'm sharing with you today are an exception, because all your preschool students will love them. They're fun and engaging, and they make math as simple as it can be!

So, are you ready?

Let's dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Fun math activities for your preschool classroom (00:00)

Has this ever happened to you? (02:17)

Target finds always help! (04:04)

"No prep, please," you said? (09:28)

Ice-cube trays for the rescue (13:07)

Make it super fun! (17:55)

Keep it simple (21:48)

The magic number (24:58)

 

Additional Resources:

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- For bear caves, click here.

- Want to buy colorful lunch trays? Click here.

- Get foam dice here.

- Click here for gator grabbers.

- In need of a pocket cube? Click here.

- Grab some mini-erasers here.

- Listen to episode 24 here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Does this sound familiar to you? 

While everyone else is out singing carols and decking the halls, you are barely keeping your head above water, because you're trying to do all that plus prep all of your lessons and activities for the first week back after winter break.

Just thinking about this makes me shudder. The struggle is real, am I right?

But, no need to panic, because today, I’ll be helping you get a jumpstart on your planning for the new year!

In this episode, I’ll be sharing with you aaaaaall my favorite preschool winter activities plus everything you need to start the new year on the right foot.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Here’s how to prep for the new year (00:00

The best read-alouds for winter (02:00)

Circle time games are a must (05:22)

Make your centers memorable (06:08)

Crazy fun counting games! (09:13)

Time to get dramatic (10:12)

Do your students need fine motor practice? (11:13)

Winter science activities (14:49)

These small group activities will make learning fun! (15:41)

Pattern blocks are perfect! (16:45)

It's game on with geoboards! (18:18)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Get your Winter Bundle here.

- Discover my Winter Book List here.

- Discover my Winter Song List here.

- Discover more winter activities here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Disclaimer:

Pre-K Pages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The word “affiliate” means that we may earn a small commission if/when you click on or make purchases via these links at no additional cost to you.

As a policy, the Company will only affiliate with products, services, consultants or experts that we believe will provide value to our customers and followers.

You recognize that it remains your personal responsibility to investigate whether any affiliate offers are right for you and will benefit you. You will not rely on any recommendation, reference, or information provided by the Company but will instead conduct your own investigation and will rely upon your investigation to decide whether to purchase the affiliate product or service.

Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Let me ask you this question. Have you ever had a child in your classroom get upset when they didn't get their own way? 

If your answer is “yes” (and I’m sure it is), then this episode is for you!

Why is that?

Simply because in it, I’ll be discussing why kids may throw fits when they don't get what they want, how to respond appropriately, and why “You get what you get and you don't throw a fit” is never the right answer.

And to make this even more interesting, I’ve invited a guest! His name is Ron Shuali, and he is simply brilliant. 

Ron is a speaker and the bestselling author of Breaking the Bullying Circle. He has expertise in the preschool through middle school arena, which is why he’s the perfect person to discuss this week’s subject with.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

 

Key Takeaways:

Meet Ron! (00:00)

Where does the disappointment come from? (07:40)

Time to reframe your thinking (11:12)

How to get started (16:18)

Remember to take a breath (21:34)

How to connect with Ron (28:00)

 

Additional Resources:

- Got a burning question for Vanessa? Get your answer on the Elevating Early Childhood podcast here.

- Visit our website to find tons of pre-K teaching resources here.

- Get my book “Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers”.

- Learn more about my exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Ron’s work here.

- Follow Ron on YouTube here.

 

Elevating Early Childhood is an early education podcast dedicated to helping Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten teachers teach better, save time, and live more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Teaching Trailblazers

Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers 

 

Welcome to another episode of "Elevating Early Childhood!" In this episode, we unravel the secrets to creating a successful preschool writing center from Day 1. 🍎✏️ 🔍 What You'll Learn: Why planning and setup are essential before the school year starts. The importance of organization: center signs, 'I Can' cards, and labels. Which supplies are a MUST at the beginning and why. Demonstrating and instilling proper procedures and routines. Pro tips on combining art and writing centers effectively. 🎨 Common pitfalls to avoid for a seamless experience. Plus, special insight for those working in smaller classroom spaces! 🖍️ Remember, nurturing young writers is a beautiful journey filled with discovery, creativity, and a little bit of messiness! Embrace the process and watch your little learners thrive. If you found this video helpful, don't forget to subscribe for more content on elevating early childhood education. Teaching Trailblazers Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers