In today's episode, we explore the benefits of using Seesaw as a communication tool among teachers, students, and families. I discussed how Seesaw facilitates the sharing of students' learning experiences with their families, promoting engagement and connection. By guiding the integration of Seesaw into the classroom, I highlighted the importance of privacy and security measures for student submissions. Additionally, I want to empower students to showcase their work independently and assign interactive activities to enhance learning. Leveraging Seesaw as a versatile platform for communication and learning fosters collaboration, creativity, and parental involvement, ultimately creating a more interactive and meaningful educational experience.

• Benefits of Using Seesaw
• Ensuring Privacy and Approval Process
• Setting Up Preferences for Focus
• Assigning Activities on Seesaw

• 5 Steps to Making an Interactive Seesaw Activity

• Literacy Seesaw Activities for the Year!
• Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEAR

• 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 today’s episode, I have Cara from @core4parenting here to discuss the importance of the four C's in managing conflicts in the classroom and nurturing teacher-student relationships. We emphasize mutual respect, open communication, and honesty to build strong connections with students, encouraging collaborative problem-solving for impactful learning experiences. It's vital for educators to model desired behaviors, engage students in addressing challenges, and nurture intrinsic motivation through intentional interactions. The four C's - staying calm, connecting, collaborating, compromising, and (bonus) committing to solutions - provide a framework for positive classroom dynamics and holistic student development. Cara's insights highlight the significance of equipping students with social and emotional tools for navigating various contexts and her dedication to early childhood learning reflects the importance of setting a strong foundation for academic and social growth.

• The Four C's of Teacher-Student Relationships
• Building Trust through Promises Kept
• Collaborating with Students for Solutions
• The Importance of Compromise in Classroom Dynamics
• Motivating Students Intrinsically through Collaborative Problem-Solving

• Transforming the Toddler Years Podcast  
• Instagram - @core4parenting
• Website - www.caratyrrell.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

Today I want to talk about the misconceptions that people have about early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers. Specifically my biggest pet peeves when it comes to the responses I get from telling people I teach kindergarten. I wonder if we have the same responses. I'm so curious. Make sure you send me a DM after the episode @KindergartenCafe and let me know if these are the same responses you get when you tell people that you are a kindergarten teacher.

• The Common Responses to Being a Kindergarten Teacher
• Debunking the Perception of Early Childhood Educators
• The Reality of Early Childhood Educators' Professionalism

• Benefits to Play Freebie

• 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 chat with my Instagram friend, Lindsay from Sweet ‘N’ Sauer Firsties about strategies for enhancing student participation. Lindsay is a first-grade teacher with a decade of experience, who emphasizes engaging all students in learning through techniques like giving think time before answers and incorporating movement activities. She suggests several strategies you can implement in your classroom to deepen engagement and promote discussions. We highlight the importance of creating an inclusive environment and adapting to diverse student needs. Check out Lindsay's resources for more engagement ideas, highlighting the value of utilizing multiple strategies to enhance the classroom learning experience.

• Strategy shifts to engage every student
• Four Corners activity
• Using interactive anchor charts with Post-it Notes
• Think-Pair-Share technique
• Encouraging student participation

• Instagram - @sweetnsauerfirsties
• Website - sweetnsauerfirsties.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

We have come to that time of year where attention spans are few and far between. Curriculum is wrapping up and we find extra time in our day with highly energized kiddos. In this episode I want to discuss the importance of movement breaks for engaging kindergarten students, especially towards the end of the school year. I provide you with various activities, songs and games to keep your students moving and engaged. These movement breaks are great for creating a dynamic learning environment that you can implement in your classroom.

• Stand Up, Sit Down
• Shakedown Movement Break
• I Spy and Scavenger Hunt
• Freeze
• And many more!!

• The Best Kindergarten End of year Activities and Tips

• Mindfulness Moves Freebie
• Kindergarten Morning Meeting Activities
• GoNoodle
• PE with Mr. G
• Jack Hartman
• KooKoo Kangaroo

• 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 of Kindergarten Cafe, I share effective strategies for maintaining student engagement during lessons, particularly as the school year progresses. I provide practical tools and tips for teachers to use when students show signs of losing focus. You can enhance engagement by adjusting volume, speech speed, and incorporating interactive elements like singing and actions into lessons for a more dynamic learning experience.

Encouraging active participation through techniques such as turn and talk exercises and student-led discussions can foster collaboration and deepen understanding among students. Balancing teacher-led instruction with opportunities for student dialogue is key to creating a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment. By implementing these strategies, you can create more engaging and impactful learning experiences that empower students to take ownership of their learning journey.

• Engaging Strategies for End-of-Year Attention
• The Power of Volume and Speed Changes
• Chanting and Singing for Engagement
• Adding Actions to Enhance Direction Understanding
• Bringing Drama into Instruction for Engagement
• Utilizing Turn and Talk Strategy for Engagement
• Encouraging Student Participation in Lessons

• 5 Ways to Keep Students Engaged at the End of the Year

• 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 have my teacher friend, Holly, from Research and Play on the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. We explore the significance of purposeful classroom setup, focusing on child-centered approaches including the Reggio Emilia method. Holly stresses designing rather than decorating the classroom, using natural materials to stimulate learning. We also discuss challenges in shifting to student-centric designs, encouraging student involvement in creating the environment. Holly offers resources like her TPT bundles and an upcoming course on Research-Based Space. 

• What it means to be child-centered
• Classroom design vs classroom decor
• Role of the environment in Reggio Approach
• Resources for Child-Centered Classroom Design

• Instagram - @researchandplay
• Website - research-and-play.com
• The Research-Based Space Course
• Co-Created, Student Made Classroom Decor Bundle

• 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

Join me in this episode for strategies on ending the school year stress-free. Keep students engaged with choices and themed days. I also provide many tips to help you prepare for the next year by decluttering and communicating with parents. Cherish moments with students and share this episode with fellow teachers for more tips.

• End of the Year Tips
• Keeping Kids Engaged with Activities
• Engaging Students Through Choices
• Excitement with Theme Days
• Utilizing Extra Time Wisely
• Preparing for a Fresh Start
• …and much more!

• End of the Year Theme Days!
• My Favorite Theme Day - Board Game Day

• End of Year Digital Social Story
• End of Kindergarten Summer Packet
• End of Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!
• Theme Days BUNDLE!

• 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 of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, we explore the topic of supporting multilingual learners in the classroom. We highlight the importance of fostering strong relationships and creating a safe environment for these students. Strategies such as using gestures, visuals, and pair work are discussed to help newcomers feel included and comfortable. We stress the significance of understanding and supporting students as they navigate their language acquisition journey. Teaching methods like vocabulary cards, repetition, and visual aids are examined to enhance language development. It is crucial to provide a supportive and encouraging space for students to thrive. 

• The importance of supporting english language learners
• Teaching vocabulary to english language learners
• Using sentence starters for english learners
• Encouraging reading development in english learners
• The impact of patience and encouragement on english learners

• Supporting English Language Learners
• Fun and Easy Kindergarten Vocabulary Activities

• Writing Support for English Learners

• 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 of Kindergarten Cafe, I discuss the significance of Earth Day. I share how I incorporate Earth Day activities into my classroom to teach students about environmental awareness and taking action to care for the planet. From observing nature and cleaning up litter to planting and creating art projects with earth-friendly messages, I provide engaging and purposeful ideas for celebrating Earth Day with students.

• Importance of Teaching Environmental Awareness
• Classroom Activities for Earth Day
• Encouraging Action Through Creative Projects
• Earth Day Crowns and Stories

• Earth Day!

There are lots of other books that are great for Earth Day activities. For your convenience I have them linked to my Amazon affiliate store.

•  The Earth Book by Todd Parr 
• Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers – it’s a little long but beautifully written.
• Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard has some nice ideas for taking care of the earth.
• Jen Green series: – Why Should I Recycle? – Why Should I Protect Nature? – Why Should I Save Water? – Why Should I Save Energy?
• What Does It Mean to Be Green? By Rana DiOrio
• 10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh

There are also some great videos and songs your students will love!

• Harry Kindergarten – “We’re Going Green”
• Jack Hartmann “Recycle”
• GoNoodle (you need a free educator account to access this) has a Think About It mindfulness video on taking care of the earth.
• BrainPop Jr. (a paid resource) has a video called Reduce, Reuse, Recycle that would be perfect for Earth Day.

• 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