The Kindergarten Toolbox – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

✔ simplify classroom management

 ✔ reduce behavior chaos with systems that stick

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

 ✔ build routines that make your day flow

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

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

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

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Here’s to calmer days and more confident writers!

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Writing Toolbox

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Writing Toolbox

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

The Kindergarten Management Toolbox

Grab your FREE Glow Notes

Chatter Challenge 

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

100th day of School Printables

FREE 100th Day Hat

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Tattling in kindergarten can feel nonstop and exhausting. 

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

Glow & Grow Behavior Notes

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

Kindergarten Writing Toolbox 

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

Classroom Visuals Bundle

Kindergarten Management Toolbox

10-Frame Behavior Incentive Charts

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

Classroom Visuals Bundle

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

Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

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

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

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

Free Build-a-Reward Charts

Kindergarten Management Toolbox

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