Let’s face it…you will have to miss a day of school and you never know who’s going to walk through the door as your sub. That’s why creating clear, simple, and effective sub plans is a must! Not just for your sanity, but to make the day run smoothly for your students and the sub. Whether you’re planning ahead or need last-minute ideas, this episode will help you prep once and reuse all year long. 

• What routines and details you should always include
• Why familiar activities (like Bingo and dice games) are your secret weapon
• How I set up an emergency sub tub that saves me every time
• The real-life situations that made me so glad I had it all ready!

• Simplifying Sub Plans for Stress-Free Sick Days ~ Ep. 52

• Sub Tub Bundle | Planning for a Substitute | Easy Sub Plans
• Editable Substitute Binder | Helpful Classroom Information for a Sub
• Emergency Lesson Sub Plans and Activities for a Substitute Teacher

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Mentioned in this episode:

First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit

Grab your First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit today on TPT or on my website!

A common mistake in kindergarten is starting writing too soon. In this episode, I’m walking you through what I actually do in the first month before introducing Writer’s Workshop - and why skipping these steps can lead to frustration for everyone (you included!). Writing in kindergarten is a journey and it takes time. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s confidence, progress, and connection. I’ll share how I set realistic expectations and build a strong foundation that leads to joyful, engaged writers later on.

• Build fine motor skills with my Cutting Academy 
• Teach drawing step-by-step using lines, shapes, and detail
• Strengthen oral storytelling and language skills with daily warm-ups

• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle
• Fine Motor Skills Products BUNDLE - Handwriting & Learning to Draw & Cut
• Writing Warm Up Slides | Oral language development & oral literacy skills

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Mentioned in this episode:

First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit

Grab your First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit today on TPT or on my website!

Today we’re talking about how to set up a meaningful before-school Meet the Teacher event. Not a curriculum night or open house, but that special time when families and students come in before the first day to explore the classroom, ease nerves, and kick off the year with calm and connection.

If you’re planning your Meet the Teacher visit or want to make yours run more smoothly, this episode is full of practical tips and real-talk encouragement. Plus, you can grab my exact checklist (and all my back-to-school forms) in the Kindergarten Pack linked below.

• What to include (and not include) at your visit
• Why sending info ahead of time saves your sanity
• My go-to checklist that keeps kids and parents engaged
• The picture book I always read to end on a sweet, supportive note

• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle
• A New Kind of Curriculum Night

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Mentioned in this episode:

First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit

Grab your First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit today on TPT or on my website!

The first month of kindergarten is not easy!! Not going to sugarcoat it…there’s a reason people compare it to herding cats! But it does get better, and how you use this first month truly sets the tone for the rest of the year.

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to focus on during those first few weeks - from establishing routines to introducing materials, building classroom community, and keeping things playful and developmentally appropriate. I’ll also share how I ease into academics because it’s not about jumping into the curriculum right away.

• What routines to teach and how to teach them
• When to start academic work and how to keep it simple
• How to help students build stamina, independence, and social-emotional skills...

• The Magic of Back to School Scavenger Hunts ~ Ep. 47
• Launching Morning Meeting in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 46
• 7 Activities for Your First Month of Kindergarten ~ Ep. 44

• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle

• August and September Kindergarten Plans

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Mentioned in this episode:

First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit

Grab your First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit today on TPT or on my website!

The first day of kindergarten is full of excitement and nerves! Whether it’s your first year or your tenth, there’s always that feeling of not knowing exactly what to expect. In this episode, I’m sharing the three non-negotiables I do every single year (no matter how hectic the summer has been) to feel calm, confident, and ready for day one. Everything else? That's a bonus. If your classroom isn’t Pinterest-perfect, that’s okay. If you’re still unpacking boxes the first week, that’s okay too. Focus on what really matters and let the rest fall into place over time.

• The one thing I always have prepped - even if the classroom isn’t fully set up
• A small but powerful way to make students feel welcome from the moment they walk in
• How I handle family communication before and after the first day (and why over-communicating is actually a good thing!)

• Avoid These 5 Beginning of the Year Kindergarten Mistakes ~ Ep. 45

• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle

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

First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit

Grab your First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit today on TPT or on my website!

In this final episode of our Classroom Setup Mini-Series, I’m walking you through how to set up your classroom in a way that balances play, learning, and daily routines. Because yes, it’s absolutely possible to do all three without losing your mind or your floor space. 

You’ll hear how I use key classroom areas (like tables, the rug, and even my teacher table!) for both academics and play, plus tips for setting up spaces that support routines like math stations, independent reading, and writing time. I’ll also share how to make your classroom layout work for you, from lunch procedures to bathroom routines to choosing the right spot for student supplies.

• Set up flexible spaces that serve multiple purposes
• Design routines that make classroom management easier
• Encourage independence with simple systems
• Create a learning environment that feels calm, clear, and kid-friendly

• 7 Tips for Thinking of your Classroom Set Up for Kindergarten
• Setting Up Classroom Play Areas
• Balancing Curriculum and Development: Teaching with Young Learners in Mind ~ Ep. 62
• Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48

• Classroom Decoration

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Mentioned in this episode:

Classroom Decoration Bundle

Pick the theme that works best for you!

In this week’s episode of our Classroom Setup Mini-Series, we’re focusing on how to set up your classroom in a way that naturally invites curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Something every kindergarten classroom needs.

I’m sharing simple, teacher-tested ideas for creating thoughtful play areas like a science center, sensory table, block corner, and dramatic play zone—even if you’re short on space. You’ll also hear tips on how to decorate with intention (not clutter), how to follow your students’ interests, and how to keep things calm and engaging without overstimulating visuals.

• What to include in your science and sensory centers
• How to follow student curiosity in everyday routines
• Why less is more when it comes to classroom decor
• How your modeling can encourage creativity

• Setting Up Classroom Play Areas
• Do’s and Don’ts of Classroom Decor ~ Ep. 42
• How to Set Up A Kindergarten Science Center

• Classroom Decoration

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Mentioned in this episode:

Classroom Decoration Bundle

Pick the theme that works best for you!

Welcome to the Classroom Setup Mini-Series! We’re kicking things off with one of the most important (and sometimes overwhelming) parts - classroom organization.

Whether you're in a brand-new classroom or just trying to make your space work better this year, I’m sharing the tried-and-true tips that have helped me create systems that actually work for both teachers and students. We’ll talk about where to start, what to prioritize, how to use containers and labels to boost independence, and why it’s totally okay (and expected!) to tweak things as the year goes on.

• Organize by category and purpose (not just appearance)
• Avoid traffic jams at the supply station
• Use my favorite teacher hack: student numbers
• Keep things clutter-free and kid-friendly
• Build systems that you can grow into

• Nature Classroom Decorations Labels
• Chalkboard Classroom Labels
• Watercolor Classroom Supply Labels - Sets in Each Rainbow Color

• Summer Learning for First Year Kinder Teachers

• Back to Basics: Classroom Organization ~ Ep. 41

• The Kindergarten Must-Haves: Classroom Supplies and Materials

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Mentioned in this episode:

PD By the Pool

Swim on over to pdbythepool.com and secure your spot today!!

If you’re itching to start getting ready for back-to-school but still can’t get into your classroom…this is for you! There is so much you can still do from home to feel more prepared and a whole lot less stressed when the school doors finally open!

In this episode, I’m sharing practical things you can start on this summer. I’ll also walk you through five must-have routines to plan before day one, and share how to make the most of your summer with intentional PD (including my private podcast, PD by the Pool, for new kindergarten teachers!).

• Essential Tasks at Home
• Planning First Week Lessons
• Crafting Routines and Procedures
• Professional Development Opportunities

• Summer Learning for First Year Kinder Teachers
• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle
• Checklist

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Mentioned in this episode:

PD By the Pool

Swim on over to pdbythepool.com and secure your spot today!!

You made your summer prep list last week - now what? In this episode, I’m walking you through how to turn those reflections into a simple, manageable plan for the summer months. Whether you’re hoping to improve classroom routines, get organized, or grow your teaching skills, I’ll help you break things down so you don’t burn out before the school year even begins. You’ll hear practical examples, tips for setting boundaries (hello, beach days!), and encouragement to pick just one focus to make next year smoother. Plus, I’ll share some resources that can help you take the next step with confidence.

Let’s make your summer intentional and restful…because you deserve both.

• Turning Reflections into Action
• Prioritizing Tasks for Success
• Setting Boundaries for Relaxation
• Resources for Your Summer Focus

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

PD By the Pool

Swim on over to pdbythepool.com and secure your spot today!!

Kindergarten Kick Start Summer Challenge

 Sign up now at kindergartencafe.org/summer-challenge.