Episode 10: Stop Making Play a Four-Letter Word

Let’s set the record straight: play is not fluff. 

In this episode, Alex unpacks why play-based learning is real learning—especially in early childhood—and how we can stop apologizing for it.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to justify playful teaching (or been side-eyed for not doing more “rigor”), this one’s for you.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why play belongs in every early learning classroom
2. How academic and developmental goals align beautifully with play
3. What to say when others question your approach
4. A confidence boost to help you advocate for what kids truly need

Play isn’t a break from learning. It is the work of childhood. Let’s stop treating it like a four-letter word.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the full blog post: Stop Making Play a Four-Letter Word

🎓 Want to build a playful classroom with purpose? Explore the P.L.A.Y. Course:

https://thekindergartenconnection.lpages.co/play-course-2025/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

✅ Play-based centers
✅ Intentional teaching tools that support curiosity and creativity
✅ Learning Center Signs

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

📲 Connect on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 If this episode gave you confidence in your playful approach, share it with a teacher who needs the same reminder!

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 9: 10 Ways to Make Your Classroom More Playful

Play isn't just for free choice time—it’s a powerful approach to learning. In this episode, Alex breaks down 10 simple, meaningful ways to make your classroom more playful, even within the structure of a full-day schedule.

From mindset shifts to hands-on strategies, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use right away to boost engagement, independence, and JOY in your classroom.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why playful learning doesn’t mean less structure or rigor
2. Easy ways to spark curiosity in daily routines
3. How to create space for play without adding to your plate
4. Favorite materials, phrases, and planning tools to support playful learning

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your playful toolkit, there’s something here for you!

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the full blog post: 10 Ways to Incorporate More Play in the Classroom

🎓 Want to dive deeper into playful teaching? Check out the P.L.A.Y. Course:

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Play-based centers and printables
2. ✅ Visual supports for student independence
3. ✅ Done-for-you resources that blend structure + play

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

📲 Follow along on Instagram for more playful inspiration: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 If this episode gave you a new idea or confirmed something you’re already doing—share it with a teacher friend who believes in learning through play!

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 8: Tools for Making Your Classroom More Playful

Want to make your classroom feel more playful—but not sure where to start? You’re not alone!

In this episode, Alex shares simple tools and mindset shifts to bring more joy and curiosity into your daily routine—without scraping your entire plan or adding hours to your prep.

✨ You’ll learn:

1. What “playful” actually means in a structured classroom
2. Why playful learning doesn’t mean chaotic learning
3. Specific classroom tools that support play-based instruction
4. Easy ways to start small and build a culture of curiosity and connection

Because playful doesn’t mean “more work.” It means more joy—for your students and you.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📘 Check out the P.L.A.Y. Course for a deeper dive into playful learning:

👉 https://thekindergartenconnection.lpages.co/play-course-2025/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

⭐ Check out the article on the blog: https://thekindergartenconnection.com/must-try-strategies-and-tools-for-creating-a-playful-classroom/

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Ready-to-go playful centers
2. ✅ Visual supports and learning games
3. ✅ Planning tools that save time while inviting exploration

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

📲 Follow along for more playful tips on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 If this episode sparked new ideas, share it with a teacher friend and tag us with your favorite playful moment!

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 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