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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Mentioned in this episode:

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

Finding support in Kindergarten is always a necessity. In this episode, I speak with a fellow kindergarten teacher about implementing a scripted math curriculum while addressing students' essential skill gaps. We discuss structuring classroom routines with engaging warm-ups and effective partner work, as well as the challenges of managing small groups in a fast-paced setting. Ultimately, we reinforce that teaching is an evolving practice, offering insights and encouragement for those facing math instruction challenges in early education.

• Seeking Help for Small Group Strategies
• Identifying Foundational Skills
• Targeted Support Strategies
• Importance of Center Time
• Addressing Missing Skills
• Navigating Curriculum Challenges
• Collaborating with Other Classes
• Daily Touchpoints for Struggling Students

• Exploring Counting Math Centers in Kindergarten Classrooms - Ep. 8
• Exploring Number Relationships: Creative Activities for Kindergarten Math - Ep. 13
• Working Smarter, Not Harder in Kindergarten: A Conversation with a First-Year Teacher - Ep. 15
• How to Best Manage Centers as a Classroom Teacher: Part 2 of a Conversation with a First-Year Teacher - Ep. 16
• Math Intervention for Kindergarten - Ep. 18
• Loving Teaching While Using New Curriculum ~ Ep. 29
• Using Seesaw for Improving Family Communication ~ Ep. 39
• Essential Math Skills Every Kindergartener Needs ~ Ep. 66
• Engaging Families in Supporting Struggling Learners ~ Ep. 67

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Mentioned in this episode:

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

In this episode, I discuss strategies for supporting struggling students at home, explaining the importance of early communication with families to build a collaborative support system. I share practical tips for integrating fun learning activities into daily routines, emphasizing that even short, engaging practices can lead to significant improvements. Celebrating small wins reinforces motivation and strengthens the parent-teacher relationship. I also introduce resources for educators to simplify family engagement and ensure learning remains enjoyable. 

• Supporting Struggling Students at Home
• Importance of Family Involvement
• Incorporating Learning into Daily Life
• Simple Ways and Resources to Help Families

• Tips for Difficult Parent-Teacher Conversations - Ep. 3
• Empowering Educators with Effective Student Progress Tracking - Ep. 11

• Partnering with Families Bundle: Improving Parent Communication tips & handouts
• Kindergarten Home Support for Students | Easy Math Games and Phonics Games

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Mentioned in this episode:

Free Math Guide

Download the free Math Guide: www.kindergartencafe.org/math-guide

Teaching math in Kindergarten is no easy feat. You are beginning the foundation of all other math skills yet to come. In this episode, I explain essential math instruction for kindergarten teachers, focusing on building a solid "number sense" foundation. We explore four key areas: subitizing, number recognition and writing, one-to-one correspondence, and cardinality. I discuss effective teaching progressions, the importance of hands-on learning, and strategies for supporting struggling learners. Future episodes will cover additional topics like home support and math fluency, while emphasizing the significance of patience and fostering a love for math in our young students. So make sure to follow for more!

• Teaching Foundational Math Skills
• Number Sense Foundation
• Number Recognition
• Importance of Hands-on Learning
• Strategies for Supporting Struggling Learners

• Exploring Counting Math Centers in Kindergarten Classrooms ~ Ep. 8
• Math Intervention for Kindergarten – Ep. 18

• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR | Math Games, Centers, and Small Groups
• Workshop: Literacy, Math, and Centers… Oh My!

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Math Guide

Download the free Math Guide: www.kindergartencafe.org/math-guide

In this episode, I discuss the vital role of how morning meetings in kindergarten can foster a community and engagement. I introduce my Classroom Community Bundle, offering printable resources and activities to enhance these meetings. But the main focus is that I give you an outline of a week's worth of activities for morning meetings. The goal is to equip kindergarten teachers with effective strategies that promote a nurturing classroom environment.

• Introduction to Morning Meetings
• A Daily Schedule for the Meetings
• Activities and Examples for Each Day
• Building a Classroom Community

• Launching Morning Meeting in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 46

• How to Organize Your Kindergarten Morning Meeting

• Classroom Community Bundle | Morning Meeting, Closing Meeting, Partners

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Mentioned in this episode:

Social Emotional Lessons

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

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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• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
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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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• 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

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

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• Website - denysewithawhy.com

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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

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]

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• 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