It’s June, teacher friends! Which means some of us are officially in summer mode while others (like me!) are counting down the days. In this shorter episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek at everything happening this summer at Kindergarten Café - from free challenges to coaching and resources to help you prep for the new school year without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re a brand new kindergarten teacher or just looking for a fresh way to plan your summer, I’ve got something for you. Plus, I’m sharing my favorite summer books and shows to help you relax and recharge. ☀️📚🍿

However you’re feeling this summer (tired, excited, overwhelmed) I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s find that kindergarten magic and enjoy some well-earned rest.

• Ways you can learn more from me this summer
• What I have available to support you
• What’s in store for the podcast this summer
• Summer Plans and Reflections

• Summer Learning for First Year Kinder Teachers

• Kindergarten Teacher Summer Challenge

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

PD By the Pool

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

Did you just find out you are moving to Kindergarten? In this episode, I share my experience as a first-time kindergarten teacher, giving you some tips that helped me my first year. It can be pretty emotional when discovering your new teaching assignment and what helped me most was seeking mentorship from an experienced kindergarten teacher. Reviewing lesson plans helped me manage classroom activities and alleviate stress. Familiarizing myself with the teaching space and understanding the curriculum's big picture were also crucial steps I took to prepare. I advocate for three main actions: finding a mentor, organizing lesson plans, and assessing the teaching environment, while encouraging new teachers to embrace the journey ahead. Join me in our summer challenge and professional development sessions for further support and insights.

• Finding Your Support System
• Preparing Your Classroom Space
• Understanding Your Curriculum

• Summer Learning for First Year Kinder Teachers

• Kindergarten Teacher Summer Challenge

• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle

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

Mentioned in this episode:

PD By the Pool

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

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

Are you wondering if Kindergarten is the right grade for you? I have taught several grade levels so in this episode I share the differences between Kindergarten and upper grades. Kindergarten has some unique challenges but also so many rewards! For those unsure about their right grade level fit, I offer strategies and support for building student independence. Ultimately, it is so important to align your passion with teaching to ensure fulfillment and success in the profession.

• Understanding Kindergarten Teaching
• Acknowledging Tough Years
• Comparing Grade Levels
• Teaching Independence vs. Foundation
• The Magic of Growth in Kindergarten
• Preparing for Future Challenges

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

PD By the Pool

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

The summer slide is inevitable unless we encourage and help parents keep the learning over the summer going. In this episode, I share strategies to keep their learning on track and in fun ways to where the students actually enjoy what they are learning. I provide activities parents can incorporate into daily routines to make learning fun and engaging. Preventing the summer slide is so important for the impact of early intervention on children's readiness for first grade. First grade teachers will thank you!

• Summer Slide Solutions
• Encouraging Summer Reading
• Engaging Families in Learning
• Play-Based Learning Activities

• End of Kindergarten Summer Packet

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

I know you are thinking there is no way I can already be thinking about next year, but I promise… if you prepare for the upcoming school year as the current one wraps up…your future self will be thanking you. This episode gives you so many tips on things you can do now such as organizing classroom materials, taking note of unused supplies, creating a supply list of what you will need next year. Involving your students in the cleaning process not only declutters but also fosters a sense of responsibility among them. Prepare materials early for the first week of school to reduce workload during the hectic start. Breaking down summer projects into manageable tasks and engaging in professional development opportunities are key steps for a successful transition. Lastly, I suggest fun ways to involve kids in cleaning, turning it into a memorable activity. Ultimately investing your efforts now allows for a smoother, stress-free return to school next fall.

• Organizing Classroom Materials
• Preparing for the First Week
• Fun Cleaning Activities with Kids
• Getting Ready for Next Year

• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

Celebrating kindergarten students and their families by recognizing growth and achievements at the end of the year is so important. In this episode I discuss effective strategies, such as creating personalized memory books and organizing an end-of-year party with slideshows and student portfolios. I also suggest incorporating theme days to engage students. I encourage kindergarten teachers (new or experienced) to reflect on their own dedication while fostering a supportive community that thrives on celebration and connection.

• Importance of Celebrating Growth
• Creating Memory Books
• End of Year Party Ideas
• Theme Days for Celebration
• Reflecting on Student Growth

• End of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!
• Kindergarten Theme Days BUNDLE ~ Engaging end of year activities full day plans
• May & June Kindergarten Plans

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

The end of the year is quickly approaching! In this episode I share some of the  end-of-the-year celebrations specifically designed for kindergarten teachers aiming to enhance excitement and engagement during this transitional time. I share my approach to implementing themed days leading up to the school year's end, shifting focus from an anxious countdown to a series of joyful experiences. I detail various themed days, ranging from Wacky Hat Day to Board Game Bonanza, allowing for curriculum completion while keeping students engaged and enthusiastic. Creative themed activities foster joy and are highlighted as essential tools for maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere. This episode serves as a guide for educators looking to infuse creativity and joy into the final days of the school year.

• Overcoming End-of-Year Overwhelm
• Planning Theme Days
• Fun Activities for Theme Days
• Creating a Special Atmosphere

• Kindergarten Theme Days BUNDLE ~ Engaging end of year activities full day plans
• Why I Don’t Do A Countdown for Summer
• May & June Kindergarten Plans

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

In this episode we have Science of Reading expert Heidi, from Droppin’ Knowledge who shares her journey into learning about Science of Reading and the importance of decoding skills over traditional sight word memorization. We discuss strategies for teachers to adapt outdated curriculum, focus on phonological awareness, and provide developmentally appropriate instruction for diverse classrooms. If you want to learn more about the Science of Reading, you don’t want to miss this episode!

• The Controversy of Balanced Literacy
• Effective Strategies for Teaching Reading
• The Reality of Science of Reading Curriculum
• Decodable Books: What to Look For

• Instagram - @droppinknowledgewithheidi
• Website - droppinknowledge.com

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

Being able to have self-regulation skills is essential for students. In this episode, I talk about how to teach self-regulation skills through daily classroom routines. I share practical strategies, including engaging activities like voice volume greetings and techniques such as five-finger breathing to help students calm down during transitions. I emphasize creating a 'control spot' or ‘calm corner’ in the classroom for self-regulation, equipped with familiar tools to support students during stress. Consistency in these practices is key as I provide additional tips for infusing self-regulation into everyday activities. 

• Everyday Routines for Self-Regulation
• Morning Meeting Strategies
• The Control Spot
• Transitioning in the Classroom

• Self-Regulation and Impulse Control in Kids ~ Ep. 22

• Breathing Strategies Freebie!!
• Social Emotional Learning
• Easy Self-Regulation Strategies
• Helping Children Regulate Their Emotions
• 8 Easy Impulse Control Activities for Kids

• Impulse Control and Self-Regulation: A Social Emotional Learning Unit
• Social Emotional Curriculum: Support for Students with ADHD | Executive Function

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/

In this episode, I share how my classroom play center, Loose Parts, is sparking creativity and self-expression in young learners. Using everyday items like those from my recycling bin, there is so much power in open-ended materials in imaginative play. I also discuss simple organization strategies and how introducing materials gradually helps kids stay engaged. Through play, students develop storytelling skills, explore math concepts, and learn that the process matters more than the final product.

• Exploring Loose Parts in the Classroom
• Connecting Loose Parts to Literacy
• Benefits and Implementation of Loose Parts

• Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48
• Encouraging Independent Play in the Classroom ~ Ep. 72
• Child-Led Play and Learning with Melysa from PRE-K Spot Talks ~ Ep. 27

• Workshop: Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten
• Top Five Play Based Learning Must Haves
• Starting Purposeful Play in Kindergarten? Outstanding!
• Setting Up Classroom Play Areas

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Caring Critters Books

Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/