In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my amazing friend, Maddy Fry, and we are talking all about finding your joy this holiday season.

Maddy is a joyful living coach who has a passion for helping high-achieving women design and live a life they love. She helps action-takers pinpoint their purpose, cast an intentional vision, and purposefully pursue joy, daily. Through her podcast, The Living in Sunshine podcast, online membership, and private coaching clients, Maddy has supported hundreds of women in putting themselves first so they can *finally* get to where they wanna be in life!

Today, we’re getting into how to find joy amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy holiday season, what you can do to put yourself first without the guilt, and some tips from the queen of joy herself.

Episode Highlights:

1. Maddy’s tips for finding joy amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season

2. How busy teachers and parents pinpoint their purpose and create an intentional vision for the holiday season and beyond

3. Maddy’s go-to daily habits that can help you pursue joy intentionally

4. How women can put themselves first without feeling guilty

5. How to manage holiday stress and focus on the positive aspects of the season

6. Maddy’s #1 tip for navigating difficult family dynamics during the holidays

7. Maddy’s community of high-achieving women that helps them design and live a life they love

Connect with today's guest:

The Sunshine Squad Community: https://livingnsunshine.podia.com/membership

Living in Sunshine Podcast: https://livingnsunshine.com/podcast/

Maddy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingnsunshine 

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias 

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

Grab your free4-Week Activity Planner:

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner 

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

We know that creating a consistent evening routine can help ease the transition from the busy day to bedtime and set a positive tone for the nighttime. In Episode 49, we’re talking about creating the best stress-free evening routine for your toddlers or preschoolers, some problems you might face along the way, and easy tips to help you get started today. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey.

Episode Highlights:

1. Sample evening routine for toddlers/preschoolers going to school

2. Sample evening routine for homeschooled toddlers/preschoolers or those staying home

3. Common problems you might face and solutions for them

4. Simple tips for starting an evening routine today

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Weeks of FREE Preschool Lessons Plans

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my incredible friend, Erin from Littles Love Learning, and we are talking all about supporting your child’s learning at home.

Erin is a former classroom teacher with her master's degree in early childhood education and the founder of Littles Love Learning. Her mission is to inspire parents to set their kids up for a lifetime of success by working on reading skills at home in preschool & kindergarten. She loves to incorporate P.L.A.Y. and hands-on activities to make learning FUN! She's also a wife, mom of 2, lover of travel, and major Swiftie!

Today, we’re getting into how to set the best literacy foundation for your kiddos at home, what you can do to help your children learn to read, and some tips from the expert herself for ya.

Episode Highlights:

1. Erin’s early literacy expertise

2. The importance of setting a literacy foundation at home (even before kindergarten)

3. What parents should teach before introducing the alphabet (phonemic awareness)

4. The best way to introduce letters and sounds to get kids reading

5. Erin’s #1 tip for toddler/preschool parents on supporting their child’s learning at home

6. How parents can work on early literacy skills through PLAY

7. Erin’s new resource: P.L.A.Y. Quick Start

Connect with today's guest:

Quick Start Course: https://littleslovelearning.lpages.co/play-quick-start/

5 Steps for Reading Success Freebie: http://bit.ly/steps-for-reading-success

Website: https://littleslovelearning.com

Instagram @littleslovelearningblog: https://www.instagram.com/littleslovelearningblog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleslovelearningblog

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@littleslovelearning/

Littles Love Learning Podcast: https://pod.link/1724133701

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Weeks of FREE Preschool Lessons Plans

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

We know that creating a consistent morning routine can help ease the transition from home to school and set a positive tone for the day. In Episode 47, we’re talking about creating the best stress-free morning routine for your toddlers or preschoolers by giving you a sample routine for toddlers/preschoolers that are going to school and another sample routine for homeschooled toddlers/preschoolers or those staying home, some problems you might face along the way and solutions for them, and easy tips to help you get started today. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey.

Episode Highlights:

1. Sample morning routine for toddlers/preschoolers going to school

2. Sample morning routine for homeschooled toddlers/preschoolers or those staying home

3. Common problems you might face and solutions for them

4. Simple tips for starting a morning routine today

Resources Mentioned: 

4-Week Activity Planner

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Episode 40 next!

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Weeks of FREE Preschool Lessons Plans

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

First-day jitters? Yeah, let’s leave those at home. It’s time to bring fun, confidence and peace into your new classroom this year. In Episode 46, we’re diving into a topic that's top of mind for many of you right now: preparing your classroom for the first day of school. I know this time of year can be incredibly hectic, balancing your personal life and the demands of setting up a welcoming and effective learning environment. So, let’s make this as smooth and stress-free as possible! We'll cover everything from organizing your space to creating a positive atmosphere for your little learners.

Episode Highlights:

1. Typical class setup and 1st day of school concerns for preschool teachers

2. Common problems and solutions like how to handle clutter overload, classroom flow and layout, AND managing first-day jitters for you and your students

3. Simple actionable steps for preparing your classroom for the first day of school

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Weeks of FREE Preschool Lessons Plans

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

Welcome back to our Preschool Themes Series. In these episodes, I’ll give you theme examples for a season and ideas for activities that are already done for you. It’ll help get your planning, set-up, and prep done in record time. In Episode 45, I’m giving you some super fun and easy fall themes to learn with and ideas of simple indoor and outdoor activities you can do with your little ones this fall.

Episode Highlights:

1. What thematic units are and how we use them

2. List of fall themes

3. Examples for indoor and outdoor activities that would make your theme really fun

Resources Mentioned: 

Preschool Activity Packs

www.chantymacias.com/shop

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

4 Weeks of FREE Preschool Lessons Plans

https://chantymacias.com/activityplanner

Ever feel like you need more time for your kids, to get things done in your home, or maybe just to sit in bed and read on your Kindle? In Episode 44, we’re diving into a topic that’s on every parent's mind as the school year kicks off: how to save time. Whether you're juggling work, school drop-offs, meal preps, or bedtime routines, I see you and I understand how overwhelming it can be. So, let's get into it with our Top 5 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Parents During the School Year. Trust me, these are unique tips you might not have heard before, but they can make a real difference in your daily routine.  These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey.

Episode Highlights:

• Create a Weekly Family Planner
• Prep Breakfasts and Snacks in Bulk
• Simplify Wardrobe Choices
• Designate a Homework Station
• Implement a Bedtime Routine Chart

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab your Kindergarten Readiness Checklist Today!

Did you grab your K readiness checklist yet? Teachers love having this tool on their desk because it tells them exactly what they should work on with their students and parents go WILD for this tool because it gives them easy strategies they can do at home with their littles. It walks you through the 7 areas of development so you can track progress and provide support along the way.

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my amazing friend, Andriana, and we are talking all about teaching preschoolers about big feelings and how we can support teachers with social-emotional learning.

Ana is a teacher, classroom and behavior management coach, and the Founder of The Active Educator. She created The Active Educator platform to provide teachers with meaningful classroom and behavior management strategies that emphasize movement-based and social-emotional learning.

Today, we’re getting into the basics of SEL, some strategies for creating a positive and supportive classroom environment, and how to handle behavioral challenges you may face in your class.

Episode Highlights:

1. What is social-emotional learning and why is it important

2. Foundational SEL skills for Kindergarten readiness

3. Strategies for creating a positive and supportive classroom environment

4. #1 most common behavioral challenge in the classroom

5. SEL curricula and activities for preschool teachers

6. Message to the overwhelmed, burned out teacher

Connect with today's guest:

https://www.theactiveeducator.com/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Active-Educator

https://www.instagram.com/the_active_educator/ 

https://www.theactiveeducator.com/waitlist-toolkits

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab your Kindergarten Readiness Checklist Today!

Did you grab your K readiness checklist yet? Teachers love having this tool on their desk because it tells them exactly what they should work on with their students and parents go WILD for this tool because it gives them easy strategies they can do at home with their littles. It walks you through the 7 areas of development so you can track progress and provide support along the way.

Getting back into the school routine can be tough, right? After a summer of fun and lots of flexibility, the beginning of the school year can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. That’s where giving your child chores comes in. In Episode 42, we’re talking about a topic that’s hot right now as we gear up for the back-to-school season: ideas for chores for kids. We’re getting into why your child should be helping you out, easy chore ideas, how to handle the hard times when your child just doesn’t want to do them. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey.

Episode Highlights:

1. Why your child should be helping you with chores

2. Easy chore ideas

3. How to handle challenges when your child refuses to do them

Resources Mentioned: 

4-Week Activity Planner

https://chantymacias.myflodesk.com/activityplanner 

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab your Kindergarten Readiness Checklist Today!

Did you grab your K readiness checklist yet? Teachers love having this tool on their desk because it tells them exactly what they should work on with their students and parents go WILD for this tool because it gives them easy strategies they can do at home with their littles. It walks you through the 7 areas of development so you can track progress and provide support along the way.

It’s time to bring back some excitement about getting your classroom ready for your little ones with some easy and quick actionable steps and ditch the anxiety that sometimes comes with setting up your classroom. In Episode 41, we're diving into a topic that can make or break your school year: organizing and simplifying your classroom setup and management. We're going to tackle our typical concerns for preschool teachers and common problems for setting up and keeping your class organized head-on with practical, doable steps.

Episode Highlights:

1. Typical class setup and management concerns for preschool teachers

2. Common problems and solutions like how to handle clutter, keep supplies organized AND save time

3. Simple actionable steps for organizing and simplifying your classroom setup

Resources Mentioned: 

4-Week Activity Planner

https://chantymacias.myflodesk.com/activityplanner

Check out all of my favorites for preschool and beyond:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chantymacias

Connect with your podcast host:

https://www.instagram.com/chanty.macias

https://www.chantymacias.com/contact

This show/post may contain affiliate links. We only share what we absolutely love so if you decide you love it too, I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the link I shared. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab your Kindergarten Readiness Checklist Today!

Did you grab your K readiness checklist yet? Teachers love having this tool on their desk because it tells them exactly what they should work on with their students and parents go WILD for this tool because it gives them easy strategies they can do at home with their littles. It walks you through the 7 areas of development so you can track progress and provide support along the way.