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

It feels like the perfect time for a little circle time check-in.

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been working well, what I’ve adjusted along the way, and the incredible growth I’ve seen in my students since August.

If you’re a teacher looking to make Circle Time more engaging, flexible, and responsive to your students’ needs, this episode will give you practical ideas and reassurance that evolving your routines is a good thing.

Topics Discussed:

• How circle time looked in August vs how it looks now
• What's working well mid-year
• What we've changed along the way
• The social, emotional, and academic growth that has come with circle time
• The resource that I use to help make circle time a success

Related Resources:

• Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
• Two & Three Year Olds Circle Time Visuals

Related Episodes:

• Podcast: The First Few Weeks of Circle Time

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

In this episode, we’re talking about how to turn story time into an interactive literacy experience without adding more to your prep list. I’m sharing simple ways to dig deeper into books, what happens when you re-read with purpose, and how I use Interactive Read-Aloud units to keep everything organized and joyful.

Topics Discussed:

• Why read-alouds are such an essential literacy tool in preschool
• What makes a read-aloud interactive
• How to structure a full week of learning around one book
• Why re-reading builds comprehension, confidence, and a love of books

Related Resources:

• Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Units

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

In this episode, we are diving into Writing Invitations! We want children to be excited about writing, which means we need a playful, child-led approach without pressure, prompts, or frustration. Learn what Writing Invitations are, why they work, and how to use them to make your writing center a place kids actually want to visit.

Topics Discussed:

• What Writing Invitations are (and what they aren't)
• How to set up Writing Invitations
• Real examples of Writing Invitations
• Why Writing Invitations support emergent writing, creativity, and confidence
• How to shift expectations and honor scribbles, symbols, and early marks as real writing
• Common pitfalls to avoid (like comparison and overcorrecting)

Related Resources:

• Writing Invitations
• Fine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!
• Name Writing Notebooks

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool

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