Creative Kindergarten

In episode 58 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss having a classroom building center and some of the essentials to have in it. Links I mention in this episode: First Building Center Podcast Episode: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergarten/episodes/29--Block-Center-and-Small-World-Play-ebcrhm/a-a1lt018 Building Center Blog Post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-building...

In episode 57 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I give you some ideas to do for online learning. Even if you are teaching in person, some of these activities would be perfect for reengaging your students in their learning. Links I mention in this episode: Teach Like Us Podcast: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/teachers-like-us/the-mlk-colouring-pages-are-back/ Jamboard Tutorial: https://youtu.b...

In episode 56 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk about the pressure that educators have to create a virtual classroom, and how we can extend grace to ourselves, families and our students. To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: ww...

In episode 55 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss small groups in the kindergarten classroom. I revisit this topic and discuss what I have done in my classroom, and how I use guided groups to teach a variety of skills to my students. Links I mention in this episode: First podcast episode about guided groups: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergarten/episodes/25--Small-Groups-in-Kindergar...

In episode 54 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I reflect on the books that educators include (or do not include) in their classrooms. Looking at Dr Bishop’s essay Mirrors, Windows, Sliding Glass Doors and the intent versus the impact that we have with the books that we choose. Links I mention in this episode: Dr Bishop’s Mirrors, Windows, Sliding Glass Doors https://scenicregional.org/wp-con...

In episode 53 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss how to use different technology tools in the classroom, some different tips and tricks I have learned from working online and how to introduce new tech tools to students. To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativ...

In episode 52 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I ramble on about how I teach the alphabet to kindergarten students. I talk about the different aspects of having a comprehensive phonics program and how important it is to the future success of students. Links I mention in this episode: ABC and Beyond (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/36pUNv0 So Much More Than the ABCs (affiliate link): https:/...

In episode 51 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk all about my love for read alouds. I give you my best tips for making them engaging for your students, and give you some question ideas. Books can be a powerful tool for children’s oral language development, reading behaviour skills and so much more! Links I mention in this episode: Oral Language Questions Blog Post: https://creativekinde...

In episode 50 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I do a deep dive into Number Talks. I tell you everything from home I do them, my tips and tricks, and ideas for what has worked for me. Links I mention in this episode: Number Talks Blog Post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/number-talks/ To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacher...

In episode 49 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss how to build strong relationships with families. Since this might be their first contact with the school system, we have a unique ability to positively impact and build relationships with our students and families. I give my best tips and advice! Links I mention in this episode: Homework Challenges: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergart...

In episode 48 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I give you some ideas of what to do during transition times. You might have short or long periods of the time throughout the day when you are transitioning from one thing to the next, and you need some activities in your back pocket to keep students engaged. I tell you some of my favourites! Links I mention in this episode: Practical and Simple...

In episode 46 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk about celebrating Halloween in kindergarten. I reflect on how I used it to build a classroom community, what has worked (and not worked) for me in the past, and some ideas that you can try. Links I mention in this episode: Kindergarten Halloween Ideas blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-halloween-activities/ Class...

In episode 46 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I go over some of my tips and advice for planning and presenting Professional Development sessions. From what I did at the beginning, to what I’m doing now I go over the steps I take to present at PDs Links I mention in this episode: My Journey episode: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergarten/episodes/45--My-Journey-ekl9h2 Tips for Presenting Pro...

In episode 45 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk about how I started working in education, and the steps I took to get my current position at the school board level. I also give my best interview tips! Links I mention in this episode: Professional Portfolio episode: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergarten/episodes/33--Professional-Portfolio-egd6ju To join in on the conversation with me,...

In episode 44 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I explore the concept of loose parts. What they are, why they are so important and give you some ideas. I love using loose parts in kindergarten, and I try to pass that passion on to you. Links I mention in this episode: Loose Parts ideas for the Kindergarten Classroom blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/loose-parts-for-the-kindergar...

In episode 43 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I reflect on outdoor learning and how to successfully use your outdoor space. To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergart...

In episode 42 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I take a look at the documentation in kindergarten. I go over how what and why I document in the classroom. This brief overview allows me to think about the process of documenting student learning. The link I mention in this episode: OneNote Documentation from Books and Bytes: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Four-Frames-...

In episode 41 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I answer some of the questions that I was asked over on my Instagram! I talk about some personal things and my thoughts on different topics in kindergarten. Links I mention in this episode: Coding in Kindergarten https://creativekindergartenblog.com/coding-in-kindergarten-why-what-when-how/ OneNote Documentation from Books and Bytes: https://www...

In episode 40 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss what homework looks like for me. I talk about how I came to develop my Homework challenges and a home reading program. Links I mention in this episode: Monthly Homework Challenges: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/homework-in-kindergarten/ Bookmark Reading Logs: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/reading-logs-made-easy/ To join i...

In episode 39 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I talk with my friend Jenn from Books and Bytes about how she gets kindergarten students to log on to computers. It is a struggle every year to get students to be able to log on to computers on their own, but she has some really great tips and tricks to make your life easier! Links I mention in this episode: Jenn’s blog post filled with tips and...

In episode 38 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I discuss how to set up classroom routines at the beginning of the school year. We are going to be introducing a lot of new routines to our students, so I give you my best advice on how to make it as easy as possible! To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Crea...

In episode 37 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I start reflecting on the first day of kindergarten. I give some advice and think about what I might do to make the first day of school successful for me and my students. Links I mention in this episode: Tips to Make Your First Day of School Successful Blog Post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/tips-to-make-your-first-day-of-kindergarten-su...

In episode 36 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I reflect on setting up a kindergarten classroom for Back to School. Rethinking our learning spaces, and what we put in them. I ask questions and ask you to think about your classroom environment. Links I mention in this episode: Kindergarten Classroom Tour: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/our-kindergarten-classroom-tour/ Free Bulletin Boar...

In episode 35 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I give you some of my favourite tech tips that I have been using. Like how I am using Google Drive better, some great Chrome extensions, and more! Links I mention in this episode: My affiliate link for Canva: https://www.canva.com/join/mast-leader-drapes To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://w...

In episode 34 of The Creative Kindergarten Podcast , I reflect on the policies surrounding attendance in schools. Perfect Attendance policies are put in place in some school or classrooms to encourage students to attend class every day. I take a look at these kinds of policies and discuss my views on why I do not think they have a place in kindergarten. To join in on the conversation with me, you...