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PODCAST

Happy Teaching

The Kindergarten Connection

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!) is

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

7:33

Episode 66: Meaningful Classroom Transitions

Happy Teaching ·

2026/09/27

In this episode, Alex shares a fun way to make classroom transitions smoother while sneaking in a little extra learning along the way. Instead of having everyone move at once, you can use letters, shapes, numbers, and other familiar skills to gradually excuse students while reviewing what you've been learning. ✨ You'll learn: Why transitions are a common time for classroom management strugglesHow to turn slower transitions into quick learning opportunitiesWays to use letters, shapes, numbers,...

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9:17

Episode 65: Rethinking Classroom Jobs

Happy Teaching ·

2026/09/20

In this episode, Alex shares a simpler approach to classroom jobs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Instead of assigning and rotating a different job for every student, she uses one helper of the day, keeping classroom responsibilities meaningful for students and much easier for the teacher to manage. You'll hear how this easy system works, why it fits young learners so well, and how it can even help students practice patience, independence, and celebrating their classmates. ✨ You'll learn: Why tra...

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7:57

Episode 64: Simple Brain Break Songs for the Classroom

Happy Teaching ·

2026/09/13

In this episode, Alex shares two simple songs you can use anytime your Pre-K or Kindergarten students need to get their wiggles out, refocus, or fill a few extra minutes. No special materials or planning needed—just your voice and a little movement! ✨ You'll learn: When brain breaks can be helpful and when it may be time to rethink lesson lengthTwo easy songs you can use anytimeHow movement and freezing can help you regain students' attentionA no-prep way to combine movement with counting pra...

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7:16

Episode 63: Songs for Smoother Classroom Transitions

Happy Teaching ·

2026/08/30

In this episode, Alex builds on last week's conversation about singing in the classroom with two more simple songs to support classroom management. This time, the focus is on transitions—helping students gather calmly, get ready to listen, and move on to what's next without constant reminders. You'll hear two easy songs you can start using right away, whether you're gathering students on the rug or simply trying to get everyone's attention back. ✨ You'll learn: How songs can make transitions ...

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7:39

Episode 62: Using Songs to Teach Classroom Routines

Happy Teaching ·

2026/08/24

In this episode, Alex shares how simple songs can make classroom routines easier to teach and more fun to practice. You don't have to be a great singer. Your students don't care! What matters is using music to help young learners remember expectations, stay engaged, and move through the day more smoothly. Plus, Alex teaches you two easy songs you can start using right away for voice levels and lining up. ✨ You'll learn: Why songs are such a powerful tool for teaching routinesA simple song for...

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7:53

Episode 61: Name Games & Songs for Back to School

Happy Teaching ·

2026/08/16

In this episode, Alex shares some of her favorite name games, songs, and chants for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Name activities are a simple way to help students learn each other's names while building classroom community and practicing early literacy and social skills. ✨ You'll learn: How name games help build classroom communityFun ways to practice rhyming, syllables, and name recognitionHow to adapt name songs for young attention spans💡 Name games may feel simple, but they're an easy way to

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10:21

Episode 60: Making the Most of Classroom Volunteers

Happy Teaching ·

2026/08/09

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making classroom volunteers a true support instead of another thing to manage. Whether you have parent volunteers every week or only a few throughout the year, a little preparation can make their time in your classroom much more effective. ✨ You'll learn: Why waiting a few weeks before inviting volunteers into the classroom can be beneficialHow a volunteer survey can simplify scheduling and expectationsA simple system for organizing volunt...

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11:45

Episode 59: Simple Center Storage Ideas for Teachers

Happy Teaching ·

2026/08/03

In this episode, Alex shares simple, practical ideas for organizing and storing classroom centers when they're not in use. If you've ever wondered what to do with all those laminated pieces, recording sheets, and activity cards, this episode is packed with teacher-tested solutions. ✨ You'll learn: Five simple ways to organize and store classroom centersHow to combine digital and physical storage to save spaceEasy storage ideas for laminated pieces and activity cardsTips for choosing an organi...

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12:52

Episode 58: Building Strong Partnerships with...

Happy Teaching ·

2026/07/13

In this episode, Alex shares practical ways to build a positive, productive partnership with the paraeducators in your classroom. Working alongside another adult isn't always something teachers are taught, but strong collaboration can make a huge difference for both you and your students. ✨ You'll learn: Why understanding your paraeducator's role and responsibilities mattersHow to create clear routines and shared responsibilitiesWhy communication and appreciation strengthen your partnershipHo...

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12:40

Episode 57: The First Week of School: Go Slow to Go Fast

Happy Teaching ·

2026/07/05

In this episode, Alex shares the mindset and strategies for a successful first week of school. Instead of rushing into academics, you'll learn why focusing on routines, independence, and classroom community sets the foundation for the rest of the year. Plus, hear why going slow in the beginning helps you move faster later on. ✨ You'll learn: Why routines should be your lesson plan during the first weekWhat "go slow to go fast" really looks like in the classroomHow to avoid overwhelming studen...

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12:47

Episode 56: Parent Communication Made Easier

Happy Teaching ·

2026/06/28

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making parent communication simpler and less stressful. You'll hear easy ways to keep families informed, build trust, and maintain healthy boundaries throughout the school year. ✨ You'll learn: Simple ways to communicate consistently without adding more workWhy newsletters and classroom apps can strengthen family relationshipsWhen to choose an email versus a phone callHow to set healthy communication boundaries💡 This episode will help you

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10:53

Episode 55: Using Book Boxes to Build Independence

Happy Teaching ·

2026/06/21

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite tools for building independence in the classroom: book boxes. Book boxes can do much more than hold books. They can help students manage materials independently, support small group routines, encourage a love of reading, and make it easier for children to use the entire classroom space. ✨ You'll learn: How book boxes support independence and classroom managementSimple ways to set up and organize book boxesTips for helping students "shop" for bo...

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9:59

Episode 54: What If I'm Not Allowed to Play

Happy Teaching ·

2026/06/14

In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most common questions she hears from teachers: What if I'm not allowed to play? If you love the idea of playful learning but work in a school with strict pacing guides, scripted curriculum, or little room for centers and exploration, this episode is for you. You'll hear strategies for working within the system while still honoring what young children need most: meaningful, active learning experiences. ✨ You’ll learn: How to reframe play as purposeful, ...

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9:55

Episode 53: Why Play Is Never "Just Playing"

Happy Teaching ·

2026/06/07

In this episode, Alex dives into an important early childhood topic: the difference between free play and purposeful (or guided) play. Alex explains what each one looks like, how they support children's growth, and why play is never "just playing." You'll also hear why classroom environment and presentation play such an important role in engagement, independence, and meaningful learning through play. ✨ You’ll learn: The difference between free play and purposeful (guided) playWhy children are...

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12:15

Episode 52: What Are Free-Flowing Centers?

Happy Teaching ·

2026/05/31

In this episode, Alex breaks down one of her favorite classroom systems: free-flowing centers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by center rotations, timers, constant prep, or trying to manage every student’s movement during math and literacy time, this episode introduces a different approach — one built around independence, playful learning, and strong routines. ✨ You’ll learn: What free-flowing centers are (and what they are not)Why strong routines matter more than timers and rotationsHow fre...

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10:39

Episode 51: Community Supplies: Why They Actually Work

Happy Teaching ·

2026/05/24

In this episode, Alex shares why she made the switch from individual student supplies to whole-class community supplies and why she never went back. If you’ve ever dealt with missing pencils, broken crayons, overflowing supply boxes, or constant classroom clutter, this episode will give you a different perspective on how supplies can actually support independence, responsibility, and classroom management. ✨ You’ll learn: Simple ways to organize and store shared materialsHow color coding and c...

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8:30

Episode 50: Why Your Classroom Layout Matters

Happy Teaching ·

2026/05/17

In this episode, Alex builds on last week’s conversation about playful classroom areas by introducing the idea of the “mullet of classroom design.” What does that mean? Many classrooms are set up with all the “learning” in the middle with tables, chairs, and teacher-directed spaces, while anything playful or engaging gets pushed to the edges of the room. Alex explains why this setup can actually work against engagement, independence, and classroom management. ✨ You’ll learn: Why classroom zon...

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11:27

Episode 49: Playful Classroom Areas That Support...

Happy Teaching ·

2026/05/10

In this episode, Alex shares some of the most important classroom areas to include in a playful, developmentally appropriate learning environment. This conversation isn’t about having the “perfect” classroom or expensive setups—it’s about creating intentional spaces that help students learn through play, movement, exploration, and connection. ✨ You’ll learn: The key classroom areas that support playful learningWhy classroom layout impacts behavior, engagement, and independenceSimple ways to c...

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8:07

Episode 48: Beating the Sunday Night Blues

Happy Teaching ·

2026/05/03

In this episode, Alex talks about something many teachers know all too well — the Sunday Night Blues. That anxious feeling as the weekend winds down can make it hard to fully enjoy your time off. Alex shares simple, realistic ways to reduce Sunday stress so you can protect your weekend and head into Monday feeling more prepared and calm. ✨ You’ll learn: Why the Sunday Night Blues happen in the first placeHow doing yourself a “Friday favor” can make Monday feel easierWhy brain dumps help stop ...

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9:36

Episode 47: Walking in Line Without the Chaos

Happy Teaching ·

2026/04/26

In this episode, Alex tackles a classroom challenge that sounds simple but rarely feels easy: walking in line. Getting young students from point A to point B can quickly become chaotic, especially during transitions and hallway travel. Alex shares practical ways to teach line expectations, reduce struggles, and make travel time calmer and more manageable. ✨ You’ll learn: Why walking in line is a skill that needs to be explicitly taughtHow to practice line routines before expecting success in ...

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67 results

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