Happy Teaching

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite circle time games for Pre-K and Kindergarten: Who’s Missing? This playful guessing game is a fun way to build classroom community while practicing names and listening skills. You'll hear exactly how to play, ideas for incorporating clues like rhyming and beginning sounds, and tips for making sure students understand that everyone may not get a turn each time you play.

✨ You'll learn:

• How to play Who’s Missing? with little to no prep.

• Ways to use clues to practice names.

• How the game encourages listening and classroom community.

• Tips for managing turns and keeping the game moving.

💡 A classroom game doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful! Who’s Missing? gives students a chance to have fun together while learning more about their classmates and practicing important early skills.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📱 Do you have a circle time game your students can't get enough of? Send us a message on Instagram or email us at [email protected] with your favorite! Alex would love to hear your ideas and may even share some listener-submitted games in a future episode.

📚 More Playful Classroom Ideas in the Print and Play Club
Looking for more ways to keep your students engaged while building a strong classroom community? Print and Play Club members get access to ready-to-use activities, classroom management support, playful learning ideas, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, to help with everyday classroom challenges.
👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares a fun way to make classroom transitions smoother while sneaking in a little extra learning along the way. Instead of having everyone move at once, you can use letters, shapes, numbers, and other familiar skills to gradually excuse students while reviewing what you've been learning.

✨ You'll learn:

• Why transitions are a common time for classroom management struggles
• How to turn slower transitions into quick learning opportunities
• Ways to use letters, shapes, numbers, and subitizing during transitions
• How to include students without making the activity feel like a quiz

💡 Transitions don't have to be wasted time! When you need to slow things down, a quick review activity can keep students engaged while helping everyone move calmly into what's next.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔤 Learning Through Transitions
Want to see these transition ideas in action? Check out the related blog posts for pictures and examples of using letters, shapes, numbers, subitizing, and more to add a little learning to transition time.
👉 Simple and Effective Classroom Transition Ideas: Part 1 and Part 2

💡 More Classroom Transition Ideas
Not every transition needs to slow down! Find even more ideas for helping students move smoothly from one part of the day to the next.
👉 Effective Transition Strategies for Regrouping After Recess

🎵 Transition Songs in the Print and Play Club
When you need a quicker transition, Print and Play Club members can head to the PLAYlist for songs that help with lining up, gathering for circle time, routines, and more. They're an easy way to keep students engaged while moving through the day. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares a simpler approach to classroom jobs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Instead of assigning and rotating a different job for every student, she uses one helper of the day, keeping classroom responsibilities meaningful for students and much easier for the teacher to manage. You'll hear how this easy system works, why it fits young learners so well, and how it can even help students practice patience, independence, and celebrating their classmates.

✨ You'll learn:

• Why traditional classroom job systems can become another thing for teachers to manage
• How to use one Helper of the Day instead of multiple assigned jobs
• A simple two-container system for making sure everyone gets a turn

💡 Classroom jobs don't have to mean complicated charts and weekly rotations. A simpler system can still give students meaningful responsibility while making classroom management easier for you.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

⭐ Want to see exactly how Alex manages classroom jobs with just popsicle sticks and two containers? Check out the related blog post for pictures and a closer look at this easy system.
👉 How to Assign Classroom Jobs in Pre-K & Kindergarten

📚 Classroom Management Support in the Print and Play Club
Want more easy systems that build student independence? Print and Play Club members have access to classroom management trainings, routine support, ready-to-use resources, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, to help problem-solve everyday classroom challenges. 👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares two simple songs you can use anytime your Pre-K or Kindergarten students need to get their wiggles out, refocus, or fill a few extra minutes. No special materials or planning needed—just your voice and a little movement!

✨ You'll learn:

• When brain breaks can be helpful and when it may be time to rethink lesson length
• Two easy songs you can use anytime
• How movement and freezing can help you regain students' attention
• A no-prep way to combine movement with counting practice

💡 Brain breaks don't have to be complicated! A few minutes of simple, purposeful movement can help students reset, refocus, and come back ready for what's next.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎵 Copy Me Brain Break

Try this easy song to the tune of Frère Jacques. Start by having students copy your movements, then choose a student to lead while everyone copies their moves!

Verse 1: Teacher-Led

Copy me now, Copy me now,

Watch my moves, Watch my moves,

Fast or slow now, High or low now,

Copy me, Copy me.

Verse 2: Student-Led

Copy a friend, Copy a friend,

Watch them move, Watch them move,

What will they do? What will they do?

Copy them, Copy them.

🎶 Body Parts Movement Song

Get students moving with this simple song to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Shake, clap, shrug, wiggle, stomp, and don't forget to freeze!

Shake, shake, shake your head.

Shake it just like me!

Shake your head fast and then shake it slow,

Now it’s time to freeze!

Clap, clap, clap your hands.

Clap them just like me!

Clap your hands fast and clap your hands slow,

Now it’s time to freeze!

Shrug, shrug, shrug your shoulders.

Shrug your shoulders like me!

Shrug them fast then shrug them slow,

Now it’s time to freeze!

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle your hips.

Wiggle your hips like me!

Wiggle them fast then wiggle them slow,

Now it’s time to freeze!

Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet.

Stomp your feet with me!

Stomp them fast then stomp them slow,

Now it’s time to freeze!

🌟 Find More Songs in the Print and Play Club
Print and Play Club members can head to the PLAYlist to find even more movement songs, complete with audio and printable activities to use with your students.
👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex builds on last week's conversation about singing in the classroom with two more simple songs to support classroom management. This time, the focus is on transitions—helping students gather calmly, get ready to listen, and move on to what's next without constant reminders.

You'll hear two easy songs you can start using right away, whether you're gathering students on the rug or simply trying to get everyone's attention back.

✨ You'll learn:

• How songs can make transitions calmer and easier to manage
• A simple song for helping students settle on the rug
• How rhythm and movement can keep students engaged while they wait
• An easy alternative to repeatedly calling for students' attention

💡 A simple song can give students something positive to focus on during transitions while helping you spend less time repeating directions.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎧 Check out last week's episode: Sing Your Way to Smoother Classroom Routines

Want two more songs for your classroom? Go back and listen to last week's episode for simple songs that help teach voice levels and lining up.

🎵 Make Transitions Easier with the Print and Play Club

Print and Play Club members can take these ideas even further with a whole collection of classroom management songs in the PLAYlist, plus Classroom Routine Cheat Sheets with step-by-step support for teaching routines and expectations.

👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares how simple songs can make classroom routines easier to teach and more fun to practice. You don't have to be a great singer. Your students don't care! What matters is using music to help young learners remember expectations, stay engaged, and move through the day more smoothly. Plus, Alex teaches you two easy songs you can start using right away for voice levels and lining up.

✨ You'll learn:

• Why songs are such a powerful tool for teaching routines
• A simple song for teaching different classroom voice levels
• How to use singing and movement to make lining up easier
• Why keeping students engaged during routines can reduce management struggles

💡 Songs give students an easy way to remember what to do while making everyday classroom routines feel a whole lot more playful.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎵 Classroom Management Songs & Routine Support in the Print and Play Club

Print and Play Club members can find songs for routines, transitions, classroom supplies, and more inside the PLAYlist, complete with audio recordings from Alex and activities to use with students. Members also have access to Classroom Routine Cheat Sheets that break routines like lining up into simple, teachable steps.

👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

🎥 The Kindergarten Connection on YouTube

Looking for even more classroom songs? Visit our YouTube channel to learn more songs you can use with your students.

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

In this episode, Alex shares some of her favorite name games, songs, and chants for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Name activities are a simple way to help students learn each other's names while building classroom community and practicing early literacy and social skills.

✨ You'll learn:

• How name games help build classroom community
• Fun ways to practice rhyming, syllables, and name recognition
• How to adapt name songs for young attention spans

💡 Name games may feel simple, but they're an easy way to help students learn about their classmates while building important early learning skills.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🍪 FREE Editable Pocket Chart Back to School Name Game - Grab the free cookie name game! Use the printable name cookies in a pocket chart or add them to a "cookie jar" for Alex's easier version of Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?

🎵 FREE Name Chants and Songs for Circle Time - Print the song and chant sheets for Who Took the Cookie, Willoughby Wallaby Woo, and Hickety Pickety Bumblebee so you have them ready for circle time.

🎒 Pre-K and Kindergarten Name Games & Activities - Make learning names fun with ready-to-use name games and activities that help students practice name recognition while getting to know their classmates and building classroom community.

🍎 Print and Play Club

Want even more ways to practice names? Print and Play Club members can search Name Games to find pocket chart activities, centers, and other ready-to-use resources for helping students recognize and learn their classmates' names. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making classroom volunteers a true support instead of another thing to manage. Whether you have parent volunteers every week or only a few throughout the year, a little preparation can make their time in your classroom much more effective.

✨ You'll learn:

• Why waiting a few weeks before inviting volunteers into the classroom can be beneficial
• How a volunteer survey can simplify scheduling and expectations
• A simple system for organizing volunteer tasks and projects
• Easy ways volunteers can support both students and classroom preparation

💡 This episode will help you create a volunteer system that saves time, supports students, and makes classroom help feel truly helpful.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📝 Download the FREE volunteer survey and check out the related blog posts:

• Free Editable Classroom Volunteer Survey
• Tips for Organizing Volunteers in the Classroom
• Effective Ways to Use Classroom Volunteers

📚 Print and Play Club

Looking for year-round classroom support? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find ready-to-use resources, classroom management trainings, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant. Poppy can help you brainstorm volunteer tasks, classroom routines, and practical solutions to everyday teaching challenges.

👉 Don’t wait! Click Here to Join the Club!

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

In this episode, Alex shares simple, practical ideas for organizing and storing classroom centers when they're not in use. If you've ever wondered what to do with all those laminated pieces, recording sheets, and activity cards, this episode is packed with teacher-tested solutions.

✨ You'll learn:

• Five simple ways to organize and store classroom centers
• How to combine digital and physical storage to save space
• Easy storage ideas for laminated pieces and activity cards
• Tips for choosing an organization system you'll actually stick with

💡 This episode will help you spend less time searching for materials and more time enjoying them with your students.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

⭐ Want to see these organization ideas in action? Check out the blog post for photos and additional tips shared by teachers from our community. 👉 Top 5 Storage Ideas for Centers in Kindergarten

✏️ Print and Play Club

Looking for ready-to-use centers? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find hundreds of hands-on center activities, plus Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, who can help you plan centers, organize your classroom, and solve everyday teaching challenges. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course

Want to build classroom systems that save time all year long? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex shares step-by-step strategies for organizing your classroom, managing centers, creating independent routines, and implementing free-flowing centers with confidence.

👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens!

📱 Connect on Instagram: How do you organize your classroom centers? We'd love to hear your favorite storage tips!

💜 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe for more simple classroom organization and center ideas, and leave a quick review if you found this episode helpful!

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

In this episode, Alex shares practical ways to build a positive, productive partnership with the paraeducators in your classroom. Working alongside another adult isn't always something teachers are taught, but strong collaboration can make a huge difference for both you and your students.

✨ You'll learn:

• Why understanding your paraeducator's role and responsibilities matters
• How to create clear routines and shared responsibilities
• Why communication and appreciation strengthen your partnership
• How to avoid relying on paraeducators as the "behavior police"

💡 This episode will help you build a stronger working relationship with your paraeducators so your entire classroom can thrive.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎓 The P.L.A.Y. Course

Want to create a classroom where every adult can focus on supporting learning instead of constantly managing behavior? Inside the P.L.A.Y. Course, Alex shares the classroom management systems, routines, and strategies that help students become more independent, making it easier for teachers and paraeducators to work together as a team.

If you're looking to build a calmer classroom with stronger routines and more confident learners, the P.L.A.Y. Course will give you the step-by-step plan to make it happen.

👉 Sign up to learn more and be the first to know when enrollment opens!

📚 Print and Play Club

Get ongoing classroom support with ready-to-use resources, classroom management trainings, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant. Whether you need ideas for routines, behavior, or working with paraeducators, Poppy is there to help all year long.

👉 Click here to join the Print and Play Club!

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