What are your thoughts on the Science of Reading? Well, in this episode, I explain what the Science of Reading is and its impact on designing effective literacy centers. I highlight the key pillars of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and advocate for a balanced approach. I also tell you about the various literacy centers I implement, including a Word Work Center and interactive group activities, which adapt throughout the year to support students’ evolving skills. 

• The Science of Reading Explained
• Designing Effective Literacy Centers
• Adapting Centers Throughout the Year
• Future Plans for Literacy Focus

• Vocabulary Activities & Games for Kindergarten | Literacy Centers
• Kindergarten Decodable Passages | Printable and Progressive Phonics Readers
• Kindergarten Decodable Readers BUNDLE! | Progressing Skills |Just Print and Read
• Teaching Kids to Draw | Introduction to Drawing | Drawing Journal | Fine Motor
• Kindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, Interventions
• Alphabet Worksheets Bundle | Alphabet Literacy Centers and Journals
• High Frequency Word Practice | Sight Word Spelling & Reading Games

• Can Scarborough's Reading Rope Transform the Approach to Literacy Instruction?

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Teaching sight words, high-frequency words, trick works, whatever you choose to call them are a key element of early literacy. In this episode, I discuss the evolution of sight word instruction, and talk about outdated methods of rote memorization with a more effective strategy that introduces one word per week. It’s a necessity to memorize high-frequency words that often defy phonetic rules, such as "my" and "like" and I outline my approach to engaging students through interactive routines. Using fully decodable poems and hands-on activities like word walls and games, I stress the importance of ongoing practice to reinforce sight word recognition. 

• Phonics and Sight Words Connection
• Strategies for Teaching Sight Words
• Routine for Teaching Sight Words
• Engaging Students with Sight Words

• Teaching to Read & Write High Frequency Words (Trick Words, Sight Words) BUNDLE

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This episode is the first of a mini-series on literacy. We’ll begin with the importance of vocabulary development for young learners and its role as a predictor of reading success. 

I share strategies for effective vocabulary instruction, including explicit teaching during read-alouds and interactive games that encourage peer engagement. As always, I emphasize the value of play and discuss creating meaningful learning environments, such as Dramatic Play Centers. 

• Importance of Vocabulary in Kindergarten
• Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary
• Engaging Vocabulary Games
• Vocabulary Learning through Play

• Strategies for Teaching English Learners ~ Ep. 31

• Vocabulary Activities & Games for Kindergarten | Literacy Centers
• Scarborough's Reading Rope

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How exactly do we differentiate for students in our classrooms? In this episode, I explore the essential components of differentiating instruction in kindergarten, sharing actionable strategies and insights beneficial for educators. I clarify the differences between differentiation and accommodation and give you practical examples. I demonstrate how to effectively implement these approaches for various learning challenges, including those faced by students with ADHD and English Language Learners. I also discuss the importance of challenging advanced students and utilizing targeted small group instruction. 

• Understanding Differentiation vs. Accommodation
• Examples of Differentiation in Action
• Accommodating Students with Writing Challenges
• Differentiating for Advanced Learners

• Supporting Missing Skills in Kindergarten Math ~ Ep. 68
• Engaging Families in Supporting Struggling Learners ~ Ep. 67
• Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Classroom ~ Ep. 59
• Supporting Beginning Writers ~ Ep. 7
• Using Writing Goals to Empower Young Writers ~ Ep. 24
• Math Intervention for Kindergarten – Ep. 18
• Empowering Educators with Effective Student Progress Tracking ~ Ep. 11

• Year-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & Writing
• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR | Math Games, Centers, and Small Groups

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Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

How important is phonemic awareness, really? In this episode, Kristina from Sweet for Kindergarten explains the crucial role of phonemic awareness in developing literacy skills in young learners. We explore the differences between phonemic and phonological awareness, and Kristina shares effective teaching strategies and engaging tactile methods. She shares the importance of routine and creativity, and provides insights on integrating phonemic awareness with phonics instruction. This conversation is filled with actionable strategies that you can implement in your classroom today!

• Understanding Phonemic vs. Phonological Awareness
• The Importance of Phonemic Awareness
• Strategies for Struggling Readers
• Daily Routines for Success
• Connecting Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
• Creative Techniques for Engagement

Phonercise - Exercise Your Body and Brain - Phonercise

Vowel Bat

• The Power of Phonemic Awareness
• Free Week of 5-Minute Phonemic Awareness Lessons

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• Facebook Group - Kindergarten Tips and Tricks
• Website - sweetforkindergarten.com/

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Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

What would it look like to give positive feedback without having to constantly feel like you are nagging? In this episode, I discuss the role of positive reinforcement in the classroom, and how specific praise highlights student successes. I share strategies for celebrating small improvements and fostering a supportive classroom culture. The episode also covers using positive reinforcement to manage behavior effectively and promote self-reflection among students. Lots of examples are given so make sure you listen!

• Importance of Specific Praise
• Celebrating Student Progress
• Reinforcing Expected Behaviors
• Effective Classroom Management Techniques

• Building Strong Classroom Management ~ Ep. 43
• How to Have Smooth Transitions in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 51

• Kindergarten Classroom Management: Setting the Foundation for Success
• Classroom Management 101

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Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

In this episode, I discuss the significance of fostering independent play in kindergarten classrooms, sharing strategies for a play-based learning environment. I differentiate between various play types—independent, purposeful, and child-led—and explain how each supports child development. I highlight the value of balance between independent and cooperative play. Actionable strategies are provided for teachers to enhance student independence, and I encourage teachers to reflect on your approach to social interactions versus independent experiences. 

• Types of Play in the Classroom
• The Importance of Child-Led Play
• Balancing Guidance and Independence
• Stages of Play and Their Importance
• Encouraging Independent and Cooperative Play

• 5 Creative Winter Play Ideas for Your Classroom ~ Ep. 63
• Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48
• Child-Led Play and Learning with Melysa from PRE-K Spot Talks ~ Ep. 27
• The Power of Dramatic Play in the Classroom ~ Ep. 23

• Workshop: Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten
• Top Five Play Based Learning Must Haves
• Why is dramatic play important?
• Starting Purposeful Play in Kindergarten? Outstanding!
• Setting Up Classroom Play Areas

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Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

This episode explores effective management of math centers in kindergarten classrooms, and the importance of hands-on, playful environments for engaging early math instruction. I outline the ideal structure for a math block, which involves a mini-lesson followed by interactive activities that replace traditional worksheets. Practical tips for organizing centers, rotation methods, and maintaining student engagement are shared, along with the significance of student choice in fostering autonomy. The episode also highlights the need for clear expectations and routines to maximize learning, alongside strategies for targeted intervention and assessment. This episode serves as a guide for kindergarten teachers aiming to create vibrant and effective math learning experiences.

• The Importance of Hands-On Learning and Centers
• Center Rotation Strategies
• Managing Center Engagement
• Small Groups and Assessments

• Essential Math Skills Every Kindergartener Needs ~ Ep. 66
• How to Best Manage Centers as a Classroom Teacher: Part 2 of a Conversation with a First-Year Teacher – Ep. 16

• How to Structure a Kindergarten Math Lesson

• Workshop: Literacy, Math, and Centers… Oh My!

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• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR | Math Games, Centers, and Small Groups

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Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE Year Bundle

Grab the bundle at https://www.kindergartencafe.org/math

In this episode, I explore the key difference between math fluency and memorization, focusing on the vital role of number decomposition for young learners. I share insights on how breaking down numbers fosters flexibility in thinking and confidence in addition and subtraction. Practical strategies include hands-on activities and games that promote true understanding over rote memorization. I explain differentiating instruction to support all students, ultimately providing a roadmap for enhancing math instruction and building a solid foundation for future learning.

• Understanding Number Decomposition
• Teaching Approaches for Number Decomposition
• Transitioning to Abstract Thinking
• Reinforcing Concepts with Concrete Objects
• Importance of Understanding Over Memorization

• Essential Math Skills Every Kindergartener Needs ~ Ep. 66

• Number Decomposition Math Games | Decomposing and Composing Numbers Under 10

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• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR | Math Games, Centers, and Small Groups

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Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE Year Bundle

Grab the bundle at https://www.kindergartencafe.org/math

In this episode, I discuss essential number relationships and effective strategies for kindergarten teachers to support young learners in math. I explain the importance of number order, introduce engaging activities like the movement-based game "Pop," and explore the use of tangible objects for understanding more and less. I also outline a structured progression for teaching number relationships and highlight resources, including the game Nearby Numbers and additional engaging videos. 

• Understanding Counting Forward and Backward
• Progression of One More and One Less
• Supporting Kids with Number Lines
• Engaging Games and Activities

• Essential Math Skills Every Kindergartener Needs ~ Ep. 66

• One More One Less Number Order & Differentiated 1-10, 10-20, 21-100
• Missing Numbers Worksheets | Differentiated Number Order Activity Board

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• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR | Math Games, Centers, and Small Groups

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From Planning to Progress Math Workshop

Sign up for the From Planning to Progress Math Workshop which will be on Feb. 6th at 8 p.m. EST https://www.kindergartencafe.org/product/workshop