Happy Teaching

🎙 Episode 6: What to Do When Kids Interrupt All Day Long If you're hearing “Teacher! Teacher!” on repeat, or getting constant shoulder taps during small group time — you’re not alone. Interrupting is one of the most common (and draining) behaviors in early childhood classrooms. In this episode, Alex walks you through exactly why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to set realistic expectations while still teaching respectful communication. ✨ You’ll learn: Why interrupting isn’t

🎙 Episode 5: 3 Things to Say Instead of "Good Job" (That Spark Real Conversation) Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with saying “Good job!” But what if you could level up your praise to build confidence, spark conversation, and boost learning? In this episode, Alex shares three powerful phrases you can use instead of generic praise to help students feel truly seen—and deepen their reflection in the process. ✨ You’ll hear: Why shifting your feedback builds language and confidence3

Tattling All Day? Here’s What to Do Instead If you’ve already heard “They’re not sharing!” or “He cut me!” more times than you can count before recess—you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex shares why constant tattling happens (hint: it’s not just misbehavior) and what to do instead—including real classroom examples, easy conversation scripts, and one gentle challenge for this week. ✨ You’ll learn: Why tattling is really about missing problem-solving skillsHow to explicitly teach peer ...

Episode 3: You’re Almost There – A Pep Talk for the Final Stretch You know it’s the end of the year when someone’s backpack is full of rocks and routines are… well, barely hanging on. If you’re juggling countdowns, theme days, and student energy that’s turned all the way up—you’re not alone. In this short but powerful pep talk, Alex is here to remind you just how far you’ve come and how much you’ve already done. ✨ You’ll hear: A lighthearted look at this wild time of yearEncouragement t...

Episode 2: Let’s Make the End of the Year Fun (Without Losing Our Minds) If your brain is half in summer mode but your classroom is still full of kiddos who need structure and fun—you’re in the right place. This episode is all about wrapping up the year with joy, calm, and connection. In this chat, Alex shares easy, meaningful ways to celebrate the end of the year without adding stress to your plate. ✨ You’ll hear: ABC Countdown ideas that actually work (and are already done-for-you if you're...

Episode 1: How to Actually Leave on Time on Fridays It’s Friday. Dismissal just ended. Your to-do list? Still a mile long. 😩 And with the end of the school year in full swing, that list likely grew five extra arms. So how do you walk out on time and still feel ready for Monday? In this episode of The Happy Teaching Podcast, we’re talking about 3 simple strategies to protect your Friday afternoon, get back your weekend (and your peace of mind) without sacrificing your classroom readiness...

Happy Teaching 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...