Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how to build a preschool schedule that works for you —not against you. Because a great schedule isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the secret sauce that makes your day smoother, your students calmer, and your teaching time way more effective. Tune in! Topics Discussed: Why your daily schedule matters. 4 big schedule mistakes and how to avoid them. How to build a s...

Rotating play centers means more engagement, deeper learning and better behavior! By rotating the toys and materials in our play centers we can boost engagement and encourage purposeful play. If you aren't sure when or how to rotate centers...tune In! I'm sharing all of my tips and tricks! Topics Discussed: Why rotating centers is important. How often to rotate centers. Tips for easy rotation. Rel...

Executive functioning is critical for learning. In this episode, I will teach how centers naturally build these skills and you how to boost those skills without adding a single thing to your to-do list. Tune In! Topics Discussed: What executive functioning is. How centers support executive functioning. Simple ways to boost executive functioning in centers. Related Resources: Guide to Preschool Cen...

With seasonal light table mats, you can transform your classroom into a space of wonder and exploration throughout the year. Keep your learners engaged, skills sharp, and imaginations soaring. Ready to jumpstart your sensory journey? Tune In! Topics Discussed: What are light table mats and how do they work? The power of using seasonal themes and how to incorporate them into your light table. Seaso...

You have your centers all set. Now, its time to 'go play'! Have you ever wondered why your centers are chaotic instead of creative? In this episode, we will uncover the secrets to teaching purposeful play and help transform your preschool center time into moments of joyful learning! Topics Discussed: Understanding the Importance of Teaching Center Skills Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Center Skill...

Have you ever handed a pencil to an eager preschooler only to see them struggle awkwardly? In episode 121, discover why the key to confident writing starts with building fine motor skills, not rushing to the pencil. Topics Discussed: The Importance of Fine Motor Skills in Early Childhood Development The Challenges of Early Writing The Fine Motor First Approach Related Resources: Fine Motor Build-a...

Ever thought preschool assessments were just tedious paperwork? Think again! Discover the surprising benefits that can transform your classroom and make a lasting impact on your students' growth. Today, we're diving into 5 reasons why assessments might just be your new best friend! Topics Discussed: What is the purpose of preschool assessments 5 Benefits of preschool assessments Plus, the FREE Ass...

Small group time shouldn't feel stressful! In fact, with a clear plan in place it can be extremely effective. Small groups build confidence, increase engagement, and can help us with targeted instruction for our students. But small group time only works if it's done right! In this episode, let's talk about the most common small group mistakes and how we can fix them! Topics Discussed: Why small gr...

Bookmaking is a great way to encourage writing in your preschool classroom! Providing blank books and encouraging your students to fill them with their stories, thoughts, and feelings allows them to expand their storytelling and gives purpose to their marks and drawing. Tune in to episode 118 to hear why bookmaking is important, what emergent writing looks like and how and where we can add bookmak...

Teaching young children how reading works is a great way to boost confidence and lay the foundation for when it is time for them to actually begin reading! They are aware that they don't yet know how to read and sometimes this can cause frustration. By using 'literary touchpoints' we can help encourage them and a future love of reading! Topics Discussed: Why it is important to teach young children...

In this episode, we are talking about sensory bins! Sensory bins are an essential part of any preschool classroom. They give our preschoolers a chance to use their senses to explore and learn. Changing out the classroom sensory bin can help create fresh new ideas and opportunities for discovery! If you need some tips, tricks, and ideas on how to make sensory bins both fun and educational ...tune i...

In this episode, we’re diving into shared reading—what it is, why it’s so powerful for preschoolers, and how you can use pocket charts to make your shared reading sessions engaging and effective. Plus, learn how our Winter Shared Reading Pocket Chart Activities can help you combine literacy learning with seasonal fun. Tune in! Topics Discussed: What is shared reading? Why is it important? 3 reason...

In this episode, I'll explain why and how I use loose parts to encourage open-ended imaginative play in our block center. With a variety of loose parts, an organized and inviting setup, and a balance between structure and freedom, your block center can become a space where imagination and creativity thrive! Tune in! Topics Discussed: What is Open-Ended Play? 5 Strategies for Setting Up a Block Cen...

If managing challenging behaviors has ever left you feeling frustrated or stuck in a cycle of reminders, time-outs, or power struggles, then this episode is for you! We’re going to talk about how 'If-Instead' thinking helps you look deeper into behaviors, avoid conflict, and focus on teaching the social-emotional skills our preschoolers so desperately need. Tune in! Topics Discussed: What is If In...

Assessment isn't just about ticking boxes or assigning grades. By analyzing assessment results, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of the children that are in their class right now. Many times teachers take time to complete assessments and document observations and then the process stops there. Deciding HOW to use the results of the assessment to create opportunities...

Are you a preschool teacher that still does daily calendar at circle time? It seems like the newest trend in early education is to say ‘so long’ to calendars in the classroom. The traditional calendar is either being replaced by a linear calendar or no calendar at all. But why? We know that young children don’t quite understand the concept of time in days, months and years. We know this to be true...

Subitizing is the ability to quickly identify the numbers in a set without counting. By developing subitizing skills early on, children build a strong foundation for more complex math concepts. How do we practice it in our classroom though? I've got you covered! Stay tuned! Topics Discussed: Two types of subitizing Subitizing cards and how to use them Other ways to practice subitizing in your clas...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! It's also a busy and sometimes difficult time of year for teachers! The holiday excitement can definitely affect behaviors in our students. I've found that keeping our little learners engaged is the best way to handle all of that excess holiday energy! If you need ideas for December activities, let me share some of my favorites! Stay tuned! Topics Discuss...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! It's also a busy and sometimes difficult time of year for teachers! The holiday excitement can definitely affect behaviors in our students. I've found that keeping our little learners engaged is the best way to handle all of that excess holiday energy! If you need ideas for December activities, let me share some of my favorites! Stay tuned! Topics Discuss...

While we all know fine motor skills are important, but do your little learners have enough opportunities to practice them? I knew during play that most all of my centers have fine motor practice available. But, I also found that some of my students weren't using the fine motor activities that were incorporated into the centers. Time to "think outside the box"! Actually, time to think inside of the...

The debate over assigning centers vs. allowing free choice is one that has long raged in the early childhood field. In our minds assigning centers makes sense - if children go to each center, they are getting everything we want them to out of center time... right? Maybe not. In this episode, let's talk about 5 specific reasons why assigning centers can backfire! Tune in! Topics Discussed: 5 reason...

We've all heard those words - "I HAD THAT FIRST!" Conflicts in a preschool classroom are common. Whenever we put children together who are still learning appropriate social skills and who haven't mastered conflict resolution yet, it's going to happen! These moments of conflict are the perfect opportunity for us to step in and coach our students. There is so much we can teach students in the moment...

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to encourage your preschoolers to write? Sometimes our little learners just need a fun idea to get their imaginations going! Writing invitations can be a fantastic tool to spark creativity, build excitement, and foster a love of writing. Tune in to find out what a writing invitation is and how to use them in your classroom! Topics Discussed: What are writ...

As a preschool teacher, you know the importance of making learning fun and engaging! One way that I LOVE to do this is by adding games into our classroom! Especially, math games! Games can help children develop essential math skills in a playful and interactive way. Let me give you the what, where, and how when it comes to using math games in Episode 104! Tune in! Topics Discussed: The benefits of...

Have you tried bringing a Literacy Unit into your Fall Thematic Unit? It’s what I have been doing for the past several years and I love it! Many times when we have a thematic unit around fall or autumn we focus on reading themed books.  The books might revolve around apples, pumpkins, leaves, and fall in general. We also bring that thematic flair to the art center or we bring autumn into our...