By Zeba McGibbon
4.9
2929 ratings
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.
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.
In this episode we share:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Bundle
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167
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.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Bundle
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167
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!
Connect with Zeba:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Bundle
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167
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.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Challenge Ad
Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: From Spooky to Smiling SEL Challenge.
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.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Challenge Ad
Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: From Spooky to Smiling SEL Challenge.
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.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
SEL Challenge Ad
Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: From Spooky to Smiling SEL Challenge.
Teaching letter names and sounds to your students can be tricky, so in this episode, I take you through my teaching methods for letter sounds, which is influenced by the phonics curriculum I use, Fundations. I share insights on the significance of phonological awareness as a foundation for early literacy and how it is important to integrate phonological awareness with letter instruction. I also share my structured approach to letter sounds instruction, how many letters to teach each week, and provide systematic review practices and student-led learning.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
Free October Guide
Grab your Free October Guide at www.kindergartencafe.org/October
Teaching students to be effective learning partners is very important. Looking back on my experiences with a new math curriculum that focused on collaboration, I have some strategies that will help you when it comes to having your students work with partners. Things like "turn and talk" to enhance communication, color-coded partner systems for clarity, and techniques for equitable participation. Flexibility and good sportsmanship are brought out through role-playing exercises and fun decision-making games.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
Free October Guide
Grab your Free October Guide at www.kindergartencafe.org/October
Dread being out due to the thought of making sub plans? In this episode, I give you effective sub plans that allow for a seamless transition for students and guest teachers. I share my approach to creating emergency sub plans with accessible templates and engaging activities for kindergarten. Key topics include detailed instructions, respectful language for "guest teachers," and proactive communication with students and parents to reduce anxiety. This episode offers practical strategies for teachers to enhance their substitute planning, ensuring a smooth classroom experience during absences.
In this episode I share:Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe
Mentioned in this episode:
Free October Guide
Grab your Free October Guide at www.kindergartencafe.org/October
Sometimes transition time can be a tricky time in Kindergarten. In this episode, I discuss effective strategies for managing transitions in the kindergarten classroom, aiming to transform chaos into calm. We cover the importance of clear, engaging directions and attention-getting phrases to ensure students are ready for change.
In this episode I share:Mentioned in this episode:
Kindergarten Cafe Merch for 50th Episode
Grab your Kindergarten Cafe merch available until September 19th!
The podcast currently has 61 episodes available.