Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

New year, new mindset! In this episode, we're talking all about growth mindset. What it actually looks like in a kindergarten classroom and how you can start teaching it in simple, meaningful ways. Whether you’re heading back after winter break or saving this for later, you’ll walk away with clear ideas you can use right away.

• How to explain “persistence” to young learners
• A super relatable way to teach the “Goldilocks zone” of challenge
• Why praising effort (not just outcomes) builds real resilience
• The magic of the word “yet” and how to help kids use it
• Favorite books, videos, and activities that reinforce growth mindset
• Why your modeling of mistakes might be the most powerful lesson of all

• Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20

• Social Emotional Learning

• Free 5-day social-emotional challenge
• New Year's Classroom Pack
• Growth Mindset: Social Emotional Read Alouds
• Sesame Street: Power of Yet
• Class Dojo Growth Mindset Video Series

• 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/

Let’s talk about the real kind of kindergarten writing, where every student is on their own unique journey.

In this episode, I’m joined by literacy consultant and podcast host Melissa Morrison (of Getting Students to Write) to unpack what it looks like to teach writing in a developmentally appropriate way. We talk about why some students are still scribbling while others are crafting full stories and how to meet all of them where they are.

Plus, Melissa shares how teachers can slowly shift their practice to better support young writers, even if your current curriculum doesn’t match developmentally appropriate expectations.

Whether you're new to kindergarten or just want to make writing more manageable, this episode will help you see your students (and yourself!) in a whole new light.

• What “writing” really means in kindergarten (hint: it’s not all about sentences)
• Why oral language is the foundation of early writing
• How to support kids at every stage - from scribbles to sentences
• The role of labeling, drawing, and invented spelling in writing development
• How to make writing time more engaging and meaningful (without ditching your curriculum)

• Language Composition Framework
• Matt Glover and Kathy Collins

• LinkedIn - @melissa-morrison
• Website - teaching-to-transform.com
• Podcast - Getting Students to Write 

• 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/

This week, I’m answering two real questions from teachers like you, all about math in kindergarten.

If you've been wondering how to organize counting collections without drowning in buttons and cubes… or what students should realistically be able to count and write by December… you're in the right place.

• How I organize and rotate counting collections (without spending a fortune)
• Why I group collections into 0–10, 10–20, and 20–100
• Tips for choosing the right containers and labeling systems 
• What realistic number writing and counting should look like in December vs. February
• When to worry about number skills and what’s totally developmentally normal
• Simple strategies to boost number sense + help kids count and organize objects 

• What are the Key Components to Teaching Math in Kindergarten?

• 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/

What should kindergarten social studies actually look like across the school year?

In this episode, I’m giving you a big-picture breakdown of how I teach social studies in kindergarten, how the family unit fits in, and how I structure my curriculum to help students explore their classroom, local, and global communities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your social studies lessons more meaningful, inclusive, and connected to the real world … this one’s for you.

• How I structure the year around different types of communities (classroom, neighborhood, global)
• Where identity, belonging, and rules fit into the kindergarten social studies standards
• My favorite way to introduce maps and geography (plus the perfect book to support it)
• Why I tie lessons to real-time holidays and celebrations  even if no one in class celebrates them
• My go-to books and videos for teaching traditions, culture, and inclusion
• How I help students understand their role in a global community

• The Magic of Teaching in December with Gingerbread and Winter Holidays – Episode 12

• Kindergarten Holiday Activities Year-Long Bundle | Seasonal Literacy and Math
• Social Studies Mentor Texts
• Community Helpers Bundle: A Social Studies Unit with Literacy Connections
• Me on a Map - Social Studies Geography Mapping and Community for Kindergarten
• Seasonal and Holiday Favorite Books
• Social Studies for Kindergarten: Mapping Standards

• 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/

Teaching about families in kindergarten is about so much more than who lives at home. It’s an opportunity to build empathy, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive classroom community.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I approach a social studies unit on families with care, intention, and developmentally appropriate strategies that honor all types of family structures.

Whether you're teaching this unit in November, December, or any time of year, this approach will help your students feel seen, respected, and connected  while learning about the diversity that makes each classroom beautiful.

• Why I start with students’ real-life experiences as a gateway to empathy and understanding
• My favorite picture books about families that reflect both windows and mirrors
• How to adapt lessons to be mindful of diverse home situations (e.g., two homes, loss, homelessness)
• The email I send families before we begin this unit to foster partnership and awareness
• Activity ideas that combine literacy, math, and SEL from graphing family sizes to sharing traditions
• How I use inclusive language like “who lives with me” instead of “who lives in your house”
• Ways to transition into discussions on culture, food, religion, and traditions

• Kindergarten Family Unit | Social Studies, Literacy, & Math Activities Worksheet
• Social Studies Mentor Texts
• Family Traditions Poster

• 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/

Some years in the classroom just feel harder than others. This one’s for the teachers who’ve cried in the car, vented to their partner, or counted down the minutes until dismissal. You're not alone and there are ways to feel like yourself again.

In this deeply personal episode, I’m answering a heartfelt question from a kindergarten teacher who asked:  “How do you keep showing up every day when one student’s behavior is draining your energy?”

This episode isn’t just about burnout - it’s about what it feels like to be a teacher who cares deeply, even when it’s hard… and what to do when you feel like you’re at your limit.

• The emotional weight of wanting to help a student who needs more support than you can give
• Why your brain feels stuck in survival mode and how to shift it
• The importance of setting boundaries while still showing up with love
• What to say to yourself when you feel like quitting
• How I “quit the day” (without quitting the job) and reset my energy
• How to reconnect with the joy of teaching when one student is taking up all your headspace
• Why focusing on relationships with all students can help you feel grounded again

• De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64
• How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108
• Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions ~ Ep. 109

• Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning Challenge
• Coaching
• Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL Units

• 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

If you’ve ever felt at a loss for how to support a student who cries over everything… or melts down in frustration when things don’t go their way… this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing two real-life case studies of students with big emotions and big reactions and how I’ve supported them in the moment and over time using a combination of observation, behavior analysis, and social-emotional teaching strategies.

• What to look for when tracking disruptive behaviors
• How to identify what a student’s behavior is really communicating
• Ideas for breaks, routines, and visual supports that actually help
• What to say (and not say) when a student has an emotional outburst
• How to teach size-of-the-problem and emotional regulation skills
• The difference between quick fixes and long-term support

• How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108
• De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64
• What to Do When a Child Won’t Stop Crying ~ Ep. 26
• Setting Up A Calm Down Corner For Your Classroom ~ Ep. 100

• Behavior Plans: Tips, Tricks, and Tools!
• Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning Challenge

• 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

One of the most important things we can teach in kindergarten isn’t academic…it’s emotional. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to teach emotional intelligence to young learners so they can better understand, express, and regulate their feelings.

• Why identifying emotions is a foundational step in social-emotional learning
• How to teach emotions through pictures, songs, discussions, and real-life examples
• The difference between easy feelings and hard feelings (and how I explain it to students)
• My favorite classroom strategies for helping students self-regulate like breathing techniques, calm corners, and role-play
• How my children's book Felipe the Feeling Frog supports this work in a meaningful, kid-friendly way
• Why practice and consistency are key when it comes to helping kids manage big feelings

• Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm

• Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL Units

• Elevating Social-Emotional Learning Activities: Let’s Talk Role-Play

• Felipe the Feeling Frog
• Social Emotional Learning Activities: Role-Play Prompt Cards & SEL Scenarios
• Breathing Exercises Freebie

• Setting Up A Calm Down Corner For Your Classroom ~ Ep. 100
• Teaching Self-Regulation Skills Through Everyday Routines ~ Ep. 80
• Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts ~ Ep. 55

• 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

If you've ever wondered how to build better communication and trust with your students' families, this episode is for you. I’m sharing practical, real-life ways to create meaningful partnerships with families beyond just sending home permission slips or scheduling conferences. From quick updates and phone calls to celebrations and caregiver inclusivity, I’ll walk you through the systems and strategies that have helped me build strong, lasting relationships with my students’ caregivers over the years.

• How and why I overcommunicate with families (and how it prevents angry emails!)
• Specific examples of what I share through weekly newsletters, emails, and Seesaw
• What I say during tricky phone calls to avoid blame and keep things collaborative
• Ideas for including all kinds of caregivers - not just parents - in classroom life
• Why it’s important to share positive progress and not just problems
• How to invite families in to share their own traditions and celebrations
• The small but powerful language shift that makes all families feel welcome

• Meet the Teacher: Setting the Tone for a Positive School Year ~ Ep. 97
• Using Seesaw for Improving Family Communication ~ Ep. 39

• Partnering with Families Bundle: Improving Kindergarten Parent Communication

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Kindergarten Essentials

Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here:

Small groups don’t have to look like “reading groups.” Especially when your students aren’t ready for reading yet. You’re still building those foundational skills, and that absolutely counts as important, impactful small group work. Building off last week’s episode on supporting students who come into kindergarten without any letter or sound knowledge, today I’m sharing exactly how I structure small groups focused on teaching letter sounds before kids are actually reading.

If you’ve ever wondered what small group literacy should look like when your students are still learning the alphabet, this episode will give you tons of practical ideas and the confidence to do what works best for your kids.

• When I actually start small groups and why it's okay to wait
• How to structure small group time for letter and sound practice
• Fun, hands-on activities and games that help learning stick
• How to use tools like alphabet charts, flashcards, and wordless books

• How I Teach my Students Letter Names and Their Sounds ~ Ep. 54
• Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105
• Teaching the Alphabet - 6 Things To Do with Each Letter w/ Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi ~ Ep. 104
• Simple, yet Effective, Small Group Instruction in Kindergarten

• Closing the Gap: Supporting Students Who Need Extra Help In Literacy

• Letter Identification Activities & Games | Small Groups, Intervention, Centers
• Kindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, Interventions
• Year-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & Writing
• Alphabet Worksheets Bundle: Alphabet Literacy Centers, Letter writing sound sort

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Kindergarten Essentials

Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: