🎙 Episode 7: The Truth About Teachers’ Summers

“Must be nice to have summers off…” 😬

If you’ve ever heard that phrase and felt your blood pressure spike a little—you’re not alone.

In this episode, Alex gets real about what summer actually looks like for teachers. Spoiler: it’s not two months of piña coladas and pool floats (though we wish!). 

From mental recovery to prepping for a brand-new group of learners, teachers use summer differently than most people think.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why it’s okay if rest feels hard at first
2. The emotional weight teachers carry into summer
3. What “off” really means when you’re still thinking about 25 little humans
4. How to recharge without guilt

This one’s part pep talk, part validation—and 100% for every teacher who needs permission to slow down.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the full blog post: The Truth About Teachers' Summers

🎁 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Summer review packets (for when you're still in prep mode)
2. ✅ Self-care tools and teacher resources to ease back-to-school planning
3. ✅ Member-only support to help you reset, recharge, and return with confidence

📍Join the Club: https://printandplayclub.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

📲 Follow on Instagram for more teacher truths: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 If this episode gave you a sense of peace or a needed reminder—you’re doing enough—share it with a teacher friend.

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

🎙 Episode 6: What to Do When Kids Interrupt All Day Long

If you're hearing “Teacher! Teacher!” on repeat, or getting constant shoulder taps during small group time — you’re not alone. Interrupting is one of the most common (and draining) behaviors in early childhood classrooms.

In this episode, Alex walks you through exactly why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to set realistic expectations while still teaching respectful communication.

✨ You’ll learn:

1. Why interrupting isn’t just a behavior issue — it’s a skills gap
2. How to proactively teach what to do instead
3. The difference between reactive reminders and real modeling
4. Quick, classroom-tested strategies to minimize disruptions

Whether you're mid-lesson or trying to finish a sentence, these tips will help you guide students with patience and boundaries.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

Free Interrupting Posters on the Blog > https://thekindergartenconnection.com/classroom-management-posters-to-minimize-interrupting/

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Visual posters for waiting and taking turns to talk
2. ✅ Fixing Interrupting Video Training
3. ✅ Interrupting Song

📍Join the Club: https://printandplayclub.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

💛 Bonus Tip: Try practicing “What to do when you need your teacher” before problems arise—your future self will thank you!

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

🎙 Episode 5: 3 Things to Say Instead of "Good Job" (That Spark Real Conversation)

Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with saying “Good job!” But what if you could level up your praise to build confidence, spark conversation, and boost learning?

In this episode, Alex shares three powerful phrases you can use instead of generic praise to help students feel truly seen—and deepen their reflection in the process.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why shifting your feedback builds language and confidence
2. 3 simple go-to phrases to replace or expand on “Good job!”
3. Easy examples of how to use them in real classroom moments

These small swaps can make a big impact—and your students will feel the difference.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📝 Related blog post > https://thekindergartenconnection.com/3-ways-to-give-positive-feedback-in-the-classroom/

🎨 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ I Can Give Feedback (Peer Evaluation) 
2. ✅ Motivating Students Video Training

📍Join the Print and Play Club 

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

Tattling All Day? Here’s What to Do Instead

If you’ve already heard “They’re not sharing!” or “He cut me!” more times than you can count before recess—you’re not alone.

In this episode, Alex shares why constant tattling happens (hint: it’s not just misbehavior) and what to do instead—including real classroom examples, easy conversation scripts, and one gentle challenge for this week.

✨ You’ll learn:

1. Why tattling is really about missing problem-solving skills
2. How to explicitly teach peer conflict resolution
3. What it means to coach the conversation instead of solving problems for them
4. A simple mindset shift that turns tattling into teachable moments

Because "Use your words!" only works if we’ve taught them how.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📌 Want more help with problem-solving and tattling?

→ Check out these helpful articles on the blog:

• Strategies For Dealing with Tattling in the Classroom 
• The Importance of Developing Problem Solving Skills

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Problem Solving Song and Discussion Cards
2. ✅ Tattling Video Training
3. ✅ Tattling Vs. Telling 

📍 Join the Print and Play Club here

💛 Try this: Next time tattling comes up, model the conversation instead of taking over. You’re not just managing behavior—you’re building life skills.

📝 If this episode gave you a helpful shift, share it with a teacher friend who hears tattling on loop too.

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

Episode 3: You’re Almost There – A Pep Talk for the Final Stretch

You know it’s the end of the year when someone’s backpack is full of rocks and routines are… well, barely hanging on. If you’re juggling countdowns, theme days, and student energy that’s turned all the way up—you’re not alone.

In this short but powerful pep talk, Alex is here to remind you just how far you’ve come and how much you’ve already done.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. A lighthearted look at this wild time of year
2. Encouragement to reflect on the impact you've already made
3. A motivating message for crossing the finish line with heart (not perfection!)

This episode is for every teacher who’s showing up tired, stretched thin, but still full of love. ❤️

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

Looking for simple, ready-to-go resources to wrap up the year? Find them inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ End-of-Year Ceremony Resources
2. ✅ Celebration Award Printables
3. ✅ Summer Review Packets (Pre-K and Kindergarten ) 

📍Join the Print and Play Club here

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 If this pep talk lifted your spirits, share it with a teacher friend who could use the same!

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

Episode 2: Let’s Make the End of the Year Fun (Without Losing Our Minds)

If your brain is half in summer mode but your classroom is still full of kiddos who need structure and fun—you’re in the right place. This episode is all about wrapping up the year with joy, calm, and connection.

In this chat, Alex shares easy, meaningful ways to celebrate the end of the year without adding stress to your plate.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. ABC Countdown ideas that actually work (and are already done-for-you if you're in the Club!)
2. Low-prep memory books and keepsakes kids will treasure
3. Creative—but manageable—classroom celebrations
4. End-of-year centers and activities that keep kids engaged without feeling like more work

Because you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect plan. You just need your special touch and a few ready-to-go tools to make it memorable 💛

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

Grab these inside the Print and Play Club (Not a member? Join Here):

1. ✅ ABC Countdown Pack
2. ✅ End-of-Year Memory Books
3. ✅ Graduation Songs, Gift Tags, Program Templates
4. ✅ End-of-Year Math + Literacy Centers
   
   

📲 Connect on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💌 Subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you feel a little more prepared (and a little less overwhelmed).

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

Episode 1: How to Actually Leave on Time on Fridays 

It’s Friday. Dismissal just ended. Your to-do list? Still a mile long. 😩 And with the end of the school year in full swing, that list likely grew five extra arms. So how do you walk out on time and still feel ready for Monday?

In this episode of The Happy Teaching Podcast, we’re talking about 3 simple strategies to protect your Friday afternoon, get back your weekend (and your peace of mind) without sacrificing your classroom readiness.

You’ll hear:

✅ How to reset your space without spending hours cleaning

✅ Why "just the essentials" is enough when prepping for Monday

✅ The power of the Monday sticky note (your future self will thank you!)

Because leaving on time doesn’t make you less dedicated—it means you’re setting yourself up to finish strong 💪

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

1. The P.L.A.Y. Course (Free-Flowing Centers)
   > The how-to on running center time that saves you time while still meeting the needs of your students in a developmentally appropriate way. 
2. Print and Play Club
   > Mentioned as the place for done-for-you plans, routines, time-saving resources, and so much more! 

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

🎙 Welcome to The Happy Teaching Podcast!

This is the show for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want to bring more joy, ease, and connection to their classrooms. Whether you’re sipping coffee during your commute or wrapping up your day with a quick listen, you're in the right place.

In this very first episode, host Alex John — teacher, founder of The Kindergarten Connection, and playful learning enthusiast — shares what you can expect from the podcast and how it's here to support you.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why this podcast was created just for early childhood teachers
2. What kinds of topics you'll find in each short, actionable episode
3. How teaching with play, connection, and confidence can change everything

Whether you’re here for behavior support, classroom systems, playful learning ideas, or a pep talk after a long day — we’re so glad you’re tuning in!

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

1. The Kindergarten Connection
2. The Print and Play Club — Join us for ready-to-go resources, classroom routines, and support all year long!

📲 Connect with us on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if you love what you hear, leave a review to help other teachers find the show too!

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com