Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, we explore the excitement of the 100th day of school. We discuss traditions, advocate for a growth mindset, and share activities like crafts, counting exercises, and imaginative projects with 100 items. I also reveal a huge pet peeve of mine, something that really, really bothers me.  In this episode I share: Preparing for the 100th day of sch...

This is part 2 of a conversation I had back in November with a first year kindergarten teacher during one of my coaching sessions. During this part of the conversations we talk all about how to manage centers as a classroom teacher. In this episode we cover: The structure of centers How I structure my reading, writing, and word work and make planning them easier Giving students a choice of station...

Back in November I had the pleasure of meeting with a first year kindergarten teacher, during one of my coaching sessions. Because I get so many questions regarding literacy, centers, writing…you name it, I felt it would be great to air this coaching session as an episode.  I hope you find this conversation helpful with things you may struggle with in your classroom…especially if you are a fi...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of refreshing expectations after the winter break. As teachers, we shouldn't assume that everything will be fine when students return to school, so it's crucial to proactively remind them about the classroom expectations to avoid behavior problems. I suggest starting the first day back by reviewing and reinforcing the expectations and routines. This can b...

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, we dive into the topic of understanding number relationships in math. It is crucial for students to grasp concepts such as number order, what numbers come before and after, and understanding what numbers are more or less. This foundational skill sets the stage for learning addition and subtraction. In this episode I share: The Importance of Number...

In this episode, we explore the magic of December in the classroom. We highlight the importance of inclusive learning about winter holidays, focusing on the gingerbread theme. We engage in reading, writing, and math activities centered around gingerbread, while celebrating holidays from around the world. Emphasizing diversity and encouraging students to share their favorite traditions.  In th...

Hey teacher friends, today we are talking about tracking student progress. This is a question that comes up a lot for teachers about the best ways to track student progress and I've got a lot of tips and tricks in here for you. I want to emphasize the need to assess students based on the skills they need to learn in kindergarten and ascertain their skill development. Starting with basic skills lik...

Hey teacher friends! In today's episode we are talking all about teaching shapes, specifically 2D shapes with students early on in the year. This is one of the first units that I do with my students, and it's something that a lot of them come in knowing a good amount about. We can take what they already know and extend it to some deeper understanding. So we'll get into some of my favorite ways to...

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, we delve into the captivating world of life cycles in the kindergarten classroom. Life cycles are a fundamental aspect of teaching science to students, as they provide valuable insight into the changes and growth that occur in living organisms, as well as their basic survival requirements. Witnessing the marvel of life cycles in action is an extraordinary expe...

In this episode we are talking all about one of the really foundational math skills that kids learn in kindergarten, which is counting. Some kids who come to us totally already get this skill and know how to count up to 100 plus, and some kids struggle with it more than others. So we're going to break apart this big concept into all the components that make up counting, and what to look for when w...

Today we are talking about how to support our beginning writers in kindergarten. Writing is the hardest time of day for many of our students, and that completely makes sense. Think about all the executive function skills that you need in writing. You need to be able to stop your impulses and sit still and plan out what you're going to write. Figure out how you're going to write it, and then rememb...

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you today on the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. After years of hard work, I am proud to announce that I have written and published a series of 12 children's books! These books are part of the social-emotional curriculum that I provide on my website and on Teachers Pay Teachers. Each book in the series focuses on a different social-emotional skill a...

Hey there, teacher friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. Today, we're tackling a common issue that many of us face: supporting kids who struggle with recess.  We all know that recess can be a challenging time of day for students. Unstructured time, lack of social interaction, and an over-reliance on technology have made recess a source of frustration, bore...

In this episode, we explore using fall as a teaching tool in the classroom. Sharpening observational skills, we encourage students to observe fall objects, dissect them, and make accurate drawings. By fostering curiosity, engagement, and reflection, we create a dynamic learning environment that sparks a love for science and the world around us. Try out these strategies and share your feedback! In...

Today we dive into the topic that can make any teacher feel a bit uneasy – those challenging conversations we have with parents.  This episode explores both the good and the not-so-good experiences of difficult conversations and how we can learn from them. I share valuable insights and strategies to help alleviate the stress that comes with these conversations, allowing us to handle them more...

With October in full swing, today's episode dives into the topic of parent-teacher conferences and how to make the most of them.  I want to share my personal experience with preparing for conferences and how I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder.  From highlighting students' strengths to setting development goals, I provide tips and tricks for navigating conferences with ease.  I...

In this episode of The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, join me, Zeba McGibbon, as I dive into the magic of kindergarten.  Drawing from my 10 years of teaching experience, I want to explore the unique nature of this crucial grade and why it deserves more recognition. Despite the growing pressure to make kindergarten more academic, I want to advocate for a developmentally appropriate approach that m...

Welcome to The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast with Zeba McGibbon! Are you an overworked or overwhelmed kindergarten teacher? Or maybe you're just a kindergarten teacher looking for fresh, new ideas. You are in the right place! The Kindergarten Cafe podcast will share weekly tips and tricks beginning October 5th to help you save time, work smarter (not harder) and support students with engaging and purp...