Feeling torn between leveled readers and decodables? There are strong opinions out there, but in this episode, I share the difference between the two and what I use in my classroom (and why). I also share my favorite decodable resources and how I use them during small groups and independent reading time.

1. The difference between decodable vs. leveled books
2. Why I stopped using leveled texts in small groups
3. How decodables build student confidence and support phonics instruction
4. When it’s okay to mix in leveled texts
5. How to match decodable texts to students' phonics skills
6. Tips for organizing your classroom library and book bags
7. Why it’s okay if you’ve done things differently in the past (you’re learning!)

1. Science of Reading 101 With Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge ~ Ep. 81

1. Decodable Readers

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Kindergarten Essentials

Grab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

Grade-level teams can make your year feel supportive… or completely draining. In this episode,I’m joined by Jenna Everetts (aka @ThatStrongTeacher) to talk honestly about navigating team dynamics, communication challenges, and collaboration struggles teachers face at every stage of their career.

We unpack what to do when you feel unheard, left out, or pressured to teach in a way that doesn’t align with you, especially as a new teacher or someone new to a grade level. Jenna shares real experiences from her own teaching career and introduces her F.A.N.S. framework for building stronger, healthier team relationships.

1. How to communicate needs and concerns using simple, effective language
2. What to do when teams feel cliquey, unbalanced, or hard to break into
3. How to advocate for yourself while still being a supportive teammate
4. Why celebrating small moments and sharing resources matters more than you think
5. Practical ways to build trust and connection with colleagues over time

1. Instagram - @thatstrongteacher

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3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
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Social Emotional Lessons

Download the free Social/Emotional Lessons: https://kindergartencafe.org/social-emotional-lessons

If you feel like you're spending all day listening to “he said/she said” drama, this episode is for you. I share my favorite strategies for reducing tattling and teaching students to manage problems on their own. Plus, learn why teaching kids to “take care of themselves” is a life skill that goes way beyond kindergarten.

1. How to teach kids to solve conflicts with the “Bug and a Wish” sentence frame
2. The difference between tattling vs. telling (and how to teach it explicitly)
3. How to help kids understand the size of a problem: small, medium, or big
4. Why I am NOT a fan of the “viral tattle” ideas floating around (and what to do instead)
5. Simple responses to redirect tattling in the moment
6. What to say when you don’t know who to believe
7. How to address trust, lying, and repeat offenders gently but firmly
8. Book recommendations for teaching about tattling

1. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57

1. A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer (amazon affiliate link)
2. More SEL Children’s Books for tattling and other expected behaviors (amazon affiliate link)
3. Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge

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2. Facebook - @kindergartencafe
3. Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
4. Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

Mentioned in this episode:

SEL...