Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ashley Rives
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
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)
- How to set up Writing Invitations
- Real examples of Writing Invitations
- Why Writing Invitations support emergent writing, creativity, and confidence
- How to shift expectations and honor scribbles, symbols, and early marks as real writing
- Common pitfalls to avoid (like comparison and overcorrecting)
Related Resources:
- Writing Invitations
- Fine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!
- Name Writing Notebooks
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 name in print to confidently building and eventually writing it.
Topics Discussed:
- Recognition before formation.
- Before writing, we build - becoming familiar with their names.
- Hands-on beats pencil-down - strengthing fine motor skills and building letter memory.
- Are their hands even ready? - Pre-writing skills
- What happens if we rush?
Related Resources:
- Name Recognition Toolkit
- Fine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 writingreallymean
- Why mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectations
- How each skill develops (spoiler: not at the same pace!)
- Simple ways to support both - without overwhelming young learners
Related Resources:
- Fine Motor Build a Skill
- Name Writing Notebooks
- Writing Invitations for the Writing Center
- Shared and Interactive Writing
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool
- Things to do Before Teaching Name Writing
- What is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool?
- Stop! Don't Hand that Preschooler a Pencil Yet!
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 simplify the system, make it sustainable, and connect it to your academic and SEL goals.
Topics Discussed:
- TheWhyBehind Class Jobs
- Common Job Struggles
- How to Make it Work and Keep it Simple
Related Resources:
- Classroom Jobs Resource
- Pre-K Circle Time Resource
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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.
Topics Discussed:
- Why kids get bored
- The power of classroom jobs
- How to rotate activities during circle time
- Adding in brain breaks
Related Resources:
- Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
- Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
- Visual Schedule Blogpost
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 shorter, more engaging and developmentally appropriate
Related Resources:
- Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
- Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
- Visual Schedule Blogpost
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 the first few days
- When to introduce jobs, calendar, and routines
- Why singing instructions actually works
- How visuals can be your secret weapon from Day 1
Related Resources:
- Two and Three Year Old Circle Time Visuals
- Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
- Visual Schedule Blogpost
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Day One investment
- How to use movement and calming prompts to support regulation
- The power of a visual schedule in creating predictability
- What makes a comforting and functional chill-out spot
- Easy, no-prep wait-time games that save your sanity
Related Resources:
- Procedure Visuals
- Movement or calming prompts
- A visual schedule
- A calm-down area
- And wait-time games
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 transitions actually look like.
Related Resources:
- Preschool Transition Toolkit
- Free Schedule Workbook + Visual Schedule Cards
- Preschool Procedure Cards
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Blogpost: Building a Preschool Schedule that Works
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 single day - let me help you! Tune in and I'll give you all of the details!
Topics Discussed:
- Why I created this curriculum (and why I updated it).
- What's new inside the curriculum. Plus, the bonus features!
- Why this update matters for you.
Related Resources:
- Early Learning Standards for Two and Three Year Olds by LCPR
- Two and Three Year Old Pacing Guide
- Free Lesson Plan: All About Me
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 schedule that actually works for you.
- How and why to use visuals.
Related Resources:
- Create the Perfect Preschool Schedule Workbook + Visual Schedule Cards
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Blogpost: Visual Schedules for Preschool
- Blogpost: How Long to Schedule Centers
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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.
Related Resources:
- Guide to Preschool Centers
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Blogpost: Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged Centers
- 4 Benefits of Free Choice Play
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Centers
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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.
- Seasonal light table ideas and done for you resources!
- Tips for using light tables.
Related Resources:
- Summer Light Table Activities
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Episode 30: Must Have Items for the Preschool Light Table
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Skills
- Practical Tips to Implement in Your Classroom
Related Resources:
- FREE Center Guide
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Episode 107: 5 Reasons Why Assigning Centers Can Backfire
- Episode 97: How Long to Schedule Centers
- Episode 89: Prep Centers Now, Save Sanity Later
- Episode 87: The Un-popular Play Centers
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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-Skill Resource
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Episode 108: Using Fine Motor Boxes in Preschool
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Assessment Guide you've been looking for
Related Resources:
- FREE Assessment Guide
- 2 Year Old Assessment
- 3 Year Old Assessment
- Pre-K Assessment
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Episode 112: Using Assessment Data to Plan Lessons
- Episode 83: Analyzing Preschool Assessment Data
- Episode 82: Our New Assessment Approach in Preschool
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 group time is beneficial
- 9 small group mistakes and how we can fix them
- The done-for-you solution to small group planning
Related Resources:
- Small Group Binder
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Episode #31: How to Effectively Group Preschoolers for Small Group
- Episode #35: 5 Reasons to Have Preschool Small Group
- Episode #37: Preschool Small Group Activity Ideas
- Episode #39: My Top Tips for Preschool Small Group
- Episode #38: Organizing Your Preschool Small Groups
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 bookmaking in our own classrooms!
Topics Discussed:
- What is bookmaking and what are the benefits of introducing it to your students
- How to incorporate and encourage bookmaking in your classroom
- What emergent writing looks like
Related Resources:
- FREE Literacy Training: 3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Literacy in your Preschool Classroom
- Book: Already Ready by Katie Wood Ray & Matt Glover (affiliate link)
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- You may also like this episode: Teaching Young Children How Reading Works (Episode 117)
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 how reading works
- 7 key skills for teaching how reading works
- Tips on how and when to incorporate literacy touchpoints
Related Resources:
- FREE Literacy Training: 3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Literacy in your Preschool Classroom
- Book: Already Ready by Katie Wood Ray & Matt Glover (affiliate link)
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- You may also like this episode about ways to teach emergent literacy skills! (Ep 91)
- Preschool Calendar and Why We Still Use It (Ep 111)
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 in!
Topics Discussed:
- Benefits of sensory bins
- What to include in a sensory bin
Related Resources:
- FREE Sensory Tub Materials List
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- Blogpost with photos
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 reasons why pocket charts are perfect for shared reading.
- How to use my Winter Shared Reading Pocket Chart Activities
Related Resources:
- Winter Shared Reading Resources
Related Resources:
- Winter Shared Reading Blogpost
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Center for Open-Ended Play
- Benefits of Loose Parts for Creative Play
Related Resources:
- Amazon List for the Block Center
Related Resources:
- Blog Post (with photos)
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Instead Thinking?
- Preventing Power Struggles using If Instead Thinking
- Creating a Calm and Nurturing Environment
- How to use If Instead Thinking Daily
Related Resources:
- Social Emotional Learning Guide
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 for learning those missing skills is the most important step!
Tune in and hear how I actually use the data I've collected!
Topics Discussed:
- Assessment types
- Analyzing assessment results
- Using assessment results
- Monitoring progress
Assessment Resources:
- Blogpost: Our New Assessment Approach in Preschool
- Blogpost: Analyzing Assessment Data (includes a tool to help you identify which skills are needed class-wide
- Blogpost: Making Assessment Engaging
- FREE Assessment Guide
Small Group Resources
- Blogpost:How to Effectively Group Preschoolers for Small Group
- Blogpost: My Top Tips for Small Group
- Blogpost:Preschool Small Group Activities
- Blogpost:Organizing Preschool Small Group
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 because to a preschooler everything happened yesterday!
But, the thing is we don’t use our calendar just for looking at the concept of time. I use it as a quick, fun way for us to reinforce and practice some skills. Plus, it’s a great way to start laying the foundation for the concept of time by relating events on the calendar back to something important to students.
Want to know more about how I use calendar time to practice important skills?
Stay tuned!
Topics Discussed:
- Skills that the preschool calendar helps us to practice
- How a preschool calendar can help us lay the foundation for future use
- How I use the calendar in my classroom
Resources Mentioned:
- Calendar Cards for Preschool - Patterning and Holidays Included | TPT
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Why we Still Use Calendar at Circle Time
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 classroom
Resources Mentioned:
- FREE Subitizing Cards
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Assessing Preschool Math Skills
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Discussed:
- December centers
- December small group lessons
- December whole group lessons
Resources Mentioned:
- Holiday Science Centers
- December Math Games
- Holiday Literacy Unit
- Holiday Shared Reading
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- To see photos of these activities, visit this blogpost.
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 Discussed:
- December centers
- December small group lessons
- December whole group lessons
Resources Mentioned:
- Holiday Science Centers
- December Math Games
- Holiday Literacy Unit
- Holiday Shared Reading
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- To see photos of these activities, visit this blogpost.
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 boxes! Literally! This little set of boxes and the activities that I created to fill them have helped my students with fine motor skills and I hope they will help yours too!
Stay tuned!
Topics Discussed:
- What is a Fine Motor Box
- 16 fine motor activities
- Why everyone is loving these boxes
Resources Mentioned:
- Fine Motor Task Boxes
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- See photos at this blogpost: Using Fine Motor Tubs
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 reasons you should consider free choice during center time
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Episode 13: Benefits of Free Play
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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!
In this episode I will take a deep dive into why teaching conflict resolution in preschool is so beneficial, when to teach it, and a step by step of how to coach your students through those unavoidable moments of conflict!
Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- 7 important benefits of teaching conflict resolution in preschool
- When exactly to teach conflict resolution
- How I coach children through conflicts
- The conflict resolution in preschool coaching framework
Resources Mentioned:
- Be proactive and teach conflict resolution during whole group! - Peer Problems Social Emotional Learning Activities
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: How to Teach Social Emotional Skills
- Podcast Episode 12: How to Teach Social Emotional Skills
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 writing invitations?
- How do you use writing invitations?
- Benefits and expectations of writing invitations
Resources Mentioned:
- Writing Invitations Bundle
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 using math games
- How to use math games in your classroom
- Why we use math games instead of worksheets or flashcards
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Math Games Training
- Circle Time Games
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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 sensory tub. We may add pumpkins to the science center and create a pumpkin patch in our dramatic play area!
We plan our lessons with the theme in mind too, but when it came to literacy, I felt like something was missing and wanted to go deeper than just reading the story.
Tune in to find out how I add literacy to our fall unit!
Topics Discussed:
- What literacy elements I add in
- Why I think adding literacy is important
- How I add literacy to our thematic units
Resources Mentioned:
- Fall Literacy Unit
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Bringing Literacy Into Your Fall Unit - Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Let’s get cutting! Cutting skills and preschool go hand in hand. Many times it is the first time that children have been allowed to use scissors.
So, it’s important that we understand the continuum in which children’s cutting skills develop. To make it a little easier to remember, I created a printable Preschool Cutting Continuum graphic that you can grab at the link below!
Tune in to learn about all things preschool cutting!
Topics Discussed:
- The Preschool Cutting Continuum
- Tips for cutting obstacles such as a child who is struggling to open and shut scissors
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Cutting Continuum Printable
- Silly Little Scissors Book(affiliate link)
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Preschool Cutting Tips - Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Let’s talk about circle time, shall we? Do you love it? Or do you loathe it? Some of us have mixed feelings about circle time. And depending on how you structure yours, it can lead to a wonderful group experience or a chaotic and frustrating mess.
Today, let’s go into some do’s and don’ts of circle time!
Topics Discussed:
- Consistency in circle time
- How and when to give choices during circle time
- Adding in newness to keep circle time engaging
- Setting boundaries and expectations during circle time
- Bringing in jobs to your circle time
- Movement
Resources Mentioned:
- Rules & Expectations (Sitting Choices Graphic)
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Episode 17: Supercharge your Circle Time
- Episode 81: Keep Circle Time Lively
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Whole group games work SOOO incredibly well at circle time. I use them on the daily and these games allow me to work with students as a group to practice and review academic skills – but in a fun way!
In this episode, I want to share with you 5 of my favorite types of circle time games that you can play and adapt for any theme or season! Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- 5 Circle Time Games described (in detail) for you, that you can use for any season!
Resources Mentioned:
- Circle Time Games Bundle
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Episode 17: Supercharge your Circle Time
- Blogpost with Photos
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Got a Circle Time Cart? This is one idea for circle time that you are going to want to hear about!
When you take a minute to stop and think of all the things that you use or could use during circle time, a long list might start forming. Calendar pieces, pointers, markers, well-wishing wands, music, a pocket chart….
But, do you make sure that all these items are readily available at your fingertips?
I’m loving the organization of my Circle Time Cart. So much so that I wanted to share it with you!
Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- The cart itself
- TONS of ideas for what to put inside of your cart for circle time
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost with Photos of Circle Time Cart
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Circle time is a beloved and essential part of the preschool classroom, providing a space for children to connect with their peers, learn new things, and develop important social and emotional skills.
To create a successful and engaging circle time experience, it's crucial to carefully consider the physical environment.
This episode lays out the key features I think about when setting up circle time.
Topics Discussed:
- The right space
- The board and wall
- Integrating core and add-in activities
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Podcast Episode 81: Keep Circle Time Lively
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Center time is a major staple of a preschool program. And if you are running a play-based classroom like I am… free-play centers is the key ingredient! But have you ever wondered…. how long should I schedule time in centers? Tune in and I will walk you through what the recommendations are for scheduling center time.
Topics Discussed:
- ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Education Rating System) recommendations.
- Recommendations based on length of day
- How to schedule center time so it doesn't feel so overwhelming
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Schedule Workbook
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: How Long to Schedule Centers - With a helpful simplified scheduling chart!
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Setting up a preschool classroom is both exciting and daunting.
This is the space where new little young minds will explore, learn, and grow. As a play-based classroom, my classroom truly is the second teacher. But, I truly believe we can’t just ‘wing it’.
There are some important factors to take into consideration when setting up your preschool classroom – and I’m sharing them all here with you! Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- The 7 key factors to think about before setting up your preschool classroom
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Classroom Set Up Workbook
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
The first day of preschool is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and new faces. As preschool teachers, we know the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment from the start. And we also know how a little strategic planning can go a long way in setting the stage for a smooth and successful year.
In this episode, we’re talking about why investing time in planning classroom management before those tiny humans even walk through the door is a game changer.
Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- 5 ways to pre plan your classroom management - there might just be a couple you haven't thought of.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Chill Spot: Free Resource
- The Schedule Workbook - Free Resource
- Procedure Cards
- Guide to Social Emotional Learning
- Simplifying Classroom Management Training
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Preschool teachers often find themselves navigating many tiny humans with big emotions. While the rewards of being a preschool teacher are huge, it doesn't come without challenges! Behavior management in the preschool classroom is complex and so much of it is our own mindset. Let's talk about the hard truths of behavior management!
Topics Discussed:
- 6 hard truths about behavior management in the preschool classroom
- What preschool teachers can do to change their mindsets around behavior management
Resources Mentioned:
- The Chill Spot: Free Resource
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
No preschool classroom is immune to it… little learners with BIG emotions. Some years are different from others, but every school year we will have children in our class that need help processing big emotions. And this year was the year I finally created something that I feel like really helps…. It’s called The Chill Spot and I want to share it because I’m so excited about the progress I am seeing! Tune in to find out what it is and the benefits I have seen from using it!
Topics Discussed:
- What the Chill Spot is
- Why and how it is used
- How it has been working in my classroom
Resources Mentioned:
- The Chill Spot FREE Resource
Related Blogposts or Episodes:
- Blogpost: The Chill Spot: What it is and how it’s Working
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
We all know the importance of fostering a strong literacy foundation in our little learners. But with so much to juggle, ensuring we're hitting all those crucial emergent literacy goals can feel overwhelming.
I do understand why many teachers still grasp to a step-by-step plan. It makes sense to our brains and makes us feel confident that we are covering the skills we should be (even if it's done in a way that research tells us is not best for young children).
But in this episode, I will help you understand how and why taking the non-traditionalpath to teaching emergent literacy skills is truly the way to go!
Topics Discussed:
- Literacy plan - why I no longer use plans like LOTW
- What makes this plan different from a sequential curriculum
Resources Mentioned:
- Get Your Lit Together: Preschool Literacy Made Easy course
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Isn't it amazing to see the way our little learners soak up everything around them? They're like tiny sponges, eager to explore and learn new things.
When it comes to early literacy, our little sponges need the right opportunities to help them learn foundational literacy skills.
Let's face it, traditional flashcards and worksheets can feel a bit…well, dry... and honestly... those methods aren'tmeaningful ways to learn letters.
Plus, as you know from Episode 90, laying the literacy foundation is about SO muchmore than letter learning.
So how do we make learning these emergent literacy skills exciting and engaging for our preschool crew? Tune in to find out!
Topics Discussed:
- 5 proven methods to help learn emergent literacy skills
Resources Mentioned:
- Beyond the ABC’s Free Challenge
- Read Aloud Activities Bundle for Pre-K
- Shared Reading Pocket Chart Poems and Simple Sentences BUNDLE
- Shared & Interactive Writing BUNDLE for Pre-K and Kindergarten
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
For whatever reason, parents seem to think if their preschooler can't name all the alphabet letters by the end of preschool, then the year was a loss. Or maybe you've even had an administrator that sees letter recognition as the key early learning goals for literacy!
It can be frustrating because, as preschool teachers, we know that early literacy is so much more than just memorizing letters!
This poses an important question though. What should we be teaching in this emergent literacy stage?
Tune in to find out exactly which skills we should be focusing on when it comes to early literacy.
Topics Discussed:
- 4 early literacy skills you should focus on
- Additional resources to help you incorporate a holistic approach to early literacy
Resources Mentioned:
- Beyond the ABC’s Free Challenge
- FREE List of Skills Every Emergent Reader Must Have to Lay the Literacy Foundation
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
We all know the importance of fresh, engaging center materials to spark curiosity and learning in our preschoolers. But let's be real, sometimes the thought of prepping and switching out those materials feels like a whole other mountain to climb.
We've all been there. You spend all this time crafting amazing experiences, but then changing things out feels like a chaotic avalanche.
Fear not, my friend! This episode will definitely help.
Topics Discussed:
- 6 practical tips to help prep and manage center rotations
- A special offer!
Resources Mentioned:
- Preschool Planning Matrix
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Leveling up your Centers with Tray Tasking
- Blogpost: Level Up your Preschool Science Centers
- Blogpost: Why we Change out our Drama Center
- Podcast: Episode 49 - Center Signs that Work Harder
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Do you want to keep your preschool center time fresh and engaging, but get overwhelmed at the thought of actually doing it? Changing out centers for center time is some serious work! But, what you need is a plan! In this episode, let me walk you through my step-by-step process for changing out your centers! Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- The problem- changing out centers can be overwhelming and time consuming
- The solution for easy switches
- My step-by-step process that will save you time and sanity
- A special offer!
Resources Mentioned:
- Math & Literacy Center Bundle SALE
- Writing Invitations
- Science Centers
- Preschool Planning Matrix
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: How Long to Schedule Centers
- Podcast: Episode 13- Benefits of Free Choice Play
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
You know the centers in your classroom that your preschoolers rarely go to? The centers that when they do get students, those students rarely stay for too long? I call those the "un-popular" centers. I've found a way to liven up those centers! Tune in!
Topics Discussed:
- Un-popular centers - writing, math, science, literacy
- How to make the un-popular centers fun and appealing
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged Centers
- Podcast: Episode 14- Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged Centers
- Blogpost: Level Up your Preschool Science Centers
- Blogpost: Why we Change out our Drama Center
- Podcast: Episode 62 - Why we Change out our Drama Center
- Podcast: Episode 48- Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
We all know the magic of center time: a room buzzing with creativity, exploration, and little minds learning through play. But let's be honest, sometimes center time can feel more like...chaos erupting.
Keeping children engaged can be challenging. Today I want to share with you 5 strategies that have helped guide me to making my free play centers more enjoyable for all!
Topics Discussed:
- Change it up
- Use hands-on materials
- Put it on the table
- Use novelty
- Play in the center
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged Centers
- Podcast: Episode 14- Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged Centers
- Blogpost: Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
- Podcast: Episode 48- Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
The end of the school year is definitely bittersweet. It's exciting for our current students to be headed to new adventures and hard to let go of the littles we have had in our classrooms all year! One thing I do at the end of each year is spend some time reflecting. What worked in my classroom and what do I want to change for that new group of students coming in!
Topics Discussed:
- The importance of reflection
- Several key areas to reflect on (wins and needs work)
- Setting goals for next school year
Resources Mentioned:
- Get your Yearly Planning On (free training)
- Circle Time Games
- Interactive Read Alouds
- Shared Reading
- Interactive and Shared Writing
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Setting Up your Preschool Classroom (video)
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
While conferences are a great time to connect with parents, celebrate student achievements and also provide a space to express concerns - it's not easy. Most of us are extremely comfortable talking to young children, but talking to parents can feel like a totally different experience! In this episode of the Lovely Preschool Teachers podcast, you will get tips on how to make conferences go more smoothly and actual examples that you can use when talking to parents!
Topics Discussed:
- Positivity First
- Giving Specifics
- Focusing on Skills
- Providing Support
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
I’ve done a lot of required assessments in my day. And when I think back, I can confirm that I didn’t actually use the results from the assessments. I just got the assessment done and called it a day.
But, the purpose of assessing is to check progress and if there is a discrepancy, to use that data to create lessons and learning opportunities to help teach that missing skill.
Tune in to this episode to hear the why, how, and what behind data collection and the system I created!
Topics Discussed:
- Why assessment data should be analyzed
- The system I created and how to use it
- What can be learned from collecting assessment data
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Quick Data Collector
- Free Assessment Guide
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Episode 26: Do This, Not That - Assessment Edition
- Episode 27: Making Preschool Assessment Engaging
- Episode 31: Streamline your Preschool Assessment Process
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
We all know the importance of preschool assessment – it helps us understand our little learners and tailor our teaching to their needs. But traditional assessment periods can sometimes feel overwhelming. Testing all of the skills multiple times per year is exhausting and unnecessary! What if you were only focusing on specific skills to assess for each testing period? You'd be doing LESS assessing. Now you can use that time saved to TEACH those missing skills in small group! Let me introduce you to 'The Storybook Method'.
Topics Discussed:
- Why use the Storybook Method for Preschool Assessment?
- The Skill Break-Down
- What to do about Re-Assessing
- The 4 Step Process to Storybook Your Assessments
Resources Mentioned:
- FREE Storybook Method Assessment Guide
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost: Making Assessments Engaging
- Podcast Episode 31: Streamline your Preschool Assessment Process
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Circle time is a great way to review skills and grow class community! However, what do you do when circle time feels like more of a hassle than it's worth? Is it hard to keep the students engaged? Is your circle time becoming boring? In this episode I will help you bring joy into your circle time!
Topics Discussed:
- Why circle time might need a refresh
- Ways to keep circle time lively
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Circle Time Plan
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Quick & Easy Circle Time Games - Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Raise your hand if you struggle to ‘fit it all in’.
Relying on small group time to fit in all the things that preschoolers need to know just wasn’t cutting it.
The problem is… since small group time often occurs during free play, there are many distractions. Not only do some children not want to leave their play to come to the small group table, teachers are often needed for conflict resolution.
But, while teachers are taking the time to help students in the social setting, they are struggling to fit in all of the other things!
That's where quick and easy circle time games come in!
Topics Discussed:
- What is a circle time game?
- How do you use a circle time game?
- Do they really help?
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for a Sample of FREE Circle Time Games
- Circle Time Games Bundle
- 6 Principals of How Children Learn
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- How to Use Circle Time Games
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
As Play-Based Preschool Teachers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to create engaging and play-filled experiences for our little learners. However, while trying to provide the best education possible, we can end up getting overwhelmed and stretched too thin.
Topics Discussed:
- Reconsidering classroom parties
- Simplifying student gifts
- Rethinking seasonal decor
- Eliminating 'themed days'
- Holiday programs
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Sharing. It's a common topic amongst those who teach young children. Why are preschoolers expected to share? What impacts might forcing young children to share have? What should we do instead. This episode covers it all!
Topics Discussed:
- The reasons preschoolers are told to share
- The negative impact it can have
- What we should teach instead
- How to help children solve "sharing issues"
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Preschool is often the first time that young children are leaving their home environment and trying out a classroom setting. This includes the need for peer-to-peer communication. It can be hard for children who have not had many opportunities to practice these types of interactions before. As educators, it is our job to help them navigate these peer relationships.
Topics Discussed:
- Skills children need to effectively communicate with peers
- Ways to teach peer communication to preschoolers
- Ideas and activities to help children interact with peers
Resources Mentioned:
- Social Emotional Lesson Plans
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- How To Teach Social Emotional Skills In Whole Group
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Question of the Day, Daily Question, Preschool Graphing and Survey of the Day has long been a staple in early childhood classrooms… for good reason.
With children being quite ego-centric (a nice way of saying, they think it’s all about them), students learn new things more easily when they are at the center of it.
So, when we ask each child a question, gather everyone in the classes’ responses and analyze the data – children are interested!
Topics Discussed:
- How to use survey of the day and the benefits of it
- A walk through of exactly what survey of the day looks like in the classroom
- Types of surveys
Resources Mentioned:
- Clipboard Surveys Bundle
- Classroom Management Podcast Series
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Podcast Episode 32: Ideas for Preschool Classroom Jobs
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
As preschool teachers we are constantly looking for ways to incorporate literacy in our classrooms to support our young learners. One powerful tool that surrounds us every day is environmental print.
This type of print refers to print that children see around them in their day to day lives, such as signs, logos, labels and symbols. Environmental print can play an important role in literacy development in our preschoolers.
Topics Discussed:
- How environmental print benefits literacy development
- Ways to incorporate print into your classroom
- Activities that support environmental print
Resources Mentioned:
- FREE literacy training: '3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Early Literacy in your Preschool Classroom'
- Classroom Management Podcast Series
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- How to Teach Literacy Without LOTW
- 3 Mindset Shifts Preschool Teachers Need to Make regarding Teaching Letter Recognition
- Using Meaningful Experiences to Teach Letters
- Using Meaningful Experiences to Teach Letters
- Finding the Time to Implement Preschool Literacy Experiences in the Preschool Classroom
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Looking for some cool math games for pre-k?
I am a game-loving teacher who brings games into learning whenever I can. And math lends itself well to game play, because most of the time my pre-kers don’t even know they are learning!
What’s even better… my students are practicing turn-taking and how to win and lose gracefully. Name me a worksheet that can do that!?
Topics Discussed:
- 9 types of games
- Benefits for each of the games mentioned.
Resources Mentioned:
- Preschool Math Games
- Monthly Math Games
- At-Home Math Games
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- 9 Pre-K Math Games We Love - Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Have you tried everything when it comes to behavior management? Taught them all of the expectations and practiced the procedures?Sometimes we need to play detective to find out what is really going on behind one (or more) of our student's unwanted behavior.Topics Discussed:* Playing behavior detectives and loads of questions to ask yourself * Asking for help * Recognizing when something is out of your realm of expertise * Realizing that some days are just hard
Resources Mentioned:* Free Classroom Management Training
Related Episodes or Blogposts:* Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts * Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards * Episode 71: What Student Behaviors are Telling You * Episode 72: Going Beyond Managing Behaviors
Connect with Ashley* Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management SeriesMentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Are you a teacher or a manager?I don’t know about you, but I refer to myself as a Preschool Teacher, not a Preschool Manager.So, why when it comes to behaviors in the classroom, we feel that they need to be managed? Why not taught?I didn’t sign up to be managing behaviors, I signed up to teach…. and that shouldn’t just mean academic skills.Topics Discussed:* Why teach instead of manage * Teaching missing skills in the moment * Teaching skills before a behavior happens * Teaching skills in a whole group setting
Resources Mentioned: Procedures Cards * Social Emotional Learning Units*
Learn More about Social Emotional Learning Units HereRelated Episodes or Blogposts:* Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts * Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards * Episode 71: What Student Behaviors are Telling You * Episode 62: Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional Learning
Connect with Ashley* Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management SeriesMentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
All behaviors are a form of communication. What are the little ones in our classroom trying to tell us?Children aren't trying to ruin our days. They learn how to behave through experiences and modeling.In this episode, I will talk about how we can modify the unwanted behaviors we are seeing in our classrooms. I'll give you a hint... the first step is to find out the WHY behind the behavior. Tune in!Topics Discussed:* 3 examples of unwanted behaviors (hitting, sitting on the carpet, and following directions) * What behaviors can tell us about the child and the situation * How we can modify the unwanted behaviors
Related Episodes or Blogposts:* Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts * Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards
Connect with Ashley* Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management SeriesMentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Deciding whether or not to implement a classroom rewards system is a decision worth putting some thought into.Scroll through Pinterest and you can find all kinds of reward systems: sticker charts, brag tags, token economies, dojos, punch cards, candy rewards and coupons. The ideas are truly endless.But, are these systems right for your students?Topics Discussed:* Classroom Reward Systems * Individual Reward Systems * The Downside to Reward Systems and What to Use Instead
Related Episodes or Blogposts:* Episode 69 - Honest Truth about Behavior Charts
Connect with Ashley* Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management SeriesMentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Behavior charts in schools are a hot topic. Many preschool teachers use them. But, are they harmful to young children? This episode will take you through how my thoughts and feelings on this topic have changed over the years. Learn how I went from using those fancy clip and star behavior charts to relying on relationships, a little detective work, and teaching and why it is a much better system.Topics Discussed:* Behavior charts and my old way of thinking * What I do to manage behaviors in my classroom currently * Why behavior charts don't work and can even be harmful to children
Connect with Ashley* Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management SeriesMentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
February is coming near! Want to bring some of that February Fun into your classroom? I’ve got 8 Valentine Activities that I know your Preschoolers will love (because mine do!).
So, if you are ready to do some February Lesson Planning, take a listen to these activities – you might just find a couple you want to try too!
Topics Discussed:
- 8 Easy Valentine Activities
Resources Mentioned:
- February STEM Challenges
- February Preschool Math Games
- Friendship Pre-K Lesson Plans
- Two & Three Year Old Friendship Lesson Plans
- Read Aloud Units: Friendship
- Fine Motor Tubs: Valentine’s Day
- Valentine’s Math and Literacy Centers
- Valentine’s Writing Invitation
- Valentine’s Shared Reading Pocket Charts (NEW)
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Blogpost with pictures
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
One of the most important (if not THE more important) area in Early Education is Social Emotional Learning.I am a firm believer that by helping teach children self awareness, social awareness and healthy relationship skills we are helping them become functioning members of society… and who doesn’t want that?!
So, when it comes to teaching children to be good friends– it starts in our preschool classrooms.
Listen in as I discuss the friendship skills I focus on, how I teach my students to be good friends, and what is currently working in my classroom!
Topics Discussed:
- Why I choose to teach friendship skills
- Friendship skills for preschool classrooms
- How to teach children to be good friends
Resources Mentioned:
- Winter Shared Reading
- Social Emotional Learning Lessons
- On TpT
- In the LCPR Shop
- Casel.org
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Episode 60: Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional Learning
- Episode 56: Master List of Social Emotional Skills to Teach
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
One of the first exciting milestones that many preschoolers meet in their pre-k year is learning to write their name.
While this process can be exciting, preschool teachers often face the challenge of keeping track of where each child is on their name writing journey.
Not every child is ready to jump in and write their full name. It's a process and one that we must respect for each child.
And respecting that process is the exact reason I created the Personalized Name Writing Notebook my second year teaching pre-k.
Topics Discussed:
- Why the Personalized Name Writing Notebook is a successful approach to name writing
- When to use the Name Writing Notebook
- Differentiating the Name Writing Notebook
Resources Mentioned:
- Name Writing Notebook
- Buy on TPT
- Buy in the LCPR Shop
Blogposts or Episodes Related:
- Teaching Preschoolers to Write Their Names
- Tips for Teaching Name Writing
- Things to do Before Teaching Name Writing
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
As preschool teachers, we know the amazingness that is outdoor play. The fresh air, the movement, the unstructured play. But, when winter (or the rain) puts a halt to outdoor play, it can leave both children and teachers in a cooped-up, cranky state!
So, today I wanted to share with you some Indoor Gross Motor ideas - many shared from fellow teachers in ourLovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group. Just because the outdoors is off limits, doesn't mean we shouldn't be providing time and space for gross motor movement.
Topics Discussed:
- Indoor Gross Motor Games and Activities
- Indoor Gross Motor Toys we Love
Resources Mentioned:
- Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group Post
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Winter Activities that Preschoolers Love!If you are one of those teachers that love to get ahead and get your winter planning done before break - this one is for you! There are so many amazing winter activities that we can do with preschoolers and I have some to share with you today that are student approved!
Hold onto your mittens, because there are enough ideas here for you to fill up your winter lesson plans!
Topics Discussed:
- Winter Activities for Small Group
- Winter Activities for Whole Group
- Winter Activities for Preschool Centers
Resources Mentioned:
- Hibernation Science Center
- Winter Science Center
- Winter Two and Three Year Old Lesson Plans
- Pre-K Literacy Unit: Winter
- Play-Based Preschool Lesson Plans: Winter
- Winter Snow Wonderland Dramatic Play Props
- Winter Circle Time Games
- Winter Writing Invitations
- Winter Math and Literacy Centers
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- See Photos of the Winter Activities Here
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Tips for Keeping Holiday Stress DownDo the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed every single year?
We want our students to have a magical holiday and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create a classroom that is filled with holiday cheer! BUT...what if we re-evaluated the season and re-imagined what a meaningful holiday experience could look like in our classroom?
Listen in to find out how I've decided to cut back on the pressure I was putting on myself AND still create a meaningful holiday experience for the littles in my class!
Topics Discussed:
- Decrease visual noise and instead provide only interactive holiday items
- Plan time for parent gifts and rethink student gifts
- When to ask for help and donations
- Remember to take the time to truly enjoy your students
Resources Mentioned:
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Why We Change Out Our Drama CenterDoes just thinking about changing out your drama center make you feel overwhelmed?
Changing out centers, especially the drama center, can be hugely beneficial for your students and your sanity! As littles become tired of one theme, we can start noticing some challenging behaviors.
Listen in to find out how and why I like to change out the drama center in my classroom!
Topics Discussed:
- When to decide if the center is no longer working
- Why I consider center planning important
- The benefits of changing the drama center themes
- How and why to add props to the drama center
Resources Mentioned:
- Pretend Play Props
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Prep Centers Now, Save Sanity Later
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Get Ready for DecemberOh, preschool teachers…December is a comin’!
I love the Holidays, but man… the first part of December (before break) is stressful.
I start thinking of all the things I have to do….
√ parent gifts
√ themed centers
√ holiday parties
√ thematic units
Then, you also have your family and friends to shop and wrap for. Don’t forget to put up the lights and the tree. There is also cooking and baking to do and Hallmark movies that need watching… all on top of the regular house chores and the chauffeuring of your own children to after school activities.
Exhausted yet? Yeah, me too.
I honestly felt like I need a graphic organizer to map out all the craziness….
So, I created one. Keeping myself organized is what keeps me sane. Listen in to hear all about the planner I created and what December activities I include in my classroom!
Topics Discussed:
- The Planner
- The Materials List
- Centers, Gifts, and the Class Party
Resources Mentioned:
- Free ‘Save my Sanity’ December Preschool Planner
- Holiday Resources List
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Sweet Smell of Christmas Activity
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional LearningAs a preschool teacher, you know that managing behaviors in the classroom can be a challenging.
From fit-throwing, to hitting, to peer issues - behavior issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
I get it. But, there is a better way that can help you transform your classroom environment and help your little learners thrive. Listen in and don't forget to grab your FREE Guide to Social Emotional Learning!
Topics Discussed:
- Why the Guide to Social Emotional Learning was created
- How can teachers transform unwanted preschool behaviors with social emotional learning
- What the guide is and how it can help transform the thinking around student behaviors
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Guide to Social Emotional Learning
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Art Center StorageThe art center is one center that can get really messy really fast. It’s a good kind of messy though- one full of creativity and color.
But, messy nonetheless. Listen in as I explain the perfect solution to storing all of the artsy stuff our preschoolers love!
Topics Discussed:
- What is the art cart and how does it evolve throughout the year?
- Why teaching procedures is key when it comes to the art cart and the materials in it.
Resources Mentioned:
- See pictures of my art cart here.
- Get FREE Art Center Storage Labels here.
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Preschool Art Center Storage
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Using Nursery Rhymes in PreschoolDo your preschoolers know the traditional nursery rhymes that we used to recite as kids? I bet you remember Jack and Jill, Hey Diddle Diddle and Little Miss Muffet, don’t you? What was the point of those rhymes anyway? Listen in to find out why and how I use nursery rhymes in the classroom!
Topics Discussed:
- Benefits of nursery rhymes
- How to use nursery rhymes in preschool
Resources Mentioned:
Nursery Rhyme Bundle 1
- On TpT
- In the LCPR Shop
Nursery Rhyme Bundle 2
- On TpT
- In the LCPR Shop
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- Using Nursery Rhymes in Preschool - Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
5 Ways to Encourage Writing Through PlayGetting children to go to the Preschool Writing Center isn't the easiest task, is it? The appeal just isn't there.
So, what's a preschool teacher to do when getting children to the writing center is such a chore? We could take the writing out of the center... We could also make our writing center more appealing... both great options for encouraging writing through play!
When it comes to upping my writing game through play, I've found 5 sure-fire ways and I want to share them with you!
Topics Discussed:
- How to incorporate writing into the Drama and Science Centers
- Hunt and Write the Room Activities
- Writing Invitations
- Book Making
Resources Mentioned:
- Science Centers
- Hunt the Room
- Writing Invitations
Related Episodes or Blogposts:
- 5 Ways to Encourage Writing through Play Blogpost (with pictures)
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Master List of Social Emotional Skills to Teach
We, as preschool teachers, are the experts of social and emotional behaviors. Just think about how many times you may have intervened in a squabble, comforted a crying child, calmed an angry one or helped a child solve a problem.
Probably quite a bit, huh?
But, in all honesty, sometimes doing these things over and over again makes you feel insane. Why can’t these children just play nice?! You are putting out fires left and right. Sometimes being a firefighter is all you do in a day… there has GOT to be a better way!
Here is what I do when I feel that insanity coming on…I flip my script…
Topics Discussed
- Changing our own thought process when it comes to teaching social emotional skills
- What types of social emotional skills should you be teaching
Resources Mentioned
- Social Emotional Skills List (free)
- Social Emotional Lesson Plans
Related Episodes or Blog Posts
- Episode 12: How to Teach Social Emotional Skills
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Classroom Management Podcast Series
Take a listen to the Classroom Management Podcast Series Here: https://feeds.captivate.fm/lovely-preschool-teacher-podcast/classroom-management-series/
Why you should be Using Visual Procedure Cards Episode Summary Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of things that we have to teach our new little students at the beginning of each year?
Coming to the carpet, sitting at the carpet, lining up, walking in the hall, using the restroom, washing hands, how to clean up, how to treat toys, how to pack up to go home.... and the list goes on! <
Center Signs that Work Harder Episode Summary When it comes to play-based learning, sometimes it's hard to see what children are actually learning.
Think about it, in a center where children are sitting and doing worksheets or workbooks, we can see the learning outcome.
But, in a play-based classroom (the best way for children to learn) this learning isn't as easy to see. It takes a trained eye to see what benefits and results can come from centers or hands-on activities - not much of which is coming home in a backpack.
So, it becomes our job to communicate the amazing, endless learning opportunities that play-based learning can bring.
There are many ways to communicate the benefits of play to parents.
In this episode, let's discuss center signs!
Topics Discussed: * Why preschool center signs shouldn't be just a label on the wall * Using the center signs to teach/inform other adults * How to make the center signs work for you
Resources Mentioned: * Center Signs on TPT * Center Signs on LCPR Shop
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation? Episode Summary One of the most common questions that I get in regards to preschool centers is "Do you do free-choice centers or a rotation?". While I have my own opinions on the topic, I think it's important to look at the pros and cons to everything you do in your classroom, as to make an educated decision. So, let's take some time to look at both the pros and cons of both - to better help you make a decision on which is best for your classroom. Listen in!
Topics Discussed: * Free Choice Centers - the pros and cons * Center Rotations- the pros and cons
Resources Mentioned: * Free Center Guide
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
3 Must-Do's for the Beginning of the Year Episode Summary The beginning of the school year is such an exciting and exhausting time! Isn't it funny how we forget how little and new our students are when they start?! It's like we have to reset our brains back to beginning after sending on last year's students.
There is so much to teach our new little friends before we can have a functioning, well-running classroom. The work at the beginning really does pay off later in the year - however - it doesn't make those first few weeks (months?) any easier!
Listen in as I discuss my 3 R's for the beginning of the year!
Topics Discussed: * Relationships * Routines * Rules
Resources Mentioned: * Visual Procedure Cards * Rules and Expectation Posters * Classroom Management Bundle
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Simple Ways to Build Positive Relationships in Early Childhood * How to Teach Classroom Procedures
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
A Guide to Preschool Centers Episode Summary When you are running a play-based preschool classroom, centers are the core of the program. Carefully planned centers create an environment for learning through play because play is not a break from hard work, play is a child's work!
But sometimes, as the teacher, wrapping your head around all the moving parts of play-based centers can be a challenge!
There are So. Many. Questions.
'Which centers should I have in my classroom? What are the most common centers? I know I want blocks and art, but what other centers should I add?'
Those questions lead to more questions... 'What do I put in the centers? What materials are essential? Also, how long should I schedule center time for? I have other things we have to do in our schedule, how long is needed for free play?'
... 'Can I keep the same materials in the centers the whole year? Won't children get bored? Should I change centers out? If so, how often should I change them?'
The Guide to Preschool Centers was created many years ago, but just got a new update. I have added answers or recommendations to ALL the questions you read above.
Listen in! Episode 46 will walk you through ALL of your center questions!
Topics Discussed: * 10 different centers with material lists & learning goals * Ideas on which centers to change out and when * How long to schedule center time in your day * How to use my Guide to Preschool Centers * Center Tub Labels + The Preschool Center Hub
Resources Mentioned: * The Guide to Preschool Centers
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * A Guide to Preschool Centers (lovelycommotion.com)
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom Episode Summary Setting up your preschool classroom doesn’t sound that daunting… at first.
But, year after year I find myself determined to find the perfect (as if it exists) flow. After changing my mind about a billion times, I usually land on a setup that seems to work for me, but (more importantly) is conducive to little learners that learn through play.
I’ve found that creating a successful layout isn’t just me drawing squares and labeling them on my ‘map’. Making the environment conducive to my little preschoolers takes some planning. Listen in as I walk you through the process of How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom!
Topics Discussed: * Mapping out the physical space
-
Important things to consider (that you may not have thought of)
-
How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom - the workbook!
Resources Mentioned: * Classroom Set-Up Workbook
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * How to Set Up a Preschool Classroom (lovelycommotion.com)
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
A Detailed Look at the Preschool 2 & 3 Year Old Lesson Plans Episode Summary Got three year olds? How about two year olds?
Feel the need to help your littlest students learn important social skills, academic skills and build attention to task - all while loving the open-ended environment of a play-based school setting?
After my experience with sweet little 3 year olds, I knew I wanted to share the ideas and activities that I had used (and more!). Because, lets face it - there isn't a ton of help for teachers of two and three year olds.
So, today I wanted to share with you all the details of one of my preschool 2 and 3 Year Old Lesson Plans! That way you can see if these lesson could help you and therefore save you some time and sanity!
Topics Discussed: * The exact details of my weekly plan * Why the plans are layed out the way they are
- How these lesson plans can save time
- The teacher components of these lesson plans
Resources Mentioned: * Try a FREE Two & Three Year Old Lesson Plan * Two and Three Year Olds Lesson Guide
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * A Detailed Look at the Preschool 2 & 3 Year Old Lesson Plans (lovelycommotion.com)
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
How to Make a Classroom Schedule for Preschool Episode Summary Creating a class schedule can be one of the most important plans you create for your preschool classroom. Setting up your school day to run smoothly takes some thought and consideration. Because the truth is... your daily schedule can make or break the classroom behaviors you see.
Children need predictable routines and creating a daily routine can help work against negative preschool behaviors. But, it takes being intentional and consistent.
Through the years I have found a process that I go through that makes planning out my schedule a bit easier. Creating my schedule is one of those hugely important things that craft at the beginning of the year.
Want to get some help creating your own preschool class schedule? Take a listen!
Topics Discussed: * Asking yourself these key questions * Deciding on what is important * Considering attention spans * Creating the plan * How to use visual schedule cards in the classroom
Resources Mentioned: * Creating the Perfect Preschool Schedule Workbook (+ visual schedule cards)
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Blogpost: Creating the Perfect Preschool Schedule
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Finding the Time to Implement Literacy Experiences in the Preschool Classroom Episode Summary Bringing literacy experiences such as interactive read alouds, shared reading or shared writing and interactive writing doesn't have to add more direct instruction time to your day. In fact, adding more direct instruction time would not be the goal when working with little learners!
So the questions remains: How can we find the time to implement literacy experiences in the preschool classroom?
Simple answer: Infuse, don't add!
Listen in to find out how to do this in your own classroom!
Topics Discussed: * How, Where, and When to add literacy experiences into the school day
Resources Mentioned: * Get Your Lit Together Course * Hunt the Room * Writing Invitations
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Blogpost: Bringing Literacy into your Fall Unit
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
What is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool? Episode Summary What is the difference between shared writing and interactive writing? How can use these types of writings to support our young learners?
Listen in to find out why these types of writing are important to teaching literary concepts and when and how to use them in your classroom!
Topics Discussed: * What Shared and Interactive Writing is and why it's important * Shared Writing- examples of how to use it in the classroom * Interactive Writing- examples of how to use it in the classroom
Resources Mentioned: * Free Training: 3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Early Literacy in your Preschool Classroom (July 6 at 10am CST). Register Here
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Blogpost: What is Modeled Writing in Preschool
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
How to Teach Literacy without LOTW Episode Summary Raise your hand if you were (or are) a Letter of the Week Teacher ✋
I’m raising my hand because I once taught preschoolers using LOTW.
LOTW seems so logical. You teach one letter a week and by the end of the year - boom all the letters are covered. You know you covered all the letters - good to go right?
Well…. It turns out that what we know now from the research is that LOTW isn’t as effective as we wish it was. Stay tuned to find out why (and what we can do instead)!
Topics Discussed: * Why Letter of the Week isn't best * How to teach letters without Letter of the Week
Resources Mentioned: * Free Training: 3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Early Literacy in your Preschool Classroom (July 6 at 10am CST). Register Here.
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Episode Summary Join me, host Ashley Rives as I discuss THE 3 THINGS that have helped me have successful small group time again and again. These top tips may seem small- but they are mighty!
Topics Discussed: * Have A Plan * Be Flexible * Get Organized
Resources Mentioned: * Online Conference Tickets - Educate & Rejuvenate
- Small Group Lesson Plans
Buy On TpT
Buy in the LCPR Shop
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * My Top Tips for Preschool Small Group
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Organizing Your Preschool Small Group Episode Summary Whether you love or loathe organization, the act of being organized in our classrooms make us more effective teachers. When we don't have to spend time and frustration looking for materials or lesson plans- we feel better. And when we feel better- we teach better.
This is no different when doing small groups in your preschool classroom. The organization piece is what keeps all the ducks in a row. << Cause we all hate the feeling of squirrels at a rave!
Topics Discussed: * Organizing Activities * Organizing Data * Organizing Materials
Resources Mentioned: * Online Conference: Educate & Rejuvenate - Grab your ticket here!
-
Small Group Bundle on TpT
-
Small Group Bundle on LCPR Shop
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Blogpost: Organizing Your Preschool Small Group
- Freebie: Small Group Planning Kit
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Preschool Small Group Activity Ideas Episode Summary You know the benefits of having small group time {check}
You've got your groups all grouped up {check}
Now it's time to figure out what to do when you call those groups to meet together!
This episode is packed full of ideas for activities you can use in small group!
Topics Discussed: * What skills to focus on during small group * What types of activities to include during small group
Resources Mentioned: * Small Group Resources on TpT * Small Group Resources on LCPR Shop
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Preschool Small Group Activity Ideas Blogpost (With Pictures!) * 5 Reasons to Have Small Group Podcast Episode * How to Effectively Group Preschoolers for Small Group Podcast Episode
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Why You Should be Teaching Social Emotional Skills Episode Summary
I have tried every behavior management system known to man.
Okay, that might be an exaggeration. But, I've tried a ton and chances are ... if you've been in the teaching world for a while, you've tried a lot of them too.
But, here is the thing....
We want children to do the right thing because they know it's the right thing to do.
Join me as we work through why we should be teaching social emotional skills in our classrooms.
Topics Discussed: Why typical behavior systems don't work
What does work - Intrinsic Motivation
How you can discover and teach the missing skills behind unwanted behaviors
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * The Honest Truth about Clip Charts * Beware of Classroom Reward Systems * What are Preschool Behaviors Telling You?
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
STEM and Preschoolers- The WHY Episode Summary Do you do STEM Challenges with your preschoolers? Some wonder if STEM is too complicated for young children… But, when it comes down to it- STEM promotes out of the box thinking - which we want even our youngest of children to be able to do.
In this episode, join host Ashley Rives as she walks you through why you should consider incorporating STEM into your preschool classroom AND gives some great examples on how to do it!
Topics Discussed: * Why STEM is now a buzz word
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The biggest WHY I have for STEM and Preschoolers
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Academic Learning
- Intellectual Learning
Resources Mentioned: * STEM Challenge Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-STEM-Challenge-Bundle-3598549
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Article: Lively Minds by Lilian Katz
- STEM & Preschoolers - the WHY (lovelycommotion.com)
Connect with Ashley: Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
10 Ways to Boost Attention Spans Episode Summary Have you ever been here…. you get out a floor puzzle for a child that requests it and as you and the child are working together to assemble the puzzle, the child abruptly leaves, moving onto to something else. The child lost interest in putting together the puzzle, their attention was up!
It happens quite often in preschool classrooms because of the smaller attention spans that young children have.
In this episode, host Ashley Rives teaches how you can help your student’s build their attention spans!
Topics Discussed: * 10 ways you can help boost attention spans in your preschool classroom
Resources Mentioned: * Procedure Visuals: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Procedure-Routine-Visuals-for-Preschool-Pre-k-and-Kindergarten-4011808
- Rules and Expectations (sitting choices): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Rules-and-Expectations-Posters-4746118
- Quick and Simple Math Games: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-Math-Games-3662267
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * 10 Ways to Boost Attention Spans (lovelycommotion.com
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Leveling Up your Centers with Tray Tasking Episode Summary Tray Tasking -have you heard of it? Trust me when I tell you - it’s not as fancy as it sounds, but it does hold some magic when paired with centers! While others may do it differently, for me - tray tasking is placing an activity on a tray and placing it in the corresponding center. Sounds simple, right? That is because it is.
Topics Discussed: * What is Tray Tasking? * Why use trays? * Where to use Tray Tasking * How to use Tray Tasking
Resources Mentioned: * Playful Learners Club- https://www.lovelycommotion.com/plc-join
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * A Guide to Preschool Centers
- When Center Time gets Overwhelming
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Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
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Prep Centers Now - Save Sanity Later
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Should Preschoolers be doing Worksheets? Episode Summary Putting the words preschooler and worksheet in the same sentence can sometimes bring up some big feelings from educators.
It seems that there are many views on the worksheets or no worksheets stance in preschool. Some educators think they are helpful, some use worksheets sparingly and some use no worksheets at all.
In this episode join host Ashley Rives as she discusses both sides of this issue AND gives you a suggestion on how to find a middle ground when it comes to worksheets.
Topics Discussed: * Possible disadvantages of preschoolers doing worksheets
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Possible benefits of having preschoolers do worksheets
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Introducing recording sheets as an option
Resources Mentioned: * The Lovely Preschool Teachers Group
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
Simple Ways to Build Positive Student Connections Episode Summary When you think back to your time in school, what stands out to you? You may say a certain class or a certain subject, but many times it comes back to a teacher (or more than one!). A teacher who saw you, made you feel special or taught you in a unique way. Teachers are generally what we remember most when we think about what we loved about school.
Why? Because teachers are the ones who take the subject matter and make it meaningful - no textbook can do that. Teachers are the ones that help, guide and care. Teachers are the human connection inside the world of learning.
So, to say that building positive connections between students and their teacher is important - might just be an understatement. But... how do we do it?
Topics Discussed: * The best and easiest way to build student connections is through play * Other ways we can build student connections
Related Episodes or Blog Posts
- Simple Ways to Build Positive Student Connections (lovelycommotion.com)
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
A Simple Classroom Management Trick that Works Every Time! Episode Summary: Putting lots of young children who are new to the school setting in a room can be a challenge. It isn’t called herding cats for nothing! We have lots of directions to give to keep our classrooms running smoothly. And listening and immediately following directions isn’t always easy for young learners.
Topics Discussed: * Why we sometimes resort to raising our voices to be heard...and why that might not work. * A better way to get student’s attention: singing. * When and how to use Singing in the classroom
Resources Mentioned: * Preschool Transition Song List: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/transition-songs
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Preschool Transition Songs: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/transition-songs
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
3 Mindset Shifts Preschool Teachers Need to Make regarding Teaching Letter Recognition Episode Summary Letter Learning… There are so many different ways to teach children letters that sometimes it can be downright confusing when trying to choose the BEST way. And by best way - I mean the best way for children, not necessarily the easiest and fastest way.
Topics Discussed: * Mindshift #1 - Letter Learning Isn’t Linear
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Mindshift #2 - Teaching Letters in Isolation leaves no way for connection
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Mindshift #3: Differentiation is important
Resources Mentioned: * The Preschool Literacy List - the skills to focus on to lay the literacy foundation: https://bit.ly/preschool-literacy-list
Related Episodes or Blog Posts: * Bringing Literacy into your Fall Unit: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/bringing-literacy-into-fall-unit
- What is Modeled Writing in Preschool?: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/what-is-modeled-writing-in-preschool
- Using Meaningful Experiences to Teach Letters: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/meaningful-experiences-teach-letters
Connect with Ashley: * Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion * Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
What Play-Based Learning Means in a Preschool Classroom Episode Summary
Have you ever wondered… what exactly is play-based learning?
Most would say that play-based learning is children learning through playing. But, when you really stop and think about it and dig a little deeper, we start to question… well, which activities are considered play-based learning and how does play-based learning relate to the broader concept of play?
Let's take a closer look at play through the Continuum of Play.
Topics Discussed:
- The Continuum of Play (adapted from Pyle and Danniels)
- Free Play
- Inquiry Play
- Collaborative Play
- Playful Learning
- Learning Games
- Looking at the Continuum of Play and how it relates to our classroom
Resources Mentioned:
- Continuum of Play Graphic: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/blog/what-play-based-learning-means-in-a-preschool-classroom
Connect with Ashley:
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
The Do's and Don'ts of Preschool Circle Time Episode Summary:
Circle Time - do you love it or loathe it?
Depending on how you structure your circle time can lead to a wonderful group experience or a chaotic frustrating episode.
So, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts of circle time so we can all have wonderful group experiences (well, most of the time- we do teach preschoolers after all)
Topics Discussed:
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Consistent circle time activities
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Keeping your circle time fresh
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Using sitting choices and boundaries
- Using movement
- The length of time for circle time
- Classroom Jobs in Preschool
- Communicating Expectations
Resources Mentioned:
- Classroom Jobs
- Patterning Circle Time Cards
Related Episodes or Blog Posts:
- Blog: Circle Time Plan for Preschool
- Blog: Top 5 Favorite Games for Circle Time
- Blog: Create a Circle Time Cart
- Blog: Ideas for Preschool Classroom Jobs
Connect with Ashley:
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.
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