Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

It can feel overwhelming when a student comes to kindergarten with zero letter or sound knowledge. But I promise, there’s no need to panic. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I approach this situation with compassion, confidence, and a clear plan. Just because they don’t know their letters yet doesn’t mean they won’t. Most students just need time, exposure, and support. This episode shows you how to give them all three.

• Why starting with name recognition and phonological awareness is key
• What to actually focus on in those first few weeks
• How I build foundational literacy skills in just 5–10 extra minutes a day
• When to loop in families (and when it’s not necessary yet)
• Easy ways to track progress and offer extra support

• Teaching the Alphabet - 6 Things To Do with Each Letter w/ Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi ~ Ep. 104
• How I Teach my Students Letter Names and Their Sounds ~ Ep. 54
• Engaging Families in Supporting Struggling Learners ~ Ep. 67

• Empowering Educators with Effective Student Progress Tracking
• Phonological awareness versus phonemic awareness: what and how to teach

• Year-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & Writing

• 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:

If you're deep in the alphabet trenches like I am right now, this episode is for you. I'm joined (again!) by Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi to talk all about how to teach letter sounds and letter names using research-backed best practices in ways that are practical and doable for real classrooms.

Heidi is a national LETRS Early Childhood trainer and a former K–1 teacher, and she’s here to help us rethink some of the most common teaching habits around phonics instruction… like whether to teach letter names and sounds, why you should clip the sounds, how to avoid confusing keywords like “elephant” or “giraffe,” and what to do instead.

*Make sure to stay to the end because we have a very important P.S. for you!!!

• What the science of reading says about teaching letter names and letter sounds
• The six components to include every time you teach a new letter
• Why "B is for ba" might actually hurt blending and decoding later on
• Whether to teach letters in ABC order, or a different research-supported sequence
• What embedded mnemonics are and why they help kids learn faster
• Small tweaks to your language (like switching "says" to "represents") that make a big difference
• Why repeated alphabet cycles work better than “letter of the week”

• Science of Reading 101 With Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge ~ Ep. 81

• Tips for Teaching the Alphabet & Research

• 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/

Wondering how to manage all those center materials without creating chaos or drowning in bins and bags?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how I organize my math and literacy centers in a way that actually works for me (and might just work for you too!). I’ll walk you through what I’ve tried, what didn’t stick, and what I finally figured out about keeping things easy to grab, easy to store, and easy for students to manage independently.

• How I organize math centers by unit using labeled Ziploc bags
• Where I store everything so it’s ready to go—even on hectic days
• Why I organize literacy materials by skill instead of unit
• Tips for reusing materials without making a million copies
• How to build independence by teaching kids to set up and clean up their own centers

• Building Effective Literacy Centers with the Science of Reading ~ Ep. 78
• How to Effectively Manage Kindergarten Math Centers ~ Ep. 71

• Kindergarten Teacher Essentials | Year-Long, Mega-Bundle Kindergarten Activities

• 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’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Mona from @HelloMonaMath and the Math Chat podcast! If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to actually teach word problems - especially in early childhood -  you are going to love this conversation.

Mona shares her 5-step routine for solving word problems, and trust me, this is the kind of structure that will change how you think about math time. We talk about what this looks like in real-life kindergarten classrooms, how to support kids during productive struggle, how to use sharing time intentionally (without needing to feature every student every time), and why routine and mindset are everything.

• Why word problems don’t have to be scary—for you or your students
• How to build student independence and confidence in math
• The balance between giving support vs. giving away the answer
• Why it’s okay if not every child finishes the problem (really!)
• How to use discussion and reflection to deepen understanding

• Loving Teaching While Using New Curriculum ~ Ep. 29

• 44: Decomposing Numbers in 4 Simple Steps with Zeba

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ph2NCOiDNU

• Instagram - @hellomonamath
• Website - MonaMath.com
• Podcast - Math Chat Podcast
• Book -  Word Problem Workshop

• 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/

At this point in the year, it’s tempting to shake things up, but don’t ditch your routine just yet.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing why sticking to consistent routines is one of the best things you can do for your students right now. We’ll talk about how routines help kids feel safe, reduce anxiety, and build independence. And how you can stay motivated, even if you’re tired of singing the same songs every day. (Trust me, I’ve been there!) Your students thrive on routine and your future self will thank you.

• Why routines help kids feel secure and focused
• How to support students through schedule changes and transitions
• What to do when unexpected changes (like fire drills or indoor recess) throw things off
• Tips for using visual schedules and gentle reminders to build independence
• Why your students aren’t actually bored and how to remind yourself that consistency is a good thing

• Effective Classroom Setup: Balancing Play, Learning, and Routine ~ Ep. 94
• Teaching Self-Regulation Skills Through Everyday Routines ~ Ep. 80
• Balancing Curriculum and Development: Teaching with Young Learners in Mind ~ Ep. 62
• Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Classroom ~ Ep. 59
• How to Have Smooth Transitions in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 51

• Free SEL 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/

This episode marks 100(!) episodes of Kindergarten Café, and we’re talking about something every classroom should have: a calm down corner.

I’m walking you through what it is, why it matters, how to set one up (without needing a ton of stuff), and how to introduce it so students actually use it to regulate and not avoid learning or feel punished.

• Why this space isn’t a timeout—but a teaching tool for self-regulation
• How to set it up so it’s private and safe
• What to include (and what to skip) to keep it simple and effective
• How I teach students to use it—with modeling, practice, and support
• The trick to managing it without it becoming a reward or a distraction

• Social Emotional Learning Strategies Signs, Visuals, and Posters
• Social Emotional Classroom Supplies

• 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 face it…you will have to miss a day of school and you never know who’s going to walk through the door as your sub. That’s why creating clear, simple, and effective sub plans is a must! Not just for your sanity, but to make the day run smoothly for your students and the sub. Whether you’re planning ahead or need last-minute ideas, this episode will help you prep once and reuse all year long. 

• What routines and details you should always include
• Why familiar activities (like Bingo and dice games) are your secret weapon
• How I set up an emergency sub tub that saves me every time
• The real-life situations that made me so glad I had it all ready!

• Simplifying Sub Plans for Stress-Free Sick Days ~ Ep. 52

• Sub Tub Bundle | Planning for a Substitute | Easy Sub Plans
• Editable Substitute Binder | Helpful Classroom Information for a Sub
• Emergency Lesson Sub Plans and Activities for a Substitute Teacher

• 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/

A common mistake in kindergarten is starting writing too soon. In this episode, I’m walking you through what I actually do in the first month before introducing Writer’s Workshop - and why skipping these steps can lead to frustration for everyone (you included!). Writing in kindergarten is a journey and it takes time. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s confidence, progress, and connection. I’ll share how I set realistic expectations and build a strong foundation that leads to joyful, engaged writers later on.

• Build fine motor skills with my Cutting Academy 
• Teach drawing step-by-step using lines, shapes, and detail
• Strengthen oral storytelling and language skills with daily warm-ups

• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle
• Fine Motor Skills Products BUNDLE - Handwriting & Learning to Draw & Cut
• Writing Warm Up Slides | Oral language development & oral literacy skills

• 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/

Today we’re talking about how to set up a meaningful before-school Meet the Teacher event. Not a curriculum night or open house, but that special time when families and students come in before the first day to explore the classroom, ease nerves, and kick off the year with calm and connection.

If you’re planning your Meet the Teacher visit or want to make yours run more smoothly, this episode is full of practical tips and real-talk encouragement. Plus, you can grab my exact checklist (and all my back-to-school forms) in the Kindergarten Pack linked below.

• What to include (and not include) at your visit
• Why sending info ahead of time saves your sanity
• My go-to checklist that keeps kids and parents engaged
• The picture book I always read to end on a sweet, supportive note

• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle
• A New Kind of Curriculum Night

• 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 first month of kindergarten is not easy!! Not going to sugarcoat it…there’s a reason people compare it to herding cats! But it does get better, and how you use this first month truly sets the tone for the rest of the year.

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to focus on during those first few weeks - from establishing routines to introducing materials, building classroom community, and keeping things playful and developmentally appropriate. I’ll also share how I ease into academics because it’s not about jumping into the curriculum right away.

• What routines to teach and how to teach them
• When to start academic work and how to keep it simple
• How to help students build stamina, independence, and social-emotional skills...

• The Magic of Back to School Scavenger Hunts ~ Ep. 47
• Launching Morning Meeting in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 46
• 7 Activities for Your First Month of Kindergarten ~ Ep. 44

• Kindergarten Back to School Activities | First 2 Weeks Kindergarten Lesson Plans
• First Month of Kindergarten Success Kit | Back to School Activities Mega Bundle

• August and September 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/