Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "When do you introduce centers?" Many teachers are surprised by my answer: I open centers on Day One. But there's an important difference. I don't expect children to be independent on Day One. In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistakes teachers make when introducing centers, why preschoolers struggle during those first few weeks, and how...

Every summer, preschool teachers make ambitious classroom prep lists: Cut everything out. Laminate everything. Organize every bin. Create every center. But once school begins, many of those tasks suddenly feel far less important than they seemed in June. Instead of preparing endless activities, you'll learn why preparing classroom systems is what truly sets the tone for a successful school year. A...

The teachers running the smoothest classrooms aren't usually the ones with the cutest classrooms. They're the ones who spent the first few weeks intentionally teaching children how the classroom works. In this episode, we dive into five common mistakes teachers make at the beginning of the year that often lead to behavior challenges, difficult transitions, dependence on adults, and classroom chaos...

You spent the time laminating the cards. You hung the visual schedule perfectly on the wall. But then? The kids barely looked at it. In this episode, let's talk about the five biggest mistakes teachers make with visual schedules and explain how to turn your schedule from a classroom decoration into one of the most powerful tools in your day. The truth is, visual schedules do not work automatically...

The summer slide is real. But turning summer into “homework season” is not the answer. In this episode, we’re talking about a better way to support preschool learning at home through simple, play-based activities families will actually use. If you’ve ever sent home workbook packets only to wonder if they ever left the backpack, this conversation is for you... Because preschoolers learn best throug...

If assessment season makes you want to shut your laptop and disappear for a while… you’re not alone. In this episode, let me break down why traditional assessment methods feel so exhausting! But more importantly, let me give you a better way to do it. You’ll learn a simpler, more effective approach that saves time, reduces stress for your students, and gives you data you can actually use to guide...

What if the loudest, most chaotic corner of your classroom is actually where the deepest learning is happening? In this episode, we’re rethinking dramatic play and breaking the myth that it’s “just pretending.” Because when you take a closer look, you’ll see children building language, social skills, literacy, and real-world understanding through play. If you’ve ever felt pressure to replace play...

Spring brings a noticeable shift in energy and it can leave even the most well-run classrooms feeling a little chaotic. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full reset to fix it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to refresh your preschool classroom in simple, manageable ways that actually work - without adding more to your plate. Because the goal isn’t to start over. It’s to work smar...

What does science look like in a preschool classroom? It’s not worksheets. It’s a child running across the grass with a kite they built themselves! They built it, tested it and discovered that it works! In this episode, we’re talking about how to move beyond “cute” spring activities and into meaningful science that actually builds cognitive skills. Topics Discussed: What real science looks like in...

In this episode, we’re talking about the common "recognition trap" in early childhood education and why stopping at identification can limit deeper learning. You’ll learn a simple four-stage framework you can use to guide children from basic familiarity with a concept all the way to meaningful application. Let's bring clarity and calmness back to your planning! Topics Discussed: Why recognition is...

 In this episode, we’re breaking down how to scaffold name writing in a preschool classroom where readiness levels vary widely (because they always do). Let's discuss what the true progression of name writing looks like, how to structure a routine that supports mixed abilities, and what to do when a child simply isn’t ready yet. Because name writing isn’t a race. It’s a scaffolded skill and every...

In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on , why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.” Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away. Topics Discu...

January is long and your kids have way too much energy. In this episode, let's talk winter themes like arctic animals and hibernation. When you use play-based, intentional centers, winter becomes a time for deep engagement, meaningful learning, and calmer classrooms. Topics Discussed: Why winter themes work so well in January The problem with relying only on “cute crafts” How to turn arctic animal...

It feels like the perfect time for a little circle time check-in. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been working well, what I’ve adjusted along the way, and the incredible growth I’ve seen in my students since August. If you’re a teacher looking to make Circle Time more engaging, flexible, and responsive to your students’ needs, this episode will give you practical ideas and reassurance that evo...

In this episode, we’re talking about how to turn story time into an interactive literacy experience without adding more to your prep list. I’m sharing simple ways to dig deeper into books, what happens when you re-read with purpose, and how I use Interactive Read-Aloud units to keep everything organized and joyful. Topics Discussed: Why read-alouds are such an essential literacy tool in preschool...

In this episode, we are diving into Writing Invitations! We want children to be excited about writing, which means we need a playful, child-led approach without pressure, prompts, or frustration. Learn what Writing Invitations are, why they work, and how to use them to make your writing center a place kids actually want to visit. Topics Discussed: What Writing Invitations are (and what they aren't...

Teaching preschoolers to write their names is about so much more than putting letters on paper. In this episode, we’re unpacking what really comes before name writing: the recognition, the fine motor readiness and the meaningful play that make writing feel exciting instead of frustrating. Listen in as I give you practical strategies to support your students at every stage - from recognizing their...

In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s often misunderstood in early childhood education: the difference between handwriting and writing . While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve very different skills and understanding that difference can change the way you support your preschoolers. Topics Discussed: What handwriting and writing really mean Why mixing them up leads...

In this episode, we’re diving into why class jobs are more than just 'cute helpers', how they support your students in meaningful ways, and how to make them manageable for you . Class jobs may seem like a small detail, but they can completely transform your classroom culture. Whether you’ve tried class jobs before (and dropped them) or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you simpli...

Ever looked out at your circle time rug and seen blank stares and wiggly bodies? You’re not alone. Circle time burnout is real  (for both kids and teachers). But the good news? A few small changes can make a big impact (without hours of prep). In this episode, I’m sharing simple, sanity-saving strategies that keep kids engaged and make circle time something everyone looks forward to. T...

In this episode, we’re digging into the real reasons circle time sometimes flops—and why it still matters when done with purpose. If you've ever felt pressure to skip it or questioned its value in a busy preschool day, this one’s for you. Topics Discussed: Why critics of circle time aren't entirely wrong How to reframe circle time as a community builder Practical ways to make your circle time shor...

Day one of preschool and circle time feels like total chaos? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, we’re breaking down what circle time really looks like during those first few weeks—and how to keep it simple, predictable, and stress-free (yes, even when someone’s licking a shoe)! Topics Discussed: Why less is more when you’re just starting out A realistic breakdown of t...

Feeling overwhelmed with all the Pinterest-perfect classroom ideas? Today we’re cutting through the clutter and talking about the only five things you really need to prep before the first day of preschool . No fancy bulletin boards, no year-long plans—just the simple, effective tools that help your classroom run smoother from Day One. Tune in! Topics Discussed: Why procedure visuals are your best...

In today's episode we’re talking about the most overlooked, chaos-causing part of the preschool day: transitions. Those sneaky little in-betweens that can make or break your whole routine. If transitions feel like a daily disaster, I’ve got ideas to help you bring back the calm! Tune in! Topics Discussed: Why transitions are so tricky. Signs your transitions might be causing stress. What smooth tr...

In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the updates that have been made to the Two & Three Year Old Curriculum! What if lesson planning did not have to be complicated? What if everything was done for you so that you could concentrate on the 100's of other things preschool teachers have going on? You want to deliver developmentally appropriate, meaningful, and manageable lessons every...