Elevating Early Childhood

Do parent-teacher conferences stress you out?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! 

Every teacher goes through the worry and the anxiety that come with them, even those of us who have been teaching for decades.

It’s normal to stress about parent-teacher conferences. After all, they require a lot of work and patience.

From the extra prep work involved to the anxiety that comes with having to talk to parents and maybe let them know their little ones aren’t progressing as much as they hoped for, parent-teacher conferences can be nerve-wracking.

Add to that having to do several (as in twenty or more) of those sessions in a day, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster.

Truly, no one would blame you if you curled up in a corner and cried a little (it’s okay, stress does this to all of us).

But, lucky for you, I’m here to let you know that parent-teacher conferences don’t have to be a nightmare!

All you have to do is follow the tips in this week’s episode, and your conferences will be running like a well-oiled machine in no time!

Ready to learn more?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

All about parent-teacher conferences (00:00)

Scheduling your conferences (04:08)

What to do before the conferences begin (12:38)

What to do during the conferences (17:43)

Quick Q&A session (32:45)

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”.

- Learn how to have tough conversations with parents here.

- Get Parent Handouts Vol. 1 here.

- Get Parent Handouts Vol. 2 here.

- Get your student assessment packet here.

- Get your 3-year old observational assessment packet here.

- Get your pre-k report card editable here.

- Get your printable parent-teacher conference forms and handbook here.

- Get your fine motor-skills parent handout 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 

Teaching dual language learners in the preschool classroom is not always easy.

I taught this population exclusively for 20 years and I have met obstacles along the way — like every other teacher who’s done it before me—.

However, there ARE ways to make it easier on yourself and your students.

And to discuss that, I have invited this week’s guest, the brilliant Maria Mercedes Champion.

Maria Mercedes is an enthusiastic bilingual preschool teacher with nearly two decades of experience in the classroom.

She has served as a program coordinator and a bilingual facilitator for her district’s kinder reading program.

And today, she’s here to talk about how to teach ESL students.

Ready to learn more? 

Dive in now!

Key Takeaways:

Teaching dual language learners in the preschool classroom (00:00)

Meet Maria Mercedes (02:46)

What if I don’t speak my students’ native language? (03:48)

My experience in South Korea (06:58)

Should children speak their native language in the classroom? (16:09)

Do you need a translator in the classroom? (22:56)

Learning a second language can help you in more ways than one (30:31)

How to help your ESL students feel more included in the classroom (34:03)

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”.

- Learn more about Maria Mercedes 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 

When I was in school, I didn't like science class very much. I found it boring and I never enjoyed it.

However, just because that was my experience, it doesn’t mean the same should happen with my preschool students.

See, young children are full of curiosity and love experimenting with the environment around them. 

To them, the world is full of wonders and they want to discover and learn about all of it.

Using their natural curiosity and my science center tips, you can help them understand the world and how it works in a fun and interesting way.

How can you build a science center that will have your students eager to learn?

Tune in now to find out!

Key Takeaways:

Do you have a science center in your classroom? (00:00)

Why is having a science center important? (04:25)

How to set up a successful science center (05:27)

Answering your questions (19:29)

My own science center stories (24:18)

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 more science center ideas here.

- More about pre-k science units here.

- Get editable center signs here.

- Get printable classroom labels here.

- Learn about the best earth science books here.

- Learn about the best life science books here.

- Learn about the best physical science books here.

- Learn how to grow sweet potatoes with your students here.

- Learn how to grow grass with your students here.

- Learn how to grow lettuce with your students 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 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

If you remember, a few episodes ago, I discussed calendar time and whether or not you needed it in your preschool classroom.

And well... it seems many of you had even MORE questions, so I’ve decided to answer them for you.

In today's episode I'll be responding to our listener and viewer comments and questions on this super hot button topic — for us preschool teachers —.

Are you ready for a mindset shift?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Do you have calendar time questions? (00:00)

Thank you for coming to my TED talk! (02:32)

Answering your first question (04:09)

Another one of your YouTube comments (07:29)

Responding to a comment from a mom (11:37)

Let's check your Instagram comments! (12:14)

What our Trailblazers are saying (17:06)

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”.

- Learn more about calendar time activities here.

- Get your linear calendar kit here.

- Listen to episode 44 - “Do Kids Need Calendar Time in Preschool?” 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 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Elevating Early Childhood.

Today's podcast is another one of my thrilling interviews, and I can't wait for you to meet this week's guest!

But before I introduce them, let me ask you a quick question: Do you use picture books in your preschool classroom?

Now, I already know your answer, "Well of course, Vanessa! Everyone uses picture books to teach young children!"

And you might be right, however, are you doing it the right way? Are you using children's picture books to meet educational standards?

Because if you aren't, then you 100% need to meet this week's guest, the brilliant Debbie Clement!

Debbie has more than 40 years of experience working with young children as both a teacher and an administrator. 

She is also a children's book writer and illustrator, and today, she's here to discuss how to use children's picture books to meet educational standards in fun and developmentally appropriate ways.

Ready to learn more?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Do you use picture books in the classroom? (00:00)

Meet Debbie Clement! (02:44)

Debbie's latest project (04:31)

A book full of artistic surprises (20:09)

About preschool educational standards (24:29)

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 Mighty Wings by Debbie Clement 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 

Hello everyone, Vanessa here! 

I'm suuuuper excited to have you over again for another fun episode of Elevating Early Childhood.

Today, I'll be discussing calendar time in preschool.

As you know, calendar time in the preschool classroom can be challenging (for quite a few reasons). 

And the big question about it often is: To do calendar or not to do calendar?

And I am here to answer it for you!

Yes friends, today, we're tackling the big calendar time debate!

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Calendar: To do or not to do? (00:00)

Ever heard of cognitive dissonance? (02:12)

Let's go back to 1992 (05:02)

The linear calendar (07:19)

What to do if you don't teach using calendar (14:03)

What if I have to do calendar because my director or principal says so? (17:24)

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”.

- More calendar time tips here.

- Get your linear calendar kit here.

- Get your editable picture schedule cards here.

- Get your at-home daily picture schedule here.

- Read Good Intentions Gone Awry here.

- Learn more about how to make calendar time meaningful 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 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

Today, I'll be discussing circle time and what to do when it goes awry.

No matter how good you are at keeping your students focused and engaged during circle time, you'll find yourself, one day or another, facing issues.

Circle time problems are common, but many of us find ourselves panicking when they happen.

However, you don't need to. As long as you're prepared, you'll know how to troubleshoot circle time issues.

To discuss this, I've invited the brilliant Prerna Richards to join me in today's episode.

Prerna is an early childhood coach and consultant, and she has been working in this field for the past 35 years. 

She has served as a teacher, a director, an education specialist, and a program director, and today, she's here to talk about how to troubleshoot circle time when it doesn't go as planned.

Ready to learn more?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Troubleshooting circle time (00:00)

How to deal with children who won't come to circle time (04:02)

"I've been doing this same thing for so long, I need to spice it up." (12:50)

Strategies to deal with interrupters (19:27)

Treasure box (24:03)

Get yourself some fidget toys! (27:11)

A quick demo (30:00)

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”.

- Learn more about Prerna’s work 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 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Elevating Early Childhood.

Today, we're talking… sensory table activities!

Yes friends, it's time to go big or go home.

Sensory play isn't just fun or messy, it turns out that it has other benefits too!

If you're looking for ways to add interest and boost engagement during center time in your classroom, then you don't want to miss this episode.

All in all, sensory tables are a must-have in every early childhood classroom.

In this episode I'm unveiling my easy step-by-step process to setting up successful sensory table activities.

Are you ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Do you have a sensory table in your classroom? (00:00)

Step #1: Know your "why" (03:00)

Step #2: Choose your fillers (05:00)

Step #3: Don't be shy, add some themes! (18:56)

Step #4: Add the right tools (23:22)

Step #5: Troubleshooting is a must! (26:56)

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”.

- Download your FREE sensory essentials guide here.

- Learn more about the sensory bin here.

- More sensory table themes here.

- Check out my favorite sensory bin tools and toys 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 

Teaching math skills to preschoolers is not always straightforward.

Not every child will find it easy to jump into the world of numbers, and some might even find math pretty intimidating.

So, how can we, as early childhood teachers, help facilitate this for them? And where do we even start? 

These are the questions I ask today's guest, who is none other than the amazing Shannon McCartney.

Shannon is an international consultant and author whose work helps teachers from all around the country embed developmentally appropriate numeracy concepts in their classrooms.

She is also the founder of Strategic Intervention Solutions and the creator and executive producer of Math Mights on PBS.

All in all, Shannon is a star (and I'm not saying that just because she's a dear friend of mine), and today, she's here to help us build strong numeracy brains in our students.

Are you ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

How to teach preschool math skills (00:00)

Meet Shannon! (02:51)

"Should I panic?" (06:37)

The next layer (16:49)

Where to go next (22:50)

Good news from Shannon (25:42)

Where you can watch Math Mights (29:29)

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”.

- Learn more about Shannon’s work here and 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 

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

Today's episode is one many of you have been asking for.

It's part 3 of my circle time series!

But before we start, let me ask you a question: Are you searching for ways to make circle time more fun and engaging for your preschool students?

If your answer is a resounding "YES!" — and I'm sure it is — then you've come to the right place!

Today, I'll be discussing how to create fun and engaging circle time activities for a pets theme in your preschool classroom.

My pets theme is one of my most popular ones — kids love animals — and I thought I'd share how I put it all up with you!

So, are you ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Set yourself up for success (00:00)

Prep, prep, prep! (02:51)

Start with an introduction (08:54)

The cat is out of the bag! (10:20)

What do the clues tell us? (13:59)

Today's story (16:53)

It's time for a poem! (21:33)

The circle time game (28:24)

Tomorrow is another day (33:35)

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 the vet clinic dramatic play bundle here.

- Get pet themed math and literacy activities here.

- Get the circle time number games big bundle here.

- Get your alligator puppet here.

- Get Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn 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