Creative Kindergarten

In episode 172 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I reflect on the decline in excitement around new picture books for educators! What do you think? I really want to hear from other educators! > Scarborough’s Reading Rope podcast episode: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/literacy-scope-and-sequence-scarboroughs-reading-rope-ep-133/ > 3-Day Read-Alouds blog post: https://creativekinder...

In episode 171 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I am so excited to talk about the announcement to update the Ontario Kindergarten Program! > Listen to the announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/live/kdjPXuhI_5Q?si=YhiAaDgQpYENPGhK   > Ontario Language Curriculum (part 1): https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/S764F7JGEGb   > Ontario Language Curriculum (part 2): https://spotifyan...

In episode 170 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss developmental milestone checklists, and how educators can use them to support families and caregivers.  > Looksee checklists: https://lookseechecklist.com/en/   > CDC Developmental Milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2mo.html   > ELECT document: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/excerpts-fro...

In episode 169 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I give you my best strategies for making it through the winter months and snowsuits! How can you feel less stressed and help your students be succesful? Listen to this week’s episode to find out! To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Ins...

In episode 168 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I engage in a moment of self-reflective practice and give my views on celebrating holidays this winter season! I discuss centering Christmas, Elf on the Shelf and more! To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergart...

In episode 167 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I answer the questions I get asked most by kindergarten educators. Let’s talk free-choice centers, transitions, and vocabulary instruction! > Join me for Camp K3’s Snow Day: https://camp-kinder-snow-day.teachery.co/ck3-snow-day?a=emDLf7QR   > Free Choice Centers blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/free-choice-centers-kindergar...

In episode 166 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss the different lessons I incorporate into my high-frequency word instruction. From decoding practice to teaching various spelling rules - you can easily differentiate and enhance your lessons! > Phonics Tips of the Week: https://www.instagram.com/creativekindergartenblogontpt/guide/phonics-tips-of-the-week/17983051547157967/    To j...

In episode 165 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I go over the vocabulary surrounding the high-frequency words that we teach our students. What do all these words mean and how do we teach our students to read them? Listen to find out! > The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists: https://amzn.to/3FMWDH4   > Heart Word Method: https://www.reallygreatreading.com/heart-word-magic   > Sight Wor...

In episode 164 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss explicitly teaching foundational skills in a play-based learning program with Kate Winn. We cover phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, content knowledge, writing and more!  > Find Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katethismomloves/ > Find Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisMomLoves   > Find Kate on...

In episode 163 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I share an energizing conversation with Maxine about outdoor learning and creating a sense of place for students. We discuss the how of teaching and learning in the natural environment, and give strategies and advice on how to start! > Find Maxine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theteachingtaurus/   To join in on the conversation wit...

In episode 162 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I chat with Jamie about how to find different roles in education that you can take on outside of the classroom. We share tips and advice about the different ways we have been able to connect with other educators and how that has impacted our careers. > Find Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.teaching.learner/ > Find Jamie o...

In episode 161 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk with Veronica about different neuromyths that are popular in the education world. We discuss learning styles, dyslexia, how much of our brain we use, and so much more.  > Find Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mme_doyle/    > Dispelling the Myth: Training in Education or Neuroscience Decreases but Does Not Eliminate...

In episode 160 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk with Krista about using visuals in the classroom to support students. We go through the what, where, how and who of using visuals so that you can feel comfortable using them in your classroom! > Find Krista on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsreidsroom/   > Krista’s TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrsrei...

In episode 11 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club , I reflect on the learning that I have done throughout the book, and how it has changed and enhanced the literacy program in my classroom. I share my biggest take-aways and the routines that I’ve started to implement! Go to the forum to answer this week’s reflection question, or to share your thoughts on this chapter in general: https://creativek...

In episode 159 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I answer all of your questions about setting up and using a sound wall in your kindergarten classroom. I go over the why, when, how and what of sound walls! > Create a Sound Wall blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/sound-wall/   > Sound Wall Posters and Headers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Phonics-Post...

In episode 10 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club , we read and reflect on chapter 10 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners . I think back to all the elements that we have been learning about, and how they have to work together to develop writing skills. Go to the forum to answer this week’s reflection question, or to share your thoughts on this chapter in general: https://creativekinderga...

In episode 158 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I go over my September morning routine. The activities and songs I do, the routines I teach and everything else that goes into planning my morning meeting. > Morning Meeting Ideas blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/morning-meeting/   > Good Morning Train song: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjC-un4j1V0/   > First Letter of...

In episode 157 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk about the different ways that I find ideas when I am planning activities and centers for my students. Coming up with new learning experiences can seem overwhelming, but there are lots of ways we can make it easier. > Creative Kindergarten’s Monthly Idea List #1: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creative-Kindergartens-Monthl...

In episode 9 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club , we read and reflect on chapter 9 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners . I discuss the difference in teaching spelling patterns and spelling development among native English language speakers and English language learners (spoiler: not much!) Go to the forum to answer this week’s reflection question, or to share your thoughts on this chapt...

In episode 156 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I look at the Ontario Grade 1 Language curriculum through the lens of kindergarten. What does it change about our program? What does it mean for whole and small group instruction? What are my thoughts on the changes? Listen to find out! > Ontario Language Curriculum, Grade 1: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-language/gr...

In episode 8 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club , we read and reflect on chapter 8 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners . Since our kindergarten students are still learning how to read, modeling reading comprehension strategies through read-alouds is a great tool that we can use. I have been doing this through my 3-Day Read-Aloud routines this year, and I have seen a significant increase...

In episode 155 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I dive deep into the Ontario Kindergarten Program literacy frame to discuss the changes that need to be made. I reflect on which steps you can take to align your lessons to a structured literacy approach and how we can ensure we are following the science of reading. > Ontario Language Curriculum, Grade 1: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/cur...

In episode 7 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 7 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Vocabulary has been one of my main focuses for literacy instruction in my classroom this past school year. I am committed to ensuring that I am embedding vocabulary instruction into all areas of my classroom. While reading this chapter, I reflected on how I can continue...

In episode 154 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through my Professional Portfolio and update it with you. This document highlights my strengths as an educator and is a useful tool in my professional career. > Professional Portfolio blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/my-professional-portfolio/   > Professional Portfolio podcast episodes: Episode 33: https://creativekind...

In episode 153 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the professional development that I have done this past year and what I am looking forward to accomplishing this upcoming year. > 3-Day Read-Alouds Scholar’s Choice Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/266/5vpx0f0n   > Sign up for Camp Kinder: https://bit.ly/CKCK23   > Comparing Science of Reading Courses podcast...