Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

The end of the school year can bring excitement, celebration, and fun, but it also brings a lot of feelings. In this episode, I talk about how to support students socially and emotionally as the school year comes to a close.

Many children are processing more than adults realize. They may be excited for summer while also feeling sad about leaving their teacher, nervous about a new classroom, worried about losing routines, or unsure what summer will look like at home. Those mixed emotions often show up through behavior.

I want to share practical ways to help students feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported during this big transition.

In this episode, I share:

• why behavior changes at the end of the year are often a form of communication
• common emotions students feel as the year wraps up, even if they cannot express them directly
• why kindergarten students often struggle more with transitions than older grades
• how strong teacher relationships can make saying goodbye especially emotional
• why countdowns to the last day of school can increase anxiety and behaviors
• why I avoid saying things like “you’re almost first graders” too early
• how to teach students about mixed emotions and the meaning of “bittersweet”
• how social stories can help children process worries about next year or summer break
• why visiting first grade classrooms and meeting next year’s teachers can reduce fear
• how keeping routines steady helps children feel secure during a changing season
• why adding fun theme days, novelty, movement, and choice helps regulate behavior
• how new materials during playtime can increase engagement and reduce conflict
• why it’s important to celebrate not only academic growth, but social and emotional growth too
• simple ways to create closure through memory sharing, slideshows, and meaningful goodbyes

This episode is a helpful reminder that big feelings at the end of the year are normal. Students are not trying to be difficult…they are trying to navigate change. With the right support, teachers can help children leave feeling proud, calm, and ready for what comes next.

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• End of the Year Kindergarten Theme Days
• End of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!

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Mentioned in this episode:

End of Year Bundle

Grab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may

The move from kindergarten to first grade is exciting, but for many students, it can also feel like a really big change. In this episode, I share how to support children emotionally, socially, and academically as they prepare for the transition to first grade.

Some students are thrilled and ready. Others may feel nervous, anxious, or overwhelmed about leaving a classroom that has become their safe place all year. Teachers and parents may also have worries about whether a child is truly ready for what comes next.

I break down practical ways to ease the transition for everyone involved while keeping the end of the year calm and positive.

In this episode, I share:

• why the transition to first grade can feel much bigger than adults sometimes realize
• common differences between kindergarten and first grade that can create stress for students
• how to help children reflect on how much they’ve grown and why that builds confidence for next year
• why independence skills practiced all year long are one of the best forms of first-grade preparation
• how classroom visits and meeting first-grade teachers can reduce fear of the unknown
• why I avoid talking about being “almost first graders” too early in the year
• how countdown language can increase anxiety and behavior struggles for some students
• when to use a personalized social story for students who are especially worried about the change
• how memory books and celebrations help students process the end of kindergarten in a healthy way
• simple ways teachers can prepare themselves now for next school year and reduce future stress
• how cleaning toys and organizing materials can help both students and teachers transition
• what teachers can do when they are worried about certain students moving on to first grade
• how to communicate support strategies to next year’s teacher without labeling the child negatively
• ways to help families prevent the “summer slide” and keep learning going at home

This episode is full of reminders that transitions affect every child differently. With the right support, encouragement, and preparation, students can leave kindergarten feeling proud of what they accomplished and ready for what comes next.

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• Stress-Free End-of-the-Year Tips ~ Ep. 32
• End of the Year Teacher Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Start Next School Year ~ Ep. 84

• 5 Easy things to prepare for next school year

• End of Year Kindergarten Summer Packet for First Grade Readiness
• End of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!
• End of Year Digital Social Story
• Back to School First Day and First Week Kindergarten Activities and Lesson Plans

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

End of Year Bundle

Grab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may

The end of the year brings a very real energy shift in kindergarten. Kids are tired, routines start to feel old, and the big transition to summer or first grade can bring excitement for some students and a lot of anxiety for others. In this episode, I share how to keep the classroom fun and engaging at the end of the year without throwing out the structure that kids still need.

I explain why end-of-year routines matter more than ever, especially for students who feel worried about change, and why adding novelty in thoughtful ways can help keep everyone regulated, motivated, and excited to come to school.

In this episode, I share:

• why the end-of-year behavior shift happens and how to respond without abandoning your routines
• why I does not recommend a countdown to the last day of school, especially for anxious students
• how theme days can add excitement and novelty while still keeping your daily structure intact
• why movement breaks become even more important at the end of the year and how to use them proactively
• how letting students take the lead as “teacher of the day” can build confidence, ownership, and engagement
• how adding simple choices throughout the day helps students stay more invested in learning
• ways to help children reflect on their kindergarten year through memory books and favorite moments
• how to keep end-of-year celebrations simple, meaningful, and low-stress with a focus on celebrating growth

This episode is full of practical ideas for making the last stretch of kindergarten more joyful, more manageable, and a lot less chaotic. If you want your students to stay engaged while still feeling safe in the familiar rhythm of the day, this episode will give you plenty of ways to make that happen.

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• End of the Year Teacher Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Start Next School Year ~ Ep. 84
• End of the Year Celebrations in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 83
• 10 Movement Breaks for the End of the Year ~ Ep. 35
• End-of-Year Magic: Unleashing Excitement with Theme Day Ideas ~ Ep. 82
• Stress-Free End-of-the-Year Tips ~ Ep. 32

• End of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!
• End of the Year Kindergarten Theme Days | Last Week of School Activities
• May & June Kindergarten Plans

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

Mentioned in this episode:

End of Year Bundle

Grab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may

A worksheet gets crumpled and thrown away. Tears start over one small error. A student refuses to even begin because they’re afraid of getting it wrong.

I’m sure you’ve seen this in your classroom.

In this episode, I explain what’s really going on when students struggle to handle mistakes, and how to support them in a way that helps them move forward.

You’ll hear how these reactions often stem from anxiety, perfectionism, or a lack of growth mindset, and why simply telling students “it’s okay” isn’t enough in the moment.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• the common reasons students react strongly to mistakes, including fear of failure, comparison, and lack of persistence
• how to reframe mistakes as learning opportunities using simple, consistent language
• why it’s important to explicitly teach growth mindset, persistence, and emotional regulation outside of those difficult moments
• practical ways to respond in real time when students cry, shut down, crumple their work, or refuse to start
• how to support different types of reactions with specific strategies (like using fix-it tape, offering breaks, or reducing the workload)
• ways to build emotional regulation skills and give students language to express frustration appropriately
• how to stay consistent while still being flexible in how students show their learning
• special considerations for students who are learning English and may be afraid to take risks with language

I also share real classroom scenarios and what she would say or do in each situation, helping you see how these strategies play out in practice.

If you have students who shut down, avoid work, or get overwhelmed by mistakes, this episode will give you practical tools to support them while still keeping expectations in place.

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• Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies ~ Ep. 115
• Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20
• Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts ~ Ep. 55
• Strategies for Teaching English Learners ~ Ep. 31
• Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57

• Fix It Tape (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Growth mindset books: (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Social Emotional Lessons
• Class Dojo - Growth Mindset

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

Mentioned in this episode:

SEL Challenge

Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm

Self-confidence plays a huge role in how students learn, take risks, and see themselves in the classroom and kindergarten is a critical time to begin shaping that identity. This episode shares practical, everyday strategies teachers can use to help students build confidence and develop a positive sense of themselves as learners.

You’ll hear why confidence isn’t just about feeling good, it directly impacts whether students are willing to try, make mistakes, and keep going when things get hard.

In this episode, I share:

1. why self-confidence is essential for learning and how negative self-beliefs can hold students back
2. how building independence through daily routines and classroom systems helps students feel capable
3. ways to incorporate choice into the day so students take ownership of their learning
4. how to teach and model growth mindset, including using simple language shifts like adding “yet”
5. the importance of celebrating effort, persistence, and progress, not just the final product
6. how to respond to mistakes in a way that builds resilience instead of discouragement
7. why classroom language matters (including addressing phrases like “that was easy”)
8. simple ways to highlight each student’s strengths while helping them work through challenges

I also share ideas for using morning meetings, class celebrations, and positive notes home to create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, capable, and valued.

If you’re looking for practical ways to support students who hesitate, compare themselves, or shut down when learning feels hard, this episode will give you strategies you can start using right away.

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1. Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies ~ Ep. 115
2. Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20
3. The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 73

1. Kindergarten Social Emotional Lessons
2. Social Emotional Challenges!

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

SEL Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167

Dramatic play is one of the most powerful learning areas in an early childhood classroom, but many classrooms are losing it or aren’t sure how to set it up effectively. In this episode, I break down what every strong dramatic play center should include and how to keep the area engaging for students throughout the year.

You’ll hear how dramatic play supports language development, social skills, imagination, and academic learning, all while students think they’re just playing.

In this episode, I share:

1. the key elements every dramatic play setup should include
2. how to build literacy opportunities into play through signs, menus, forms, and word charts
3. simple ways to add math connections like counting, measuring, and pricing
4. how dramatic play helps build background knowledge and vocabulary through real-world roles
5. when to change your dramatic play center and how to tell when students are ready for something new

I also share many of my favorite dramatic play themes, including favorites like the vet office, movie theater, post office, travel center, bakery, and farmer’s market and how I rotate them throughout the year.

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1. The Power of Dramatic Play in the Classroom ~ Ep. 23

1. Dramatic Play Themes & Easy Set-Ups Bundle

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

 Purposeful Play Mega Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Purposeful-Play-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Play-Based-Learning-System-15337551

If you are applying for a new teaching job, hoping to switch schools, changing grade levels, or trying to land your very first classroom position, this episode is packed with the kind of advice you usually only hear behind closed doors.

I am joined by not one, but two elementary principals, Jake and Rob, for an honest conversation about what really matters in the hiring process. From getting the interview to standing out once you’re in the room.

They talk through what principals notice right away, what makes a candidate memorable, and how teachers can better prepare for interviews, demo lessons, and even internal grade-level changes. There is also a lot of reassurance here for anyone feeling discouraged by rejections or overwhelmed by the process.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. how to talk to your principal if you want to change grade levels within your school
2. what helps candidates land an interview, including resume details, cover letters, and reaching out directly
3. why getting your foot in the door through subbing, paraprofessional work, or long-term positions can make a huge difference
4. what principals are really looking for in an interview beyond the buzzwords
5. how personality, authenticity, preparation, and school culture all factor into hiring decisions
6. the kinds of questions candidates should be ready to answer, especially around collaboration, differentiation, and family communication
7. what questions you should ask in an interview to make sure the school is the right fit for you
8. tips for demo lessons, including how to prepare, what administrators are watching for, and why student engagement matters most

This episode is packed! Jake and Rob also share some of the biggest red flags in interviews, the value of thank-you emails, and why schools are not just hiring a teacher on paper, they are hiring someone to join a team and care for kids every day.

If you are job searching right now, or even just thinking about making a change, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and a lot less in the dark about the process.

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1. Instagram - @kindergartencafe
2. Facebook - @kindergartencafe
3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
4. Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Monthly Guides

https://www.kindergartencafe.org/guides/

In kindergarten writing, the main goal is helping students write a strong, clear sentence. But once some students are ready to go further, the next step is learning how to add meaningful details that bring their stories to life.

In this episode, I share simple strategies for teaching young writers how to expand their stories without overwhelming them. I explain how to break the skill into manageable steps and introduce one type of detail at a time through small groups, conferences, and modeling.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:

1. teaching students to add thinking and talking through speech and thought bubbles
2. helping writers include feelings so readers better understand the story
3. guiding students to use the five senses to make their writing more vivid
4. using small groups, checklists, and sticky-note goals to support individual writers
5. why oral storytelling and writing warmups help students generate stronger details before they begin writing

1. Using Writing Goals to Empower Young Writers ~ Ep. 24

1. Use Kindergarten Writing Prompts and Easy Warm-Ups to Improve Writing!

1. Writing Adding Details: Writing Small Groups
2. Teaching Writing in Small Groups Bundle | Differentiated Writing Groups K-2

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2. Facebook - @kindergartencafe
3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
4. Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Literacy Support Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Literacy-Support-for-Small-Group-Instruction-BUNDLE-Reading-Writing-11977457

Planning a field trip can feel exciting… and slightly terrifying at the same time. In this episode, I share all the practical tips I’ve learned over the years to make field trips smoother, safer, and far less stressful for teachers. Everything from choosing the right location to organizing groups and managing the day-of logistics. If you’ve ever worried about keeping track of 20+ kids in a crowded public place, this episode is for you.

Inside the episode, I share tips like:

1. how to choose a field trip location that’s actually manageable for your class
2. ways to organize parent volunteers and small student groups for better supervision
3. simple strategies for preparing families and students ahead of time
4. what to bring with you on the trip (including a few things you might not think of)
5. how to keep students safe, organized, and still excited about the experience

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1. Instagram - @kindergartencafe
2. Facebook - @kindergartencafe
3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
4. Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Monthly Guides

https://www.kindergartencafe.org/guides/

Phonics can feel… well, stressful. For teachers and parents. I invited Melanie Jeffrey, host of the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast and former K–3 classroom teacher turned phonics coach to talk about what actually helps early readers become confident decoders (and what looks like reading but is really just guessing).

Melanie shares how her instruction shifted from leveled texts and “cueing” strategies to more systematic phonics, and why it made such a noticeable difference for kids.

You’ll hear practical, classroom-friendly ideas like:

1. what to focus on in small groups when a child is stuck at blending/decoding
2. why that jump from easy leveled books to harder ones can completely derail kids
3. simple “must-have” materials for phonics-based small groups (without needing 97 bins)
4. an easy phonics game kids will beg to play again (and that won’t require re-teaching directions weekly)
5. why partner reading often beats silent reading in kindergarten (and why “silent reading” can be a wild expectation anyway)

Plus, Melanie shares what inspired her to start helping parents teach phonics at home in short, doable chunks so it doesn’t turn into nightly tears and drama.

1. Podcast - Phonics Rules for Kids
2. Website - phonicsrulesforkids.com

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1. Instagram - @kindergartencafe
2. Facebook - @kindergartencafe
3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
4. Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

Literacy Support Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Literacy-Support-for-Small-Group-Instruction-BUNDLE-Reading-Writing-11977457