How do we handle behaviors in the classroom? What do we do as teachers during an emotional outburst of a student? That’s what we discuss in this episode with behavior specialist Sara Yessenow. Sara transitioned from teacher to behavior specialist and developed her methods for creating individualized behavioral plans through observation and data collection. Sara shares strategies for de-escalation, including the importance of maintaining composure and addressing precursor behaviors. We clarify misconceptions about behavior analysis, emphasizing its relevance to all children. By promoting empathy over authority, Sara explains how educators can turn challenging moments into opportunities for positive reinforcement and foster emotional resilience in their classrooms.

• Understanding Behavior Specialists
• The Role of a Behavior Specialists (BCBA)
• Signs of Escalation
• Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment
• The Importance of Communication
• Prioritizing Safety in Crisis
• Long-Term Strategies for Success

• [email protected]

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Mentioned in this episode:

Social Emotional Lessons

Download the free Social/Emotional Lessons: https://kindergartencafe.org/social-emotional-lessons

In this episode, we discuss enhancing winter playtime in the classroom with five creative setups. We explore a snow habitat activity for storytelling, sensory exploration with snow and ice, artistic expression using black paper and white crayons, loose parts play with snowflake materials, and reimagined dramatic play centers reflecting winter themes. These engaging activities aim to prevent monotony, boost student motivation, and foster resilience and creativity in young learners.

• Winter Playtime Ideas
• Engaging Winter Play Setups
• Creative Winter Activities
• Dramatic Play Center Ideas

• The Magic of Teaching in December with Gingerbread and Winter Holidays – Episode 12

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• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
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Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

How do we balance developmentally appropriate practices and the structured nature of elementary-focused curricula in early childhood education? That’s what this episode is about. There is a disconnect between the holistic approach of early childhood education and the more isolated curriculum areas typical of elementary education. I discuss practical instructional shifts that can be made, including the need for shorter, dynamic lessons and the incorporation of playful, hands-on activities to engage young learners. Providing choices in learning to enhance student engagement and ownership is so important. Throughout this episode you will hear me stress the importance of leveraging play as an educational tool. By reflecting on our teaching strategies and prioritizing developmentally appropriate practices, we can enrich learning experiences for young children.

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice
• Understanding Curriculum Discrepancies
• The Importance of Play in Learning
• Reflection on Expectations and Learning

• Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48
• Easy Lesson Engagement Strategies ~ Episode 34

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Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

In this episode, I chat with my cousin Denyse, the illustrator of the Caring Critters series, about the impact of Felipe the Feeling Frog and our new character, Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle. We discuss fostering social-emotional skills like decision-making through positive language and reflect on the joy of children’s artistic responses to our work. Denyse shares her vision for Trixie as a character that challenges stereotypes while promoting playful learning. Join us as we explore the importance of storytelling in early childhood education and inspire meaningful connections between parents, teachers, and children.

• Behind the scenes of the reactions to the Caring Critters series
• Celebrating Felipe the Feeling Frog
• Introducing Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle
• The making of Trixie and other characters
• Understanding expected vs. unexpected behavior

• Introducing Felipe the Feeling Frog - Ep. 6

• Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle
• Felipe the Feeling Frog

• Instagram - @denysewithawhy
• Website - denysewithawhy.com

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
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• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

In this episode, I speak with Stacy and Katie, the creators of Teacher Tricks Times Two, a resource platform for educators. We discuss the evolving challenges in kindergarten teaching post-pandemic, talking about the increase in extreme behaviors and the necessity of fostering a safe, nurturing classroom environment. Stacy shares her experiences as a newish to kindergarten teacher, while Katie offers insights from her 12 years in kindergarten. We explore the significance of social-emotional learning, effective behavior management, and the importance of unstructured play. Both Katie and Stacy provide practical strategies and activities to enhance learning and address behavioral issues. 

• Discussing Classroom Behaviors
• Navigating Teacher Challenges
• Reintroducing Playdates
• Teaching Kids Social Skills
• Strategies for Handling Behaviors
• The Impact of COVID on Learning
• Advocating for Playtime

• Felipe the Feeling Frog
• Helping Kids Play: A Social Emotional Unit | How to Play at Recess & Friendship
• Supporting Kids at Recess Kindergarten and First Grade
• Supporting Kids Who Fight at Recess  [Ep. 5]

• Instagram - @teachertrickstimestwo
• Website - www.teachertrickstimestwo.com

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom. I define neurodivergence and discuss the spectrum it covers, including conditions like autism and ADHD. Emphasizing tailored support, I provide practical strategies for educators to implement, such as creating calm learning environments, using fidgets appropriately, and employing visual cues. I cover the importance of flexibility in teaching practices, offering options like alternative workspaces and movement breaks to foster engagement. We also discuss the significance of teaching social skills explicitly and the need for downtime to support student well-being. 

• The Meaning of Neurodivergence
• Strategies During Lesson Times
• Supports During Work Times
• Social Skills and Peer Interaction

• Self-Regulation and Impulse Control in Kids ~ Ep. 22
• Strategies for ADHD Students

• Social Emotional Classroom Supplies
• Social Emotional Curriculum: Support for Students with ADHD | Executive Function

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• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
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Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Since this episode is released on Halloween, I invited two of my coworkers on the show to answer a question I asked my Instagram audience, “What scares a teacher in four words or less?” And my audience delivered. This episode turned out to be so much fun! Listen in to see what scares most teachers!! And have a few laughs along the way!

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Solving problems on their own is a common struggle with kindergarteners. In this episode, I discuss teaching students essential problem-solving strategies, focusing on fostering independence. I categorize problems into small, medium, and big, guiding you on empowering students to manage minor issues on their own. Practical techniques include the “bug and a wish” framework for resolving conflicts and the “ask three before me” method for peer assistance.

• Importance of Independence in Problem Solving
• Encouraging Independence with "Ask Three Before Me"
• Teaching Problem Sizes for Emotional Regulation
• Additional Resources and Support

• Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle
• Teaching Problem Solving Skills: A Social Emotional Learning Unit
• A Bug and a Wish 
• Workshop: What to do When a Child Cries All the Time (from my website)
• What To Do When a Child Cries All The Time: A Kindergarten Cafe Workshop (TPT)

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Social Emotional Learning is so important in our schools today. In this episode, my guest, Sara, a dedicated first-grade teacher, helps us understand the essential role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. We discuss the importance of building relationships at the start of the school year and creating a positive environment through consistent routines and strong emotional support.

Sara shares her strategies for fostering belonging and managing emotions in students and introduces her Character Tree program, which teaches valuable character traits through engaging storytelling. 

This episode provides insights for teachers aiming to integrate social emotional learning into their teaching practices.

• Building Relationships in the Classroom
• The Power of Positive Framing
• Introducing the Character Tree
• Integrating Books and Character Traits
• Addressing Big Feelings in the Classroom
• The Importance of Calmness and Relationships

• Felipe the Feeling Frog

• Instagram - @theprimarypal
• Website - theprimarypal.com & charactertree.com

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

In this episode, I address a question that I know a lot of teachers are struggling with. How to help students that are having big emotions, big reactions. How to help them in the moment. How to help them proactively. What to do about these big behaviors that are happening all over the country in our classrooms, especially ever since COVID. These behaviors are escalating more and more. So I want to get into just the tip of the iceberg here on how to help kids regulate their emotions. I provide practical strategies for emotional regulation, emphasizing that behavior is a form of communication. I introduce the concept of a "calm corner" for students to regain control, as well as methods for teaching emotional literacy during calm moments, like "five finger breathing." This episode aims to equip you with tools for creating a nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.

• Understanding Big Emotions in Students
• The Importance of Emotional Regulation
• Strategies for Emotional Regulation
• Creating a Calm Corner
• Teaching Emotional Identification
• Reacting to Problem Sizes

• Social Emotional Classroom Supplies
• Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle
• The Caring Critters Series!

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle

Learn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle