Elevating Early Childhood

There are two types of teachers: Those who absolutely love technology and those who don't feel comfortable using it. 

But the one thing both types have in common is that they never have enough time in their work day to get everything done.

I'm sure you're in the same situation as well. Always running around, feeling like a headless chicken, because you have a million and one things to do and not. enough. time. to do them.

Well, lucky for you, I'm here to help. 

I've been there, I've come up with some solutions, and today, I'll be sharing them with you!

Ready to discover what my top time-saving tech tips are?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Too much to do but too little time? I'm here to help! (00:00)

Tech Tip #1: Take advantage of Gmail (03:05)

Tech Tip #2: Don't forget to schedule! (06:09)

Tech Tip #3: Ad-free is always best (07:44)

Tech Tip #4: Don't be a Google Drive hoarder (10:01)

Tech Tip #5: Pin those tabs! (11:47)

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”.

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 

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

Today's episode is suuuuuuper exciting.

"Why," you ask?

Simply because I'm interviewing the brilliant Dr. Danny Brassell!

If you haven't heard of him (although I'm sure many of you have), Dr. Brassell is an internationally-acclaimed speaker, best-selling author of 15 books, and overall funny person — I mean he is nicknamed “Jim Carrey with a PhD”—. 

I first met Dr. Brassell when I was on the educational conference speaking circuit, and I thought, "Why keep all his knowledge for myself?" which is exactly why he's joining me in today's episode, where we'll be discussing an important subject: Expanding access to public preschool.

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Why we need public preschool (00:00)

Meet Danny! (02:10)

What is the purpose of preschool? (06:31)

Every child is different (08:46)

"Children are made readers in the laps of their parents" (12:38)

Captain Underpants is the gateway drug to Shakespeare (18:19)

The difference between public preschools and private preschools (22:58)

All parents want what's best for their children (28:51)

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 Dr. Danny Brassell 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, before we start, let me ask you a quick question.

Do your students love pretend play?

I’m pretty sure your answer is a resounding “yes!” because, come on, what child doesn’t like to act out everyday scenarios for fun?

Well, you can take your students’ love for dramatic play, and turn it into a learning moment (isn’t that our job after all?)

And what better way to do that than by creating your own — very successful, might I  add — dramatic play center.

Having a well-equipped, well-organized, and clearly labeled dramatic play center will keep your preschool students engaged in playful learning and on-task for longer periods of time.

So really, what’s not to love?

All right, let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Make your own dramatic play center today! (00:00)

Dramatic play must-haves (03:13)

Where to start? This way! (14:54)

Props and themes are always welcome (16:23)

Make introductions (18:51)

How much space do you need? (20:49)

Answering some more questions (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”.

- Discover our dramatic play themes here.

- Take a look at my own dramatic play center here.

- Shop my dramatic play favorites 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 

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.

--

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 you have kids in your classroom who have strong reactions to things like loud noises or certain smells? 

If your answer is "yes", then you may have students with sensory issues!

Whether it's the first or the tenth time you've encountered a situation like this, it's important to know what to do, and most importantly, what not to do for your students' wellbeing!

So, to discuss this, I've invited author Keri Wilmot on the podcast. 

Keri is an author and pediatric occupational therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience, and today, she's here to discuss how to help your students cope with their sensory challenges in the classroom.

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Sensory processing in the classroom (00:00)

Meet Keri! (02:10)

A brief overview of sensory processing (03:56)

Why it's important to know about sensory processing (08:27)

Answering one of your questions (10:47)

The right tools help (15:35)

Should you be having this conversation with the parents? (24:17)

Tips and tricks from Keri (26:35)

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”.

- Grab Wired Differently: A Teacher's Guide to Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges by Keri Wilmot here.

- Connect with Keri 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 

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

Before we start, let me ask you a question: What's in your block center?

If you're looking for ways to spice up your block center or help your kids get the most out of the block center, then this episode is for you!

Because, let me tell you, when your block center is well-stocked and organized, student engagement will skyrocket!

But how do you make sure yours checks all the right boxes and is as successful as it can be?

Tune in to this episode to find out!

Ready? Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Setting up a successful block center doesn't have to be hard (00:00)

Adding natural items (02:55)

Dollar store finds! (06:12)

Things that go (08:45)

Where does it go? (13:06)

We the People (14:36)

Don't "leaf" these out! (18:37)

What kind of blocks to use? (19:49)

"Do not touch!" (22:37)

Use center signs (23:36)

Bring literacy into your block center (24:07)

How to make block center clean-up a breeze (27:11)

Add things to complement your themes (29:46)

How much space do you need? (31:49)

Here's how to manage your students in the block center (34:33)

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 my FREE center essentials guide here.

- Shop your block center products here.

- Grab editable center labels here.

- Grab editable center signs here.

- Learn more about my block center 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 

What's the secret to making every circle time a smashing success?

This is the question I answer in today's episode of Elevating Early Childhood!

As you know, circle time is an essential part of every preschool classroom. Done right, it can be super fun and engaging!

But, there is one big obstacle between you and a successful circle time... Children's short attention spans!

I've talked about this before, and yes, I'm about to circle back — excuse the pun — to it again this week, because if you want to have the perfect circle time, you need your students to pay attention.

How can you make sure that happens? 

I answer this question (and more) in today's episode, so tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

What's the secret to a successful circle time? (00:00)

A story about Ashley (03:19)

A story about Jaden (09:41)

I found my perfect bag, what about you? (16:15)

Meet Allie the alligator! (22:43)

Don't forget circle time games (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”.

- Check out episode 21 here.

- Check out episode 22 here.

- Find out more about circle time songs here.

- Find more circle time tips 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, it's a new year!! 

And you know what that means… NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!

Every single December, we all collectively decide the coming year is going to be our best. 

But let's be honest, these last two years have been less than stellar, especially for teachers, thanks to a little something called "The Pandemic".

However, as they say, third time's the charm, and 2022 is going to be OUR year!

And that's why it's the perfect time to make (and follow) the one resolution every teacher needs to make: Setting boundaries.

Having interactions with your students' parents and keeping them in the loop is important, but don't let them walk all over you. After all, you're the professional.

However, if you find that this is easier said than done, then you're in luck, because today, I discuss how to live your best teacher life and learn how to say no with the brilliant Pat Quinn.

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

"No" is a complete sentence (00:00)

Setting boundaries is a must! (02:53)

Stories vs. facts (06:55)

"Swim with the fish" (10:05)

Two truths and a truth (20:02)

What to do when you get blindsided by a request (27:23)

Final thoughts (32:36)

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 exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about Pat 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 

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

Today, we're talking… organization! 

If you're dreaming of a more organized teacher life in 2022, I've got you! 

If you want a fresh start to the new year, then kick classroom clutter to curb and organize #allthethings with my very best tips.

After all, no one enjoys it when they open a cabinet in their classroom and get hit on the head by a random bottle of tempera paint — please tell me I'm not the only one who's been there —.

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

The saga of the stray magnetic letter (00:00)

My top 5 storage and organization tips for your classroom (02:08)

My best closet storage tip (04:32)

My best closet storage tip (08:24)

Repurposed containers for storing yarn (16:06)

My best bulletin board border storage tip (19:08)

My best book organization tip (20:45)

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”.

- Check out more teacher storage and organization ideas here.

- Get your book tub labels here.

- Looking for theme tub labels? Click here.

- Get printable supply labels here.

- Grab yourself some plastic book bins here.

- Get clear plastic shoe boxes here.

- Click here for clear plastic theme storage tubs.

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 

I remember the very first time I saw a light table in a classroom, I was mesmerized by the soft glow and the reflecting colors. 

There was just something about it that was super soothing and comforting to me.

And who doesn't like soothing and comforting? I mean, those words sound like a cozy night in with a good book and a hot cup of tea!

Well, after making my discovery, I thought to myself: "My students will 100% enjoy something like this."

But buying a light table was out of the question, it was just too expensive for me.

So, what did I do?

*DRUMROLL*...

I MADE ONE!

Yes friends, I went through a full-on DIY phase, and an amazing light table came out of it! 

And guess what? You can do the same! 

Just listen to this week's episode to find out how.

Key Takeaways:

What's a light table? (00:00)

Where to find a light table (04:30)

DIY light table? Yes please! (06:32)

What does a light table help with? (08:45)

Pros and cons of a light table (10:16)

The activities students can do on a light table (11:57)

DIY light table mats (13:18)

Translucent letters and number (18:22)

Translucent linking cubes (20:20)

Magna tiles (21:55)

Translucent pattern blocks (22:57)

Translucent bingo chips (24:18)

Translucent cups (25:51)

Answering more light table-related questions (26:43)

A few more resources for you (28:54)

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 exclusive mentorship program, “Teaching Trailblazers”.

- Learn more about light table centers here.

- Wondering what kind of light table activities you can do with your students? Click here to find out!

- Everything about light table tools here.

- Here’s how to make your own light table.

- Grab your editable center signs here.

- Grab your “I Can” center task cards 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