You spent the time laminating the cards.

You hung the visual schedule perfectly on the wall.

But then?

The kids barely looked at it.

In this episode, let's talk about the five biggest mistakes teachers make with visual schedules and explain how to turn your schedule from a classroom decoration into one of the most powerful tools in your day.

The truth is, visual schedules do not work automatically. They have to be taught, referenced, updated, and used consistently if we want children to feel safe and confident using them.

Topics Discussed:

• Why visual schedules are important
• Why hanging a visual schedule is not enough
• How to teach children to use the schedule
• Why updating the schedule matters
• Ways to reduce transition anxiety

Related Resources:

• Visual Schedule Cards

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Why You Should Be Using a Visual Schedule

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

The summer slide is real. But turning summer into “homework season” is not the answer.

In this episode, we’re talking about a better way to support preschool learning at home through simple, play-based activities families will actually use. If you’ve ever sent home workbook packets only to wonder if they ever left the backpack, this conversation is for you...

Because preschoolers learn best through play, connection, conversation, and hands-on experiences, not pages of busywork.

Topics Discussed:

• Why traditional take-home packets don't work for preschoolers
• What young children actually need to keep skills fresh over break
• How play-based family activities build math, literacy, and fine motor skills
• Done for you take-home activities

Related Resources:

• Family Learning Kits

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

If assessment season makes you want to shut your laptop and disappear for a while… you’re not alone. In this episode, let me break down why traditional assessment methods feel so exhausting! But more importantly, let me give you a better way to do it.

You’ll learn a simpler, more effective approach that saves time, reduces stress for your students, and gives you data you can actually use to guide your teaching.

Topics Discussed:

• Why assessing everything at the beginning of the year doesn’t work
• What to assess at the beginning, middle, and end of the year
• The “Storybook Method” for structuring assessment periods
• Why re-assessment is the missing piece most teachers skip
• How to use assessment data to actually guide instruction

Related Resources:

• Assessment and Portfolio Resources

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

What if the loudest, most chaotic corner of your classroom is actually where the deepest learning is happening?

In this episode, we’re rethinking dramatic play and breaking the myth that it’s “just pretending.” Because when you take a closer look, you’ll see children building language, social skills, literacy, and real-world understanding through play.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to replace play with more structured academics, this episode will help you see why dramatic play deserves a permanent place in your classroom.

Topics Discussed:

• Skill Building in Dramatic Play
• Why engagement is naturally higher in play-based centers
• How to set up your dramatic play area with intention

Related Resources:

• Dramatic Play Bundle

Related Blogposts and Episodes:

• The Importance of Changing out Play Centers

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Spring brings a noticeable shift in energy and it can leave even the most well-run classrooms feeling a little chaotic. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full reset to fix it.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to refresh your preschool classroom in simple, manageable ways that actually work - without adding more to your plate.

Because the goal isn’t to start over. It’s to work smarter with what you already have.

Topics Discussed:

• Why spring behavior shifts are normal (and not a sign something is “wrong”)
• Why “new but familiar” is the key to better learning
• Simple ways to update your centers without extra prep
• Why a plants theme is the easiest way to bring spring into your classroom

Related Resources:

• Spring Resources that are done for you!

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

What does science look like in a preschool classroom?

It’s not worksheets.

It’s a child running across the grass with a kite they built themselves! They built it, tested it and discovered that it works!

In this episode, we’re talking about how to move beyond “cute” spring activities and into meaningful science that actually builds cognitive skills.

Topics Discussed:

1. What real science looks like in preschool
2. Why spring is the perfect time for science
3. Centers vs. STEM Challenges
4. The thinking skills hiding in spring science
5. How to make spring science simple

Related Resources:

1. Science Centers + STEM Challenges Bundle

Connect with Ashley

1. Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
2. Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

In this episode, we’re talking about the common "recognition trap" in early childhood education and why stopping at identification can limit deeper learning. You’ll learn a simple four-stage framework you can use to guide children from basic familiarity with a concept all the way to meaningful application.

Let's bring clarity and calmness back to your planning!

Topics Discussed:

1. Why recognition is the starting line, not the finish line
2. The difference between naming and true recognition
3. The four stages of preschool skill development
4. The framework and how it supports differentiation
5. Simple ways to get started

Related Resources:

1. Skill-Based File Folder Games

Connect with Ashley

1. Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
2. Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to scaffold name writing in a preschool classroom where readiness levels vary widely (because they always do).

Let's discuss what the true progression of name writing looks like, how to structure a routine that supports mixed abilities, and what to do when a child simply isn’t ready yet.

Because name writing isn’t a race. It’s a scaffolded skill and every child develops at their own pace.

Topics Discussed:

1. Why readiness for name writing varies so much
2. The developmental foundations required before name writing
3. What scaffolding name writing actually looks like
4. How to build a name writing routine that works for everyone
5. What to do when a child isn't ready

Related Resources:

1. Name Learning Bundle

Connect with Ashley

1. Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
2. Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.”

Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away.

Topics Discussed:

1. Why friendship drama increases as the year goes on
2. What friendship skills actually are
3. How to teach friendhip skills
4. Why mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instruction
5. One simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week

Related Resources:

1. Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers

Connect with Ashley

1. Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
2. Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

January is long and your kids have way too much energy.

In this episode, let's talk winter themes like arctic animals and hibernation.

When you use play-based, intentional centers, winter becomes a time for deep engagement, meaningful learning, and calmer classrooms.

Topics Discussed:

• Why winter themes work so well in January
• The problem with relying only on “cute crafts”
• How to turn arctic animals and hibernation into skill -rich center work
• Practical winter center ideas you can use

Related Resources:

• Science Centers: Winter
• Science Centers: Hibernation
• Winter Writing Invitations
• Winter Dramatic Play Center
• Hunt the Room Winter

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com