Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

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

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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/

What are your thoughts on the Science of Reading? Well, in this episode, I explain what the Science of Reading is and its impact on designing effective literacy centers. I highlight the key pillars of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and advocate for a balanced approach. I also tell you about the various literacy centers I implement, including a Word Work Center and interactive group activities, which adapt throughout the year to support students’ evolving skills. 

• The Science of Reading Explained
• Designing Effective Literacy Centers
• Adapting Centers Throughout the Year
• Future Plans for Literacy Focus

• Vocabulary Activities & Games for Kindergarten | Literacy Centers
• Kindergarten Decodable Passages | Printable and Progressive Phonics Readers
• Kindergarten Decodable Readers BUNDLE! | Progressing Skills |Just Print and Read
• Teaching Kids to Draw | Introduction to Drawing | Drawing Journal | Fine Motor
• Kindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, Interventions
• Alphabet Worksheets Bundle | Alphabet Literacy Centers and Journals
• High Frequency Word Practice | Sight Word Spelling & Reading Games

• Can Scarborough's Reading Rope Transform the Approach to Literacy Instruction?

• 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 sight words, high-frequency words, trick works, whatever you choose to call them are a key element of early literacy. In this episode, I discuss the evolution of sight word instruction, and talk about outdated methods of rote memorization with a more effective strategy that introduces one word per week. It’s a necessity to memorize high-frequency words that often defy phonetic rules, such as "my" and "like" and I outline my approach to engaging students through interactive routines. Using fully decodable poems and hands-on activities like word walls and games, I stress the importance of ongoing practice to reinforce sight word recognition. 

• Phonics and Sight Words Connection
• Strategies for Teaching Sight Words
• Routine for Teaching Sight Words
• Engaging Students with Sight Words

• Teaching to Read & Write High Frequency Words (Trick Words, Sight Words) 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/

This episode is the first of a mini-series on literacy. We’ll begin with the importance of vocabulary development for young learners and its role as a predictor of reading success. 

I share strategies for effective vocabulary instruction, including explicit teaching during read-alouds and interactive games that encourage peer engagement. As always, I emphasize the value of play and discuss creating meaningful learning environments, such as Dramatic Play Centers. 

• Importance of Vocabulary in Kindergarten
• Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary
• Engaging Vocabulary Games
• Vocabulary Learning through Play

• Strategies for Teaching English Learners ~ Ep. 31

• Vocabulary Activities & Games for Kindergarten | Literacy Centers
• Scarborough's Reading Rope

• 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/