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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

10:55

Episode 34: When a Student Refuses to Work - Try This!

Happy Teaching ·

2026/01/25

In this episode, we’re tackling a challenge every early childhood teacher faces: what to do when a student refuses to work. Whether it’s ignoring directions, sitting with arms crossed, or simply saying “no,” these moments can be tricky and emotionally draining. But there’s a way through that builds connection and cooperation. You’ll learn: Why refusal might be happening (hint: it’s not always defiance!)What to say and do in the moment to shift power strugglesA must-try phrase that opens the d...

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7:48

Episode 33: Let’s Talk Small Groups: Keeping It...

Happy Teaching ·

2026/01/18

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: Why small group time can feel overwhelming and how to ease that pressureSimp...

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12:33

Episode #32: Tackling Parent Teacher Conferences

Happy Teaching ·

2026/01/11

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: What a student-led conference actually looks like in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroomWhy it do...

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8:36

Episode 31: Mid-Year Motivation: A Pep Talk for Teachers

Happy Teaching ·

2026/01/04

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: Why mid-year burnout is real and totally normalHow to give yourself permission to slow down and refl...

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9:13

Episode 30: 5 Routines to Review After Winter Break

Happy Teaching ·

2025/12/28

Returning from winter break can feel like hitting reset on your classroom routines. In this episode, Alex shares five essential routines that are worth reviewing to help your students settle back into the rhythm of learning. Whether you’re in Pre-K, TK, or Kindergarten, these simple but powerful routines will support smoother transitions, stronger classroom management, and a calmer, more connected start to the new year. ✨ What You’ll Hear: Why winter break often brings a dip in routines and...

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8:01

Episode 29: #1 Tip for Teaching in December

Happy Teaching ·

2025/11/30

December can feel like a whirlwind in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. Between excitement, routines going off track, and a jam-packed calendar, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this short but powerful episode, Alex shares her number one tip for staying grounded, connected, and calm during the busiest month of the year. It’s all about working with your students (not against the chaos) and finding simple ways to preserve your energy while still making magical memories. ✨ What You’ll Hear: ...

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9:13

Episode 28: Slow Down & Celebrate: A Self-Care Pep...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/11/24

In this short and sweet pep talk, Alex is giving YOU the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: to slow down, take a breath, and let go of the constant pressure to “get it all done.” Whether you're heading into a break or just wrapping up a chaotic week, this episode is your friendly reminder that your worth as a teacher isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s measured by the joy, care, and connection you bring to your students. ❤️ Links & Resources Mentioned: Need tools to make cl...

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5:42

Episode 27 : How to Calm Down After Transitions

Happy Teaching ·

2025/11/16

Transitions can be tricky especially in early childhood classrooms where students are moving from high-energy play to more focused learning activities. If you've ever felt like your classroom goes from calm to chaos (and back again!) in the blink of an eye, you're not alone. In this episode, we're talking all about how to help your students reset after transitions so you can move into your next activity with calm, confidence, and connection. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why transiti...

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10:51

Episode 26: How to Actually Teach Sharing in Pre-K &...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/11/10

In this episode, we’re talking all about one of the most common challenges in early childhood: sharing and turn-taking. If your students are constantly grabbing, pouting, or saying “But I had it first!”, you’re not alone. And they’re not being “bad”, they’re still learning. We’ll walk through developmentally appropriate ways to actually teach this skill, without relying on vague phrases like “Just take turns!” or “Use your words.” Whether you’re looking for social stories, problem-solving vis...

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10:10

Episode 25: Let’s Talk About “No More Criss Cross...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/11/03

Do your students struggle to sit still during circle time? You’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong. In today’s episode, we’re talking about why “criss cross applesauce” doesn’t work for every child and what to do instead. From seating choices to circle time tips that actually increase engagement, we’ll explore small changes that make a big impact on your students’ attention, comfort, and participation. ✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “criss cross applesauce” isn’t deve...

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7:04

Episode 24: Off-Topic Stories at the Worst Times? Try...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/10/26

Episode 24: Off-Topic Stories at the Worst Times? Try This You're in the middle of a mini-lesson, and a little hand shoots up... not with an answer, but with a totally unrelated story about their dog or grandma’s birthday party. Sound familiar? In this short and actionable episode, Alex shares exactly how to manage off-topic stories without shutting kids down, and how to gently guide your class back on track while still honoring their voices. ✨ You’ll learn: Why off-topic storytelling is deve...

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12:54

Episode 23: Consequences That Actually Work in Pre-K...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/10/20

Episode 23: Consequences That Actually Work in Pre-K & Kindergarten If you’ve ever felt stuck between ignoring a behavior or dishing out a consequence that doesn’t feel quite right- you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex breaks down how to use consequences effectively in early childhood classrooms; so they actually teach, not just punish. You’ll hear about natural consequences, respectful tone, and real classroom examples you can use to guide your students with compassion and clarity. ✨ ...

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11:58

Episode 22: What to Do When Kids Pout

Happy Teaching ·

2025/10/12

Episode 22: What to Do When Kids Pout You ask a student to clean up or join the group… and they cross their arms, drop their head, and freeze. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a battle of wills with a pouting student, you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex shares what’s really going on when students pout and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence (instead of power struggles). ✨ You’ll hear: Why pouting is often a shutdown response, not “defiance”How to shift your mindset when a stu...

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10:35

Episode 21: How to Build an Independent Art Center in...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/10/05

A thriving art center doesn’t need to be messy, chaotic, or adult-directed. In fact, with just a few thoughtful strategies, your art area can become one of the most independent and purposeful spaces in your classroom. In this episode, Alex shares her best tips for setting up a successful, student-led art center that encourages creativity, builds confidence, and runs smoothly all year long. ✨ You’ll hear: The #1 mindset shift for embracing child-led artHow to introduce materials so students ca...

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8:35

Episode 20: The Easiest Way to Build Scissor Skills

Happy Teaching ·

2025/09/29

Episode 20: The Easiest Way to Build Scissor Skills Want to improve your students’ fine motor skills- without adding more to your prep list? In this episode, Alex shares a super simple solution for consistent cutting practice that’s teacher-friendly and student-approved: The Cutting Jar. ✨ You’ll hear: Why scissor skills matter more than just cutting shapesThe problem with only offering occasional cutting activitiesHow the Cutting Jar builds independence and consistencySimple rout...

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9:52

Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/09/22

Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and Stress-Free If clean-up time feels chaotic or takes forever, you’re not alone. But what if this part of your day could be smoother, faster and even fun? In this episode, Alex shares easy, actionable tips to transform your clean-up routine into a calm, consistent system your students can follow (and even enjoy!). You’ll walk away with ideas that you can try tomorrow. ✨ You’ll hear: Why clean-up struggles are totally normal and fixableThe role of ...

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10:32

Episode 18: Managing Big Emotions - A Must-Try...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/09/14

Episode 18: Managing Big Emotions - A Must-Try Social-Emotional Tip Helping young children handle big feelings is one of the most important and often most challenging parts of early childhood teaching. In this episode, Alex shares one powerful, simple strategy that helps students build emotional awareness and empowers them to self-regulate. Whether you're working with Pre-K, TK, or Kindergarten, this tip is easy to implement and creates meaningful moments of connection and calm in your ...

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10:57

Episode 17: How to Handle a Loud Class (Without...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/09/07

🎙 Episode 17: How to Handle a Loud Class (Without Losing Your Voice or Mind) If your classroom volume feels out of control or you’ve found yourself saying “Inside voices!” more times than you can count... this episode is for you. In this quick, supportive pep talk, Alex shares practical tips for lowering noise levels in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom without relying on yelling or constant shushing. It’s all about proactive routines, clear expectations, and teaching students what v...

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7:17

Episode 16: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Name Writing

Happy Teaching ·

2025/08/31

Episode 16: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Name Writing Helping young learners write their names is one of the first big milestones of the year. One that builds both confidence and classroom routines. But it doesn’t have to involve fancy prep or stressful drills. In this episode, Alex shares 3 low-prep, meaningful ways to help students practice name writing throughout the day; without taking away from play and exploration. ✨ You’ll hear: Why name writing is the perfect early-year focusHow to build...

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9:04

Episode 15: Go Slow to Go Fast – Encouraging...

Happy Teaching ·

2025/08/24

Episode 15: Go Slow to Go Fast – Encouraging Independence in Pre-K & Kindergarten It’s tempting to rush through routines in those first weeks. Especially when you could just tie the shoes, open the snack, or fix the problem yourself. But real classroom calm comes when we go slow first and build student independence from the ground up. In this episode, Alex shares how to create confident, capable learners by modeling expectations, using visuals, and resisting the urge to always step in. ✨ ...

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35 results

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