Elevating Early Childhood

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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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 

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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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 

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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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 

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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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 

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.

--

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 

If you’re anything like me, then you love a good deal (and truth is, who doesn’t?)

Which is why this is such an exciting time of the year.

As someone who looooves a good deal, Cyber Monday is one of my favorite ways to find good deals on new materials for my classroom centers.

Even the ones that are too spendy may be affordable today, so I thought I would share some deeply discounted fun finds I recently discovered with you.

If you're always on the hunt for the best materials for your preschool learning centers, then I’ve got some good news for you: You’ve come to the right place.

Why?

Simply because today I’ll be sharing with you my most recent budget-friendly Amazon finds that your students will absolutely love.

Are you ready for the fun?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

It’s Cyber Monday! (00:00)

The perfect materials for a sensory bin (02:41)

Alphabet acorn sensory play (07:59)

How many birds are in the nest? (13:05)

More must-haves for your centers (16:26)

Last but not least… (20:49)

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”.

- Check out my Amazon shop here.

- Get Number Locks here.

- Learn how to dye rice here

- Want more sensory bin ideas? Grab my free Sensory Bin Essentials guide here.

- Want to see all my classroom learning centers? Get my free Center Essentials Guide 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 

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty certain hearing a student say “I’m boooooored!!” is every preschool teacher’s nightmare.

I’ve been through this before, as have you, I’m sure.

And, because of that, I know you can imagine the panic in every teacher’s head when those cursed words are uttered.

But, have you ever stopped to ask yourself why your students are saying this?

You see, it’s not always boredom, but something else.

What is it?

Well, you’ll have to listen to this episode to learn the answer to that question!

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

“I’m SOOOOO booooooored!” (00:00)

Why children get bored easily (03:05)

How to help your students combat boredom (06:04)

Plan - Do - Review (07:15)

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 center rotation cards here.

- Discover the “I Can” center task cards here.

- Get your Visual Routines Classroom Management Bundle here.

- Get your Clean-Up Visual Routines Classroom Management Bundle here.

- Get your Back-To-School Classroom 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 

Imagine with me: You’ve got your preschool classroom all set up. The centers are stocked and ready to be used, full of materials you’ve purchased or made yourself. 

Everything is the best it could be, and you just can’t wait for your students to use and enjoy every single center in the classroom.

However, somehow, your kids just avoid certain centers. They don’t like them, don’t want to go near them, don’t even look at them…

Uh oh, Houston, we have a problem.

Does this sound familiar to you?

If so, this episode is for you, because in it, I’ll be discussing how to use one set of manipulatives (in this case, Learning Resources People Counters) throughout the year to teach different skills and keep interest high in the classroom.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

My students HATE the math and literacy centers… WHY?! (00:00)

A familiar feeling (02:00)

One big difference to keep in mind (07:35)

Switching out your center materials: Yay or nay? (10:56)

A few more ideas for you (15:58)

Let’s make a pattern! (20:59)

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 my FREE Center Essentials Guide here.

- More about preschool classroom centers here.

- Get Do-A-Dot Markers here.

- Get Learning Resources People Counters 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 

Are you looking for ways to make things more fun and engaging in your classroom this November?

If so, you're in luck because in today's episode of Elevating Early Childhood, I'll be sharing 12 fun, exciting, engaging, and developmentally appropriate ways to spice things up this Thanksgiving.

From sensory bins to pumpkin pie scented playdough, these creative ideas are a fantastic way for your children to develop their fine motor skills - all while having a blast!

Tune in to learn how to spice up your center activities and discover awesome Thanksgiving teacher resources and ideas such as songs and books, and more - everything you need for a perfect fall or harvest celebration!

Are you ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Best Thanksgiving ideas for preschoolers (00:00)

How to make your own turkey playdough (02:20)

Making turkeys with biggie beads (05:00)

Friendship salad (13:14)

Popcorn turkeys and pumpkin-scented playdough (20:00)

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 exclusive mentorship program, "Teaching Trailblazers".

- Get your FREE Circle Time Guide here.

- Discover 15 fingerplays and facts here.

- Discover fingerplays from A to Z here.

- Get Your Thanksgiving Activity Bundle here

- Non Food Sensory Bin Filler Ideas

1. Turkey playdough

2. Corn in sensory bin 

3. Cranberries in sensory bin 

4. Dramatic play thanksgiving dinner

5. Coffee filter turkeys 

6. Friendship Salad 

7. Pumpkin Pie in a Cup Freebie

8. Popcorn Turkeys

9. Thanksgiving Treat Bag Topper Freebie 

10. Thanksgiving book list at PKP  

11. Thanksgiving song list at PKP

12. Pumpkin Playdough Recipe 

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!

--

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 

Whether you love pumpkin pie and turkey, or you dread family get-togethers, one thing's for sure, Thanksgiving is almost here! 

What does this mean for early childhood teachers like you and me?

Well simply… the dreaded extra work.

Being a preschool teacher can be challenging on the best of days, but, during times like Christmas and Thanksgiving, the work can downright be impossible!

However, this year it’s going to be different.

Because, this year, I’ll be sharing with you four easy steps to help you keep things fun and developmentally appropriate in the classroom during these festive times.

Ready to learn?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

It’s Thanksgiving time! (00:00)

Time for a quick story (04:19)

Remember the research (08:07)

Embrace the position statement (09:05)

Engage with meaning (10:47)

Let go of your old mindset (15:09)

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”.

- Check out my Thanksgiving book list here.

- More Thanksgiving activities here.

- Get the Thanksgiving Bundle here.

- More about the Friendship Fruit Salad here.

- Learn how to teach about Thanksgiving in a socially responsible way here.

- Learn how to teach about Native Americans in preschool here.

- Read the NAEYC Position Statement on Equity and Diversity 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