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

Teaching preschoolers to write their names is about so much more than putting letters on paper. In this episode, we’re unpacking what really comes before name writing: the recognition, the fine motor readiness and the meaningful play that make writing feel exciting instead of frustrating.

Listen in as I give you practical strategies to support your students at every stage - from recognizing their name in print to confidently building and eventually writing it.

Topics Discussed:

• Recognition before formation.
• Before writing, we build - becoming familiar with their names.
• Hands-on beats pencil-down - strengthing fine motor skills and building letter memory.
• Are their hands even ready? - Pre-writing skills
• What happens if we rush?

Related Resources:

• Name Recognition Toolkit
• Fine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!

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 unpacking a topic that’s often misunderstood in early childhood education: the difference between handwriting and writing.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve very different skills and understanding that difference can change the way you support your preschoolers.

Topics Discussed:

• What handwriting and writingreallymean
• Why mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectations
• How each skill develops (spoiler: not at the same pace!)
• Simple ways to support both - without overwhelming young learners

Related Resources:

• Fine Motor Build a Skill
• Name Writing Notebooks
• Writing Invitations for the Writing Center
• Shared and Interactive Writing

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool
• Things to do Before Teaching Name Writing
• What is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool?
• Stop! Don't Hand that Preschooler a Pencil Yet!

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 diving into why class jobs are more than just 'cute helpers', how they support your students in meaningful ways, and how to make them manageable for you. Class jobs may seem like a small detail, but they can completely transform your classroom culture.

Whether you’ve tried class jobs before (and dropped them) or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you simplify the system, make it sustainable, and connect it to your academic and SEL goals.

Topics Discussed:

• TheWhyBehind Class Jobs
• Common Job Struggles
• How to Make it Work and Keep it Simple

Related Resources:

• Classroom Jobs Resource
• Pre-K Circle Time Resource

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

Ever looked out at your circle time rug and seen blank stares and wiggly bodies? You’re not alone. Circle time burnout is real (for both kids and teachers). But the good news? A few small changes can make a big impact (without hours of prep).

In this episode, I’m sharing simple, sanity-saving strategies that keep kids engaged and make circle time something everyone looks forward to.

Topics Discussed:

• Why kids get bored
• The power of classroom jobs
• How to rotate activities during circle time
• Adding in brain breaks

Related Resources:

• Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
• Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
• Visual Schedule Blogpost

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 digging into the real reasons circle time sometimes flops—and why it still matters when done with purpose. If you've ever felt pressure to skip it or questioned its value in a busy preschool day, this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Why critics of circle time aren't entirely wrong
• How to reframe circle time as a community builder
• Practical ways to make your circle time shorter, more engaging and developmentally appropriate

Related Resources:

• Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
• Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
• Visual Schedule Blogpost

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

Day one of preschool and circle time feels like total chaos? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what circle time really looks like during those first few weeks—and how to keep it simple, predictable, and stress-free (yes, even when someone’s licking a shoe)!

Topics Discussed:

• Why less is more when you’re just starting out
• A realistic breakdown of the first few days
• When to introduce jobs, calendar, and routines
• Why singing instructions actually works
• How visuals can be your secret weapon from Day 1

Related Resources:

• Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
• Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
• Visual Schedule Blogpost

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

Feeling overwhelmed with all the Pinterest-perfect classroom ideas? Today we’re cutting through the clutter and talking about the only five things you really need to prep before the first day of preschool. No fancy bulletin boards, no year-long plans—just the simple, effective tools that help your classroom run smoother from Day One. Tune in!

Topics Discussed:

• Why procedure visuals are your best Day One investment
• How to use movement and calming prompts to support regulation
• The power of a visual schedule in creating predictability
• What makes a comforting and functional chill-out spot
• Easy, no-prep wait-time games that save your sanity

Related Resources:

• Procedure Visuals
• Movement or calming prompts
• A visual schedule
• A calm-down area
• And wait-time games

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