Small groups can feel like one of the hardest parts of the day to manage, but they don’t have to be! In this episode, Alex breaks down how to keep small group time simple, doable, and impactful in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to make your groups more consistent, this episode offers realistic tips and encouragement to help you feel more confident.

✨ What You’ll Hear:

1. Why small group time can feel overwhelming and how to ease that pressure
2. Simple ways to get started with small groups (even if you only have 10 minutes!)
3. Tips for managing the rest of the class while you're working with a group
4. What to do when things don’t go as planned
5. Encouragement to start small and build as you go

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. 🖨️ Print and Play Club members don’t forget to grab:
2. Ready-to-go small group activities for literacy and math
3. Center rotation tools and management visuals
4. Planning templates to keep your groups organized
5. 💌 Want more weekly support? Join the Teacher Tuesday email list

Not a member yet? Join here

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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

✨ What You’ll Hear:

1. What a student-led conference actually looks like in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom
2. Why it doesn’t have to be complicated (and how to keep it age-appropriate)
3. The power of students sharing their learning in their own words
4. How this approach strengthens home-school connections and builds student confidence
5. Encouragement to start small and adjust based on what works for you

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. Related Blog Post: Student Led Conferences in Kindergarten
2. Join the Print and Play Club filled with classroom management, resources, and support. Join here if you're not a member already!
3. 💌 Grab your free weekly teaching pep talk with our Teacher Tuesday emails

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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

✨ What You’ll Hear:

1. Why mid-year burnout is real and totally normal
2. How to give yourself permission to slow down and reflect
3. Encouragement to celebrate how far you've come, not just what’s ahead
4. A reminder that you are the constant in your students’ days and that matters more than you know
5. A few gentle prompts to help you reconnect with your “why”

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. ❤️ Print and Play Club: Looking for ways to bring more ease into your teaching this semester? PPC members don’t forget to explore the monthly planning guides, low-prep centers, and classroom management tools ready for you inside the club.

Not a member yet? Join Here.

1. ✉️ Weekly Pep Talks: Get more encouragement in your inbox every Tuesday with our Teacher Tuesday emails. Not on the list yet? Join here!

The Happy Teaching Podcast with The Kindergarten Connection is the go-to podcast for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers who want simple, effective, and joyful teaching strategies—fast!

Hosted by Alex John, this bite-sized podcast delivers classroom management tips, engaging lesson ideas, and real-life solutions you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to create smoother routines, build stronger student connections, or bring more fun into your teaching day, each episode (in ten minutes or less!) is designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.

Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com