Happy Teaching

In this episode, Alex shares how to use fidgets intentionally in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. While fidgets can be helpful tools for supporting attention and self-regulation, introducing them can bring up plenty of questions, especially when every student suddenly wants one! Plus, Alex explains why sitting still and making eye contact aren't always the best indicators of whether a ch...

In this episode, Alex shares how to make sensory bins more manageable, affordable, and accessible in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. You don't need a fancy sensory table, elaborate themes, or endless supplies to give your students meaningful sensory play experiences! ✨ You'll learn: How to set up sensory bins without a large sensory table Easy fillers and materials you can reuse t...

In this episode, Alex shares practical tips for making substitute plans easier to prepare and manage. Whether you're planning for an upcoming absence or unexpectedly waking up sick, having a few things ready ahead of time can make a big difference! ✨ You'll learn: • Why keeping familiar routines matters more than following every lesson exactly. • How to organize a sub tub with essential...

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite circle time games for Pre-K and Kindergarten: Who’s Missing? This playful guessing game is a fun way to build classroom community while practicing names and listening skills. You'll hear exactly how to play, ideas for incorporating clues like rhyming and beginning sounds, and tips for making sure students understand that everyone may not get a...

In this episode, Alex shares a fun way to make classroom transitions smoother while sneaking in a little extra learning along the way. Instead of having everyone move at once, you can use letters, shapes, numbers, and other familiar skills to gradually excuse students while reviewing what you've been learning. ✨ You'll learn: Why transitions are a common time for classroom management st...

In this episode, Alex shares a simpler approach to classroom jobs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Instead of assigning and rotating a different job for every student, she uses one helper of the day , keeping classroom responsibilities meaningful for students and much easier for the teacher to manage. You'll hear how this easy system works, why it fits young learners so well, and how it can even h...

In this episode, Alex shares two simple songs you can use anytime your Pre-K or Kindergarten students need to get their wiggles out, refocus, or fill a few extra minutes. No special materials or planning needed—just your voice and a little movement! ✨ You'll learn: When brain breaks can be helpful and when it may be time to rethink lesson length Two easy songs you can use anytime How movemen...

In this episode, Alex builds on last week's conversation about singing in the classroom with two more simple songs to support classroom management. This time, the focus is on transition s—helping students gather calmly, get ready to listen, and move on to what's next without constant reminders. You'll hear two easy songs you can start using right away, whether you're gathering...

In this episode, Alex shares how simple songs can make classroom routines easier to teach and more fun to practice. You don't have to be a great singer. Your students don't care! What matters is using music to help young learners remember expectations, stay engaged, and move through the day more smoothly. Plus, Alex teaches you two easy songs you can start using right away for voice leve...

In this episode, Alex shares some of her favorite name games, songs, and chants for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Name activities are a simple way to help students learn each other's names while building classroom community and practicing early literacy and social skills. ✨ You'll learn: How name games help build classroom community Fun ways to practice rhyming, syllables, and name recognitio...

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making classroom volunteers a true support instead of another thing to manage. Whether you have parent volunteers every week or only a few throughout the year, a little preparation can make their time in your classroom much more effective. ✨ You'll learn: Why waiting a few weeks before inviting volunteers into the classroom can be benefic...

In this episode, Alex shares simple, practical ideas for organizing and storing classroom centers when they're not in use. If you've ever wondered what to do with all those laminated pieces, recording sheets, and activity cards, this episode is packed with teacher-tested solutions. ✨ You'll learn: Five simple ways to organize and store classroom centers How to combine digital and p...

In this episode, Alex shares practical ways to build a positive, productive partnership with the paraeducators in your classroom. Working alongside another adult isn't always something teachers are taught, but strong collaboration can make a huge difference for both you and your students. ✨ You'll learn: Why understanding your paraeducator's role and responsibilities matters How to...

In this episode, Alex shares the mindset and strategies for a successful first week of school. Instead of rushing into academics, you'll learn why focusing on routines, independence, and classroom community sets the foundation for the rest of the year. Plus, hear why going slow in the beginning helps you move faster later on. ✨ You'll learn: Why routines should be your lesson plan durin...

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making parent communication simpler and less stressful. You'll hear easy ways to keep families informed, build trust, and maintain healthy boundaries throughout the school year. ✨ You'll learn: Simple ways to communicate consistently without adding more work Why newsletters and classroom apps can strengthen family relationships When...

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite tools for building independence in the classroom: book boxes . Book boxes can do much more than hold books. They can help students manage materials independently, support small group routines, encourage a love of reading, and make it easier for children to use the entire classroom space. ✨ You'll learn: How book boxes support independence and...

In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most common questions she hears from teachers: What if I'm not allowed to play? If you love the idea of playful learning but work in a school with strict pacing guides, scripted curriculum, or little room for centers and exploration, this episode is for you. You'll hear strategies for working within the system while still honoring what young child...

In this episode, Alex dives into an important early childhood topic: the difference between free play and purposeful (or guided) play . Alex explains what each one looks like, how they support children's growth, and why play is never "just playing." You'll also hear why classroom environment and presentation play such an important role in engagement, independence, and meaningfu...

In this episode, Alex breaks down one of her favorite classroom systems: free-flowing centers . If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by center rotations, timers, constant prep, or trying to manage every student’s movement during math and literacy time, this episode introduces a different approach — one built around independence, playful learning, and strong routines. ✨ You’ll learn: What free-flowing...

In this episode, Alex shares why she made the switch from individual student supplies to whole-class community supplies and why she never went back. If you’ve ever dealt with missing pencils, broken crayons, overflowing supply boxes, or constant classroom clutter, this episode will give you a different perspective on how supplies can actually support independence, responsibility, and classroom man...

In this episode, Alex builds on last week’s conversation about playful classroom areas by introducing the idea of the “mullet of classroom design.” What does that mean? Many classrooms are set up with all the “learning” in the middle with tables, chairs, and teacher-directed spaces, while anything playful or engaging gets pushed to the edges of the room. Alex explains why this setup can actually w...

In this episode, Alex shares some of the most important classroom areas to include in a playful, developmentally appropriate learning environment. This conversation isn’t about having the “perfect” classroom or expensive setups—it’s about creating intentional spaces that help students learn through play, movement, exploration, and connection. ✨ You’ll learn: The key classroom areas that support p...

In this episode, Alex talks about something many teachers know all too well — the Sunday Night Blues . That anxious feeling as the weekend winds down can make it hard to fully enjoy your time off. Alex shares simple, realistic ways to reduce Sunday stress so you can protect your weekend and head into Monday feeling more prepared and calm. ✨ You’ll learn: Why the Sunday Night Blues happen in the f...

In this episode, Alex tackles a classroom challenge that sounds simple but rarely feels easy: walking in line . Getting young students from point A to point B can quickly become chaotic, especially during transitions and hallway travel. Alex shares practical ways to teach line expectations, reduce struggles, and make travel time calmer and more manageable. ✨ You’ll learn: Why walking in line is a...

In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most chaotic parts of the school day — dismissal . Even with a plan in place, dismissal can feel rushed, stressful, and overwhelming. You'll hear simple, practical strategies to help you create a smoother, calmer dismissal routine so you can end your day feeling more in control (and actually enjoy those final moments with your students). ✨ You’ll lear...