If you’ve ever felt like the last few months of the year turns your classroom into a wild whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and unpredictability—you’re not alone. 😵‍💫

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or wrapping up your very first year, this time of year can feel like a lot.

In today’s episode, we’re naming the chaos and reclaiming our calm.

In this episode, we’ll chat about:

• What chaos looks like in real classrooms (yep, even before the bell rings)

• Why it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed

• Mini mindset shifts that can make a big difference

• The power of returning to your routines

• A few simple tips to help bring calm back into your classroom 🌟

💥 PLUS: I’ll share one of my favorite ways to set the tone before any lesson—even in the busiest weeks.

🎉 BONUS! I’m also hosting a FREE End-of-Year Survival Workshop on May 1st—just for teachers who are ready to finish strong without the stress.
You’ll get a downloadable workbook, free toolkit, and a PD certificate!
🎟️ Click HERE

Looking for visuals to help keep our routines consistent? Click HERE

If you liked this episode be sure to share it with a teacher friend and follow me so you don't miss a future episode!

Whether you’re just coming back from spring break or it’s right around the corner, we all know that returning to the classroom can feel like a whirlwind. Routines seem like a distant memory, energy is through the roof, and you’re wondering… Where do I even begin?

In this episode, I’m sharing simple, effective ways to:

✅ Ease back into routines without feeling like you’re starting over
✅ Refresh expectations in a way that’s engaging (not exhausting!)
✅ Rebuild classroom community with fun, low-prep activities
✅ Keep students focused and on track for the final stretch of the year

Plus, I’ll share two classroom activities your students will love:

• 🌧️ April Affirmations – A fresh way to promote positivity and connection

• 💙 Raindrop Roundup – A fun icebreaker to re-engage students after break

Looking for the links I mentioned in this episode, check them out below.

FREE Kindergarten Readiness Workshop, Click HERE

Attention Getters, FREE Chart Click HERE

After Break, Spring Time Review Bundle Click HERE

Kindergarten Readiness: Setting Incoming Kindergartners Up for Success

In this episode, we’re diving into how to best prepare for Kindergarten and what truly matters when getting ready for this big step.

Spoiler alert: it’s not about academics! Instead, we’ll focus on:

✅ Essential life skills to help your child feel confident and independent.

✅ Activities to support social-emotional growth, fine motor skills, and communication.

✅ Ways to help your child feel ready for the first day of kindergarten (and beyond!).

✅ Fun summer activities to sneak in learning through play.

We’ll also share real-life, practical tips for practicing routines, fostering independence, and making the transition as smooth as possible.

🔗Want to learn more? I am hosting a FREE Kindergarten Readiness Workshop, Click HERE to sign up.

🔗 Looking for hands-on activities to support Kindergarten Readiness? Check out my resource bundle for engaging, play-based fine motor, literacy, and math practice! (Click HERE)

FREE Kindergarten Readiness Checklist and Bingo Board (Click HERE)

Following me on Instagram (Click HERE)

Spring is in the air, and while that’s exciting, it also brings a little classroom chaos—spring fever is real! Warmer weather, the end of the year approaching, and all that extra energy can lead to students pushing boundaries. But here’s the good news: predictability is your secret weapon.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of routines and why they are absolute magic in the classroom. Here’s what we’ll cover:

✅ The impact of routines on behavior and classroom management
✅ My top non-negotiable routines for keeping things running smoothly

✅ What to do when routines start slipping (because let’s be real, they will)
✅ Simple ways to refresh expectations without constantly repeating yourself

If you’re ready to bring calm back to your classroom and avoid the end-of-year chaos, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in! Connect with me:

Instagram (click HERE)

Website: (https://mydayinkinder.com/)

In this episode, we dive into the world of Kindergarten spring wiggles. As the weather warms and the days get longer, your little ones may be extra wiggly—so how do we handle it?

We break down why kids get so squirrely in the spring (hint: daylight, spring fever, and anticipation of summer), and share go-to movement breaks that actually help them refocus. From Freeze Dance and Animal Walks to fun learning activities like Write the Room and outdoor lessons, we offer practical tips to channel all that energy into engaging, productive classroom time.

If you're looking for a fun, energetic way to navigate this lively season and keep your classroom calm and focused, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights:

• Why kindergarteners get wiggly in the spring
• Effective movement breaks to help kids focus
• Engaging ways to channel spring energy into learning activities
• Tips for making the most of outdoor and hands-on learning opportunities

Visuals to use in the Classroom, (Click HERE)

Spring Time Refresh, Strong vs. Weak Choice Digital Slides (Click HERE)

Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into my Daily Management Power Plays—simple, consistent strategies that create a calm, organized classroom. March brings nice weather, but also behavior challenges like constant talking, interruptions, and playground disputes. These power plays help maintain routines and expectations, making classroom management stress-free.

1. Use Visual Aids Daily – Charts, schedules, and hand signals reinforce expectations. Click HERE to check out my visuals.

2. Be Concise & Explicit – Clear, direct instructions prevent confusion.

3. Stay Consistent – Routines build security and reduce chaos.

   Grab my FREE Visual Schedule HERE

4. Celebrate Success – Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior.

5. Embrace Repetition – Review expectations regularly to ensure success.

By embedding these strategies into your daily practice, you create a structured, supportive environment where both you and your students can thrive.

💡 Want more tips? Sign up for my FREE video email series CLICK HERE to dive deeper into these Power Plays!

Thanks for tuning in—remember, small changes make a big impact! You’ve got this!

We’re celebrating a HUGE milestone—10 years of My Day in K! 🎉 In this episode, we’re taking a look back at how it all started, sharing the top 5 lessons on Kinder management, laughing at some of the funniest Kinder Chaos moments, and revealing what’s coming next!

🌟 The Journey of My Day in K

• My Day in K started as a simple idea to support Kindergarten teachers with real, classroom-tested strategies.
• Over the years, it has grown into an incredible community of educators.
• The best part? Hearing from teachers about how the visuals and management strategies I share help make their lives easier.

📝 5 BIG Lessons on Kinder Management

1️⃣ Routines and procedures are EVERYTHING.
2️⃣ Connection is Key
3️⃣ Keep it simple expectations and consistency.
4️⃣ Be flexible
5️⃣Music is a must

Wrapping up with what's next for My Day in K and sharing a few exciting announcements.

🔗 Links & Resources:
📌 My Books click HERE
📌 Educator Summit Click HERE
📌 Join the First 25 Days of K Waitlist Click HERE

Shop My Day in K Visuals & Resources Click HERE

💛 Thank you for being part of this journey!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a classroom game-changer—visuals! We’ll explore why February feels extra chaotic, how visuals bring clarity to routines and expectations, and why a shift in teaching strategies can make all the difference.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅Why February Feels Like Chaos

• The shortest month somehow feels the longest! Unpredictable weather, special events, and indoor recess add to the mayhem.
• When things feel off, instead of blaming students, reflect on what might need adjusting in your teaching approach.

✅The Power of Visuals and how to use them in your classroom

• Visuals help students process information, stay on track, and foster independence.
• Easy ways to use visuals:

✅It’s Not Them, It’s You

• Students want to succeed! If they struggle, check if expectations are clear.
• Visuals shift you from reactive to proactive teaching, reducing frustration for both you and your students.

✅5 Power Plays for February & Beyond:
1️⃣ Stick toconsistent routines
2️⃣ Usevisual supports for clarity
3️⃣ Revisitclassroom procedures
4️⃣Involve students in routines
5️⃣Celebrate students making great choices

Looking for visuals? You might like:

• FREE At the Rug Social Story ClickHEREClassroom Procedure Visuals & Management Routines | Print & Digital Slides ClickHERE

Want to read more about the power of visuals? Check out my blog post: Simple Classroom Routines and Procedures Examples for Primary Grade Teachers ClickHERE

February is here, which means Valentine’s Day is near. A day filled with organized chaos, tiny envelopes, and a whole lot of excitement! Whether you’re a table-by-table teacher or a let’s-just-line-them-up kind of teacher, this episode is for you.

💖 Two classic methods for managing the exchange

💖 The high-energy excitement of the day (and how to manage it!).

💖 Three teacher-tested survival tips to help you stay sane:
✅ Prep, Prep, Prep
✅ Keep It Simple
✅ Build in Downtime

Valentine’s Day Read-Aloud Favorites:
📖 Turkey's Valentine Surprise – Wendy Silvano
📖 The Day It Rained Hearts – Felicia Bond
📖 Love Monster – Rachel Bright

✂️ Need a fun Valentine’s activity?

Crack the Code Valentines Click HERE

FREE Valentines for students who don't have any Click HERE

Need Management Visuals?

February Strong vs. Weak Choice Digital Slides Click HERE

Blog Post:

5 Valentine’s Day Activities for Elementary Students Click HERE

Don't forget to Subscribe! Love this episode? Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss a tip, strategy, or story to make your teaching life easier. And if you found this episode helpful, leave a review-it's the best way to help other teachers find the podcast.

Connect with me: Follow me on Instagram for more management strategies, laughs, and teacher support!

Website: mydayinkinder.com

Episode 1: Finding Calm in February’s Chaos

🎙️ Show Notes

Welcome to the Managing the Madness— your go-to space for ditching the chaos, finding calm, and thriving in your Kindergarten classroom! Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical tips, relatable stories, and a sprinkle of humor to help you navigate the unique challenges of teaching during February.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why February Feels Chaotic From Valentine’s Day to unpredictable weather and indoor recess, February packs a punch in the classroom. We’ll dive into why this short month feels so overwhelming and how to tackle it head-on.

The Power of Routines & Consistency Discover why routines are the secret sauce to keeping your classroom steady, even when chaos is swirling around you. Learn how predictability creates a safe, positive learning environment where your students can thrive.

Two Game-Changing Management Strategies to start using today!

FREE Editable Schedule Cards: Click HERE

Print & Digital Visuals: Click HERE

February Strong vs. Weak Choice Digital Slides: Click HERE

💬 Key Takeaways:

Routines are your classroom’s anchor.

Simple strategies like visual schedules and timers can transform your day.

You can find calm in the February chaos

✨ Don’t Forget to Subscribe! Love this episode? Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss a tip, strategy, or story to make your teaching life easier. And if you found this episode helpful, leave a review—it’s the best way to help other teachers find the podcast.

Connect with Me: Follow me on Instagram for more tips, laughs, and teacher support.

Website: mydayinkinder.com