Happy Teaching

In this episode, we’re diving into student-led conferences. Yes, even in Pre-K and Kindergarten! Alex walks you through how these conferences can look in early childhood settings, and how to keep the process simple, meaningful, and manageable. If the idea of student-led conferences has ever felt intimidating or “too much” for young learners, this episode will change your mind. ✨ What You’ll Hear:...

Feeling a little worn down halfway through the school year? You’re not alone. In this encouraging mid-year check-in, Alex shares a heartfelt pep talk to remind you of the incredible impact you’re making every single day. Whether you're in a winter slump or just needing a little boost, this quick episode is here to lift you up and help you reset with purpose and perspective. ✨ What You’ll Hea...

Returning from winter break can feel like hitting reset on your classroom routines. In this episode, Alex shares five essential routines that are worth reviewing to help your students settle back into the rhythm of learning. Whether you’re in Pre-K, TK, or Kindergarten, these simple but powerful routines will support smoother transitions, stronger classroom management, and a calmer, more connected...

December can feel like a whirlwind in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. Between excitement, routines going off track, and a jam-packed calendar, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this short but powerful episode, Alex shares her number one tip for staying grounded, connected, and calm during the busiest month of the year. It’s all about working with your students (not against the chaos) and findin...

In this short and sweet pep talk, Alex is giving YOU the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: to slow down, take a breath, and let go of the constant pressure to “get it all done.” Whether you're heading into a break or just wrapping up a chaotic week, this episode is your friendly reminder that your worth as a teacher isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s measured by the joy, care,...

Transitions can be tricky especially in early childhood classrooms where students are moving from high-energy play to more focused learning activities. If you've ever felt like your classroom goes from calm to chaos (and back again!) in the blink of an eye, you're not alone.  In this episode, we're talking all about how to help your students reset after transitions so you can move i...

In this episode, we’re talking all about one of the most common challenges in early childhood: sharing and turn-taking . If your students are constantly grabbing, pouting, or saying “But I had it first!”, you’re not alone. And they’re not being “bad”, they’re still learning. We’ll walk through developmentally appropriate ways to actually teach this skill, without relying on vague phrases like “Jus...

Do your students struggle to sit still during circle time? You’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong.  In today’s episode, we’re talking about why “criss cross applesauce” doesn’t work for every child and what to do instead. From seating choices to circle time tips that actually increase engagement, we’ll explore small changes that make a big impact on your students’ attention, comfort,...

Episode 24: Off-Topic Stories at the Worst Times? Try This You're in the middle of a mini-lesson, and a little hand shoots up... not with an answer, but with a totally unrelated story about their dog or grandma’s birthday party. Sound familiar? In this short and actionable episode, Alex shares exactly how to manage off-topic stories without shutting kids down, and how to gently guide your cla...

Episode 23: Consequences That Actually Work in Pre-K & Kindergarten If you’ve ever felt stuck between ignoring a behavior or dishing out a consequence that doesn’t feel quite right- you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex breaks down how to use consequences effectively in early childhood classrooms; so they actually teach, not just punish. You’ll hear about natural consequences, respectful ton...

Episode 22: What to Do When Kids Pout You ask a student to clean up or join the group… and they cross their arms, drop their head, and freeze. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a battle of wills with a pouting student, you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex shares what’s really going on when students pout and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence (instead of power struggles). ✨ You’ll...

A thriving art center doesn’t need to be messy, chaotic, or adult-directed. In fact, with just a few thoughtful strategies, your art area can become one of the most independent and purposeful spaces in your classroom. In this episode, Alex shares her best tips for setting up a successful, student-led art center that encourages creativity, builds confidence, and runs smoothly all year long. ✨ You’...

Episode 20: The Easiest Way to Build Scissor Skills  Want to improve your students’ fine motor skills- without adding more to your prep list?  In this episode, Alex shares a super simple solution for consistent cutting practice that’s teacher-friendly and student-approved: The Cutting Jar. ✨ You’ll hear: Why scissor skills matter more than just cutting shapes The problem with only offering occasi...

Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and Stress-Free If clean-up time feels chaotic or takes forever, you’re not alone. But what if this part of your day could be smoother, faster and even fun ? In this episode, Alex shares easy, actionable tips to transform your clean-up routine into a calm, consistent system your students can follow (and even enjoy!). You’ll walk away with ideas that you...

Episode 18: Managing Big Emotions - A Must-Try Social-Emotional Tip Helping young children handle big feelings is one of the most important and often most challenging parts of early childhood teaching.  In this episode, Alex shares one powerful, simple strategy that helps students build emotional awareness and empowers them to self-regulate. Whether you're working with Pre-K, TK, or Kindergar...

🎙 Episode 17: How to Handle a Loud Class (Without Losing Your Voice or Mind) If your classroom volume feels out of control or you’ve found yourself saying “Inside voices!” more times than you can count... this episode is for you. In this quick, supportive pep talk, Alex shares practical tips for lowering noise levels in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom without relying on yelling or constant sh...

Episode 16: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Name Writing Helping young learners write their names is one of the first big milestones of the year. One that builds both confidence and classroom routines. But it doesn’t have to involve fancy prep or stressful drills. In this episode, Alex shares 3 low-prep, meaningful ways to help students practice name writing throughout the day; without taking away from...

Episode 15: Go Slow to Go Fast – Encouraging Independence in Pre-K & Kindergarten It’s tempting to rush through routines in those first weeks. Especially when you could just tie the shoes, open the snack, or fix the problem yourself. But real classroom calm comes when we go slow first and build student independence from the ground up. In this episode, Alex shares how to create confident, capab...

Episode 14: Should We Let Things Go More in the First Days? In those first few days of school, we want students to feel safe, excited, and connected. Sometimes that leads us to wonder… Should I let some things slide while they adjust? In this episode, Alex gently but clearly explains why the answer is no,  and how setting expectations early (in a kind, consistent way) is one of the most supportive...

Whether it’s your first first day or your tenth, that back-to-school butterfly feeling never fully goes away. And that’s okay!  The first day of school sets the tone. With a few simple, tested tips, you can make it smooth, calm, and connection-filled. In this episode, Alex shares five tried-and-true strategies to help you feel more prepared and confident heading into Day One with your new little l...

Episode 12: Make Your Day Count – Early Childhood Schedule Tips Trying to fit everything into a Pre-K or Kindergarten day can feel like solving a puzzle… blindfolded… with snack time looming. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! In this episode, Alex shares practical tips for building a classroom schedule that actually works —one that supports connection, play, learning, and calm (yes, even...

Episode 11: Letting Go of Assigned Classroom Seating in Pre-K & Kindergarten What if your students didn’t have assigned seats at all? In this episode, Alex explores the benefits and challenges of moving away from traditional assigned seating in early childhood classrooms. From building independence to supporting self-regulation, you’ll hear how flexible seating routines can empower students wh...

Episode 10: Stop Making Play a Four-Letter Word Let’s set the record straight: play is not fluff.  In this episode, Alex unpacks why play-based learning is real learning—especially in early childhood—and how we can stop apologizing for it. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to justify playful teaching (or been side-eyed for not doing more “rigor”), this one’s for you. ✨ You’ll hear: Why play belong...

Episode 9: 10 Ways to Make Your Classroom More Playful Play isn't just for free choice time—it’s a powerful approach to learning. In this episode, Alex breaks down 10 simple, meaningful ways to make your classroom more playful, even within the structure of a full-day schedule. From mindset shifts to hands-on strategies, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use right away to boost engagement, i...

Episode 8: Tools for Making Your Classroom More Playful Want to make your classroom feel more playful—but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! In this episode, Alex shares simple tools and mindset shifts to bring more joy and curiosity into your daily routine—without scraping your entire plan or adding hours to your prep. ✨ You’ll learn: What “playful” actually means in a structured classro...