Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

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.In this episode I share:How to teach kids to solve conflicts with the “Bug and a Wish” sentence frameThe difference between tattling vs. telling (and how to teach it explicitly)How to help kids understand the size of a problem: small, medium, or bigWhy I am NOT a fan of the “viral tattle” ideas floating around (and what to do instead)Simple responses to redirect tattling in the momentWhat to say when you don’t know who to believeHow to address trust, lying, and repeat offenders gently but firmlyBook recommendations for teaching about tattlingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57Resources:A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer (amazon affiliate link)More SEL Children’s Books for tattling and other expected behaviors (amazon affiliate link)Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning ChallengeConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL...

Midyear assessments are in and if you're feeling overwhelmed, or just plain frustrated, this episode is here to help. I’m answering three real teacher questions about assessment results, struggling students, and managing all that data.In this episode I share:What to do when students aren’t showing the progress you expectedHow to turn midyear data into small group plans that actually move the needleWhy consistent, repeated practice (even if it’s boring) worksTips for talking to families without just giving the problem to themWhat to try if students still don’t know letters or soundsThe system I use to organize assessment data (that won’t make your binder explode)Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success ~ Ep. 119Kindergarten Small Groups for Teaching Letter Sounds ~ Ep. 106Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105Resources:Decodable ReadersCVC Words: Beginning, Middle, End Sounds Phonemic Awareness Games and CentersPD By the Pool Private PodcastBook a Coaching SessionConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in...

Have students who know their letters and sounds… but freeze when it’s time to blend them into a word? This episode is for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I support early readers in small groups who need extra help with blending and decoding and it’s simpler than you think.In this episode I share:My go-to small group structure for decoding supportWhy a quick sound review still mattersHow nonsense words help build real skillsA simple trick using decodable books for more independenceWhy Elkonin boxes are game changersEasy, hands-on activities to make blending stickSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Kindergarten Small Groups for Teaching Letter Sounds ~ Ep. 106Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105Resources:Decodable Readers - and general recommendationsCVC Words: Beginning, Middle, End Sounds Phonemic Awareness Games and CentersConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten EssentialsGrab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

If your students are constantly hugging, poking, piling on the rug, or just way too close for comfort…well, it’s not just your classroom. In this episode, I’m answering two teacher questions about handling personal space.In this episode I share:My favorite read-aloud and activity for teaching personal spaceEasy rug-time fixes to cut down on chaosHow to teach kids to ask before hugging or holding handsVisuals that reinforce calm bodies and boundariesCreative ways to support sensory seekers without constant touchingHow to respond when kids push back on “fairness” around fidgetsThe real talk on consistency: why it works (and why it feels like it’s not)Got a classroom challenge you want help with? Submit your question and you might be featured on a future episode!Related Episodes:The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 73Building Strong Classroom Management ~ Ep. 43Resources:Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook (amazon affiliate link)Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning ChallengeSocial Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum BundleTrixie the Thoughtful TurtleConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL...

One of the most common questions I get from teachers is: "How do I keep the rest of the class under control while I’m teaching small groups?" If you’re trying to pour into a handful of kids at your table, but out of the corner of your eye, you see three students arguing over a marker, two more asking for help, and someone else who’s supposed to be reading… I’m walking you through what actually works to maintain classroom management while you're leading small groups in kindergarten.In this episode I share:Don’t start small groups until routines are solidTeach “Ask 3 before me” earlyPlan predictable, engaging independent workAvoid pairing off-task kids togetherMake it clear you’re not available during groupsKeep groups short - 10 minutes maxDo room checks between groupsTalk about issues afterward, not duringSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:How to Effectively Manage Kindergarten Math Centers ~ Ep. 71Building Effective Literacy Centers with the Science of Reading ~ Ep. 78Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57Learn More:Workshop: Literacy, Math, and Centers… Oh My!Resources:Kindergarten Writing Support for Beginning Writers | Small GroupsKindergarten Math for the WHOLE YEARTeaching Kids to Be Independent: A Social Emotional Learning UnitConnect with Zeba:Instagram -

Are your students stuck at labeling their pictures and freezing when it’s time to write sentences? Today we’re tackling this super common writing hurdle with strategies that actually work in a real kindergarten classroom. With simple, supportive ideas to help students go from oral storytelling to complete sentences.In this episode I share:How to move from ideas to full thoughts on paperWhy oral storytelling and drawing are key first stepsThe power of underlining and sentence mappingThe one thing to focus on before adding more sentencesA logical order for teaching spaces, punctuation, and capitalsEasy sentence starters that build confidence and independenceHow to support students in small groups without doing the writing for themSend Zeba a voice messageResources:Writing Warm Up SlidesMonthly Journal Writing in KindergartenTeaching Kindergarten Writing Sentences: Writing Small Group on ConventionsConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten EssentialsGrab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

New year, new mindset! In this episode, we're talking all about growth mindset. What it actually looks like in a kindergarten classroom and how you can start teaching it in simple, meaningful ways. Whether you’re heading back after winter break or saving this for later, you’ll walk away with clear ideas you can use right away.In this episode I share:How to explain “persistence” to young learnersA super relatable way to teach the “Goldilocks zone” of challengeWhy praising effort (not just outcomes) builds real resilienceThe magic of the word “yet” and how to help kids use itFavorite books, videos, and activities that reinforce growth mindsetWhy your modeling of mistakes might be the most powerful lesson of allRelated Episodes:Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20Learn More:Social Emotional LearningResources:Free 5-day social-emotional challengeNew Year's Classroom PackGrowth Mindset: Social Emotional Read AloudsSesame Street: Power of YetClass Dojo Growth Mindset Video SeriesConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

Let’s talk about the real kind of kindergarten writing, where every student is on their own unique journey.In this episode, I’m joined by literacy consultant and podcast host Melissa Morrison (of Getting Students to Write) to unpack what it looks like to teach writing in a developmentally appropriate way. We talk about why some students are still scribbling while others are crafting full stories and how to meet all of them where they are.Plus, Melissa shares how teachers can slowly shift their practice to better support young writers, even if your current curriculum doesn’t match developmentally appropriate expectations.Whether you're new to kindergarten or just want to make writing more manageable, this episode will help you see your students (and yourself!) in a whole new light.In this episode I share:What “writing” really means in kindergarten (hint: it’s not all about sentences)Why oral language is the foundation of early writingHow to support kids at every stage - from scribbles to sentencesThe role of labeling, drawing, and invented spelling in writing developmentHow to make writing time more engaging and meaningful (without ditching your curriculum)Resources:Language Composition FrameworkMatt Glover and Kathy CollinsConnect with Melissa:LinkedIn - @melissa-morrisonWebsite - teaching-to-transform.comPodcast - Getting Students to Write Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

This week, I’m answering two real questions from teachers like you, all about math in kindergarten.If you've been wondering how to organize counting collections without drowning in buttons and cubes… or what students should realistically be able to count and write by December… you're in the right place.In this episode I share:How I organize and rotate counting collections (without spending a fortune)Why I group collections into 0–10, 10–20, and 20–100Tips for choosing the right containers and labeling systems What realistic number writing and counting should look like in December vs. FebruaryWhen to worry about number skills and what’s totally developmentally normalSimple strategies to boost number sense + help kids count and organize objects Resources:What are the Key Components to Teaching Math in Kindergarten?Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

What should kindergarten social studies actually look like across the school year?In this episode, I’m giving you a big-picture breakdown of how I teach social studies in kindergarten, how the family unit fits in, and how I structure my curriculum to help students explore their classroom, local, and global communities.If you’ve ever wondered how to make your social studies lessons more meaningful, inclusive, and connected to the real world … this one’s for you.In this episode I share:How I structure the year around different types of communities (classroom, neighborhood, global)Where identity, belonging, and rules fit into the kindergarten social studies standardsMy favorite way to introduce maps and geography (plus the perfect book to support it)Why I tie lessons to real-time holidays and celebrations  even if no one in class celebrates themMy go-to books and videos for teaching traditions, culture, and inclusionHow I help students understand their role in a global communityRelated Episodes:The Magic of Teaching in December with Gingerbread and Winter Holidays – Episode 12Resources:Kindergarten Holiday Activities Year-Long Bundle | Seasonal Literacy and MathSocial Studies Mentor TextsCommunity Helpers Bundle: A Social Studies Unit with Literacy ConnectionsMe on a Map - Social Studies Geography Mapping and Community for KindergartenSeasonal and Holiday Favorite BooksSocial Studies for Kindergarten: Mapping StandardsConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

Teaching about families in kindergarten is about so much more than who lives at home. It’s an opportunity to build empathy, celebrate diversity, and create an inclusive classroom community.In this episode, I’m sharing how I approach a social studies unit on families with care, intention, and developmentally appropriate strategies that honor all types of family structures.Whether you're teaching this unit in November, December, or any time of year, this approach will help your students feel seen, respected, and connected  while learning about the diversity that makes each classroom beautiful.In this episode I share:Why I start with students’ real-life experiences as a gateway to empathy and understandingMy favorite picture books about families that reflect both windows and mirrorsHow to adapt lessons to be mindful of diverse home situations (e.g., two homes, loss, homelessness)The email I send families before we begin this unit to foster partnership and awarenessActivity ideas that combine literacy, math, and SEL from graphing family sizes to sharing traditionsHow I use inclusive language like “who lives with me” instead of “who lives in your house”Ways to transition into discussions on culture, food, religion, and traditionsResources:Kindergarten Family Unit | Social Studies, Literacy, & Math Activities WorksheetSocial Studies Mentor TextsFamily Traditions PosterConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

Some years in the classroom just feel harder than others. This one’s for the teachers who’ve cried in the car, vented to their partner, or counted down the minutes until dismissal. You're not alone and there are ways to feel like yourself again.In this deeply personal episode, I’m answering a heartfelt question from a kindergarten teacher who asked:  “How do you keep showing up every day when one student’s behavior is draining your energy?”This episode isn’t just about burnout - it’s about what it feels like to be a teacher who cares deeply, even when it’s hard… and what to do when you feel like you’re at your limit.In this episode I share:The emotional weight of wanting to help a student who needs more support than you can giveWhy your brain feels stuck in survival mode and how to shift itThe importance of setting boundaries while still showing up with loveWhat to say to yourself when you feel like quittingHow I “quit the day” (without quitting the job) and reset my energyHow to reconnect with the joy of teaching when one student is taking up all your headspaceWhy focusing on relationships with all students can help you feel grounded againRelated Episodes:De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions ~ Ep. 109Resources:Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning ChallengeCoachingSocial Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL UnitsConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL ChallengeJoin the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm https://www.kindergartencafe.org/challenge/

If you’ve ever felt at a loss for how to support a student who cries over everything… or melts down in frustration when things don’t go their way… this episode is for you.In today’s episode, I’m sharing two real-life case studies of students with big emotions and big reactions and how I’ve supported them in the moment and over time using a combination of observation, behavior analysis, and social-emotional teaching strategies.In this episode I share:What to look for when tracking disruptive behaviorsHow to identify what a student’s behavior is really communicatingIdeas for breaks, routines, and visual supports that actually helpWhat to say (and not say) when a student has an emotional outburstHow to teach size-of-the-problem and emotional regulation skillsThe difference between quick fixes and long-term supportRelated Episodes:How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64What to Do When a Child Won’t Stop Crying ~ Ep. 26Setting Up A Calm Down Corner For Your Classroom ~ Ep. 100Learn More:Behavior Plans: Tips, Tricks, and Tools!Join the FREE 5-Day   Social Emotional Learning ChallengeConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL ChallengeJoin the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm https://www.kindergartencafe.org/challenge/

One of the most important things we can teach in kindergarten isn’t academic…it’s emotional. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to teach emotional intelligence to young learners so they can better understand, express, and regulate their feelings.In this episode I share:Why identifying emotions is a foundational step in social-emotional learningHow to teach emotions through pictures, songs, discussions, and real-life examplesThe difference between easy feelings and hard feelings (and how I explain it to students)My favorite classroom strategies for helping students self-regulate like breathing techniques, calm corners, and role-playHow my children's book Felipe the Feeling Frog supports this work in a meaningful, kid-friendly wayWhy practice and consistency are key when it comes to helping kids manage big feelingsJoin the FREE 5-Day SEO Challenge:Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom CalmGet the Bundle:Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL UnitsLearn More:Elevating Social-Emotional Learning Activities: Let’s Talk Role-PlayResources:Felipe the Feeling FrogSocial Emotional Learning Activities: Role-Play Prompt Cards & SEL ScenariosBreathing Exercises FreebieRelated Episodes:Setting Up A Calm Down Corner For Your Classroom ~ Ep. 100Teaching Self-Regulation Skills Through Everyday Routines ~ Ep. 80Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts ~ Ep. 55Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL ChallengeJoin the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for...

If you've ever wondered how to build better communication and trust with your students' families, this episode is for you. I’m sharing practical, real-life ways to create meaningful partnerships with families beyond just sending home permission slips or scheduling conferences. From quick updates and phone calls to celebrations and caregiver inclusivity, I’ll walk you through the systems and strategies that have helped me build strong, lasting relationships with my students’ caregivers over the years.In this episode I share:How and why I overcommunicate with families (and how it prevents angry emails!)Specific examples of what I share through weekly newsletters, emails, and SeesawWhat I say during tricky phone calls to avoid blame and keep things collaborativeIdeas for including all kinds of caregivers - not just parents - in classroom lifeWhy it’s important to share positive progress and not just problemsHow to invite families in to share their own traditions and celebrationsThe small but powerful language shift that makes all families feel welcomeRelated Episodes:Meet the Teacher: Setting the Tone for a Positive School Year ~ Ep. 97Using Seesaw for Improving Family Communication ~ Ep. 39Resources:Partnering with Families Bundle: Improving Kindergarten Parent CommunicationConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten EssentialsGrab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

Small groups don’t have to look like “reading groups.” Especially when your students aren’t ready for reading yet. You’re still building those foundational skills, and that absolutely counts as important, impactful small group work. Building off last week’s episode on supporting students who come into kindergarten without any letter or sound knowledge, today I’m sharing exactly how I structure small groups focused on teaching letter sounds before kids are actually reading.If you’ve ever wondered what small group literacy should look like when your students are still learning the alphabet, this episode will give you tons of practical ideas and the confidence to do what works best for your kids.In this episode I share:When I actually start small groups and why it's okay to waitHow to structure small group time for letter and sound practiceFun, hands-on activities and games that help learning stickHow to use tools like alphabet charts, flashcards, and wordless booksRelated Episodes:How I Teach my Students Letter Names and Their Sounds ~ Ep. 54Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Kindergarteners With No Letter Knowledge ~ Ep. 105Teaching the Alphabet - 6 Things To Do with Each Letter w/ Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi ~ Ep. 104Simple, yet Effective, Small Group Instruction in KindergartenFree Workshop:Closing the Gap: Supporting Students Who Need Extra Help In LiteracyResources:Letter Identification Activities & Games | Small Groups, Intervention, CentersKindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, InterventionsYear-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & WritingAlphabet Worksheets Bundle: Alphabet Literacy Centers, Letter writing sound sortConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok -

It can feel overwhelming when a student comes to kindergarten with zero letter or sound knowledge. But I promise, there’s no need to panic. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I approach this situation with compassion, confidence, and a clear plan. Just because they don’t know their letters yet doesn’t mean they won’t. Most students just need time, exposure, and support. This episode shows you how to give them all three.In this episode I share:Why starting with name recognition and phonological awareness is keyWhat to actually focus on in those first few weeksHow I build foundational literacy skills in just 5–10 extra minutes a dayWhen to loop in families (and when it’s not necessary yet)Easy ways to track progress and offer extra supportRelated Episodes:Teaching the Alphabet - 6 Things To Do with Each Letter w/ Droppin' Knowledge with Heidi ~ Ep. 104How I Teach my Students Letter Names and Their Sounds ~ Ep. 54Engaging Families in Supporting Struggling Learners ~ Ep. 67Learn More:Empowering Educators with Effective Student Progress TrackingPhonological awareness versus phonemic awareness: what and how to teachResources:Year-Long Literacy Support for Small Group Instruction BUNDLE -Reading & WritingConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten EssentialsGrab the year-long, mega-bundle kindergarten activities here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Teacher-Essentials-Year-Long-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Activities-8356704

If you're deep in the alphabet trenches like I am right now, this episode is for you. I'm joined (again!) by Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge with Heidi to talk all about how to teach letter sounds and letter names using research-backed best practices in ways that are practical and doable for real classrooms.Heidi is a national LETRS Early Childhood trainer and a former K–1 teacher, and she’s here to help us rethink some of the most common teaching habits around phonics instruction… like whether to teach letter names and sounds, why you should clip the sounds, how to avoid confusing keywords like “elephant” or “giraffe,” and what to do instead.*Make sure to stay to the end because we have a very important P.S. for you!!!In this episode we share:What the science of reading says about teaching letter names and letter soundsThe six components to include every time you teach a new letterWhy "B is for ba" might actually hurt blending and decoding later onWhether to teach letters in ABC order, or a different research-supported sequenceWhat embedded mnemonics are and why they help kids learn fasterSmall tweaks to your language (like switching "says" to "represents") that make a big differenceWhy repeated alphabet cycles work better than “letter of the week”Previous Episode with Heidi:Science of Reading 101 With Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge ~ Ep. 81Resources:Tips for Teaching the Alphabet & ResearchConnect with Heidi:Instagram - droppinknowledgewithheidiWebsite - droppinknowledge.comConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

Wondering how to manage all those center materials without creating chaos or drowning in bins and bags?In this episode, I’m breaking down how I organize my math and literacy centers in a way that actually works for me (and might just work for you too!). I’ll walk you through what I’ve tried, what didn’t stick, and what I finally figured out about keeping things easy to grab, easy to store, and easy for students to manage independently.In this episode I share:How I organize math centers by unit using labeled Ziploc bagsWhere I store everything so it’s ready to go—even on hectic daysWhy I organize literacy materials by skill instead of unitTips for reusing materials without making a million copiesHow to build independence by teaching kids to set up and clean up their own centersRelated Episodes:Building Effective Literacy Centers with the Science of Reading ~ Ep. 78How to Effectively Manage Kindergarten Math Centers ~ Ep. 71Get All My Centers:Kindergarten Teacher Essentials | Year-Long, Mega-Bundle Kindergarten ActivitiesConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Mona from @HelloMonaMath and the Math Chat podcast! If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to actually teach word problems - especially in early childhood -  you are going to love this conversation.Mona shares her 5-step routine for solving word problems, and trust me, this is the kind of structure that will change how you think about math time. We talk about what this looks like in real-life kindergarten classrooms, how to support kids during productive struggle, how to use sharing time intentionally (without needing to feature every student every time), and why routine and mindset are everything.In this episode I share:Why word problems don’t have to be scary—for you or your studentsHow to build student independence and confidence in mathThe balance between giving support vs. giving away the answerWhy it’s okay if not every child finishes the problem (really!)How to use discussion and reflection to deepen understandingPrevious Episode with Mona:Loving Teaching While Using New Curriculum ~ Ep. 29Previous Episode on Mona’s Podcast:44: Decomposing Numbers in 4 Simple Steps with ZebaVideo Mentioned w/Mona:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ph2NCOiDNUConnect with Mona:Instagram - @hellomonamathWebsite - MonaMath.comPodcast - Math Chat PodcastBook -  Word Problem WorkshopConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Caring Critters BooksFelipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/