Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten

Episoade

• 137. What I’d Do If I Were New to Kindergarten 04.06.2026 11min

  If you will be brand new to teaching kindergarten next year, or switching to kindergarten from another grade, the excitement is probably mixed with a whole lot of "where do I even start?" Kindergarten is its own world, and no matter how many years you have in the classroom, nothing fully prepares you for it until someone who's been there walks you through it. This episode is that walk-through.In this episode, I share:why being new to kindergarten is genuinely different from being new to teaching, even if you have taught other grades beforehow seeing your classroom early and connecting with your grade level team gives you the information and support you need before the first day arriveswhy every curriculum assumes skills your students do not have yet, and what foundational routines you need to teach before lesson onehow planning only your first week of school is not just enough but the right move, and what that week should focus onwhy your routine plan needs to come before your classroom layout, and how to think through both without getting overwhelmedYou do not need to have everything figured out before the first day of kindergarten. You just need to know where to start.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageResources:First-Year Kindergarten Teacher Survival GuidePD BY THE POOLConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten Kick Start Summer Challenge Sign up now at kindergartencafe.org/summer-challenge.
• 136. Did You Have a Hard Kindergarten Year? Let's Talk About Why 28.05.2026 18min

  If this school year felt harder than expected, more exhausting than rewarding, or like you were constantly trying to keep up, this episode is an honest and encouraging conversation for kindergarten teachers.I talk directly to teachers who are ending the year drained and wondering why teaching kindergarten felt so hard. Whether it was your first year or your twentieth, I want you to know that struggling does not mean you are failing, it often means the systems around you are not working.From unrealistic expectations to academic pressure, behavior challenges, and trying to do too much at once, this episode unpacks why kindergarten can feel overwhelming and what teachers can shift moving forward.In this episode, I share:why so many kindergarten teachers are ending the year exhaustedhow outside pressures on teachers make the job heavier than everwhy kindergarten is becoming more academic than many children are ready forhow unrealistic expectations often lead to more behaviors in the classroomwhy kindergarten teachers carry both academic and social-emotional foundations for studentshow trying to “do it all” sets teachers up to feel constantly behindwhy some responsibilities can be simplified, reduced, or let go of altogethercommon habits that create unnecessary stress, like overplanning and constantly finding new activitieswhy repeating strong routines works better than chasing novelty every weekhow unclear systems for materials, transitions, and classroom management create daily frictionwhy children need consistent expectations and repetition more than endless new activitieshow building independence early saves teachers energy all year longpractical examples for helping students manage snack time, supplies, and simple routines on their ownhow to identify classroom “traffic jams” that cause chaos and stresswhy thinking backward from your end-of-year goal helps create stronger routines from day onehow small system changes can create a dramatically smoother yearThis episode is especially helpful for teachers who love kindergarten but know something has to change next year.If you’ve ever thought, “I love these kids, but I can’t keep teaching like this,” this episode will feel like someone finally saying the quiet part out loud.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageResources:PD By the Pool - Private PodcastBack to School First Day and First Week Kindergarten Activities and Lesson PlansConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten Kick Start Summer Challenge Sign up now at kindergartencafe.org/summer-challenge.
• 135. End-of-the-Year Social Emotional Learning: Supporting Big Feelings Before Summer 21.05.2026 13min

  The end of the school year can bring excitement, celebration, and fun, but it also brings a lot of feelings. In this episode, I talk about how to support students socially and emotionally as the school year comes to a close.Many children are processing more than adults realize. They may be excited for summer while also feeling sad about leaving their teacher, nervous about a new classroom, worried about losing routines, or unsure what summer will look like at home. Those mixed emotions often show up through behavior.I want to share practical ways to help students feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported during this big transition.In this episode, I share:why behavior changes at the end of the year are often a form of communicationcommon emotions students feel as the year wraps up, even if they cannot express them directlywhy kindergarten students often struggle more with transitions than older gradeshow strong teacher relationships can make saying goodbye especially emotionalwhy countdowns to the last day of school can increase anxiety and behaviorswhy I avoid saying things like “you’re almost first graders” too earlyhow to teach students about mixed emotions and the meaning of “bittersweet”how social stories can help children process worries about next year or summer breakwhy visiting first grade classrooms and meeting next year’s teachers can reduce fearhow keeping routines steady helps children feel secure during a changing seasonwhy adding fun theme days, novelty, movement, and choice helps regulate behaviorhow new materials during playtime can increase engagement and reduce conflictwhy it’s important to celebrate not only academic growth, but social and emotional growth toosimple ways to create closure through memory sharing, slideshows, and meaningful goodbyesThis episode is a helpful reminder that big feelings at the end of the year are normal. Students are not trying to be difficult…they are trying to navigate change. With the right support, teachers can help children leave feeling proud, calm, and ready for what comes next.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageResources:End of the Year Kindergarten Theme DaysEnd of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:End of Year BundleGrab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may
• 134. Creating a Smooth Transition from Kindergarten to First Grade 14.05.2026 18min

  The move from kindergarten to first grade is exciting, but for many students, it can also feel like a really big change. In this episode, I share how to support children emotionally, socially, and academically as they prepare for the transition to first grade.Some students are thrilled and ready. Others may feel nervous, anxious, or overwhelmed about leaving a classroom that has become their safe place all year. Teachers and parents may also have worries about whether a child is truly ready for what comes next.I break down practical ways to ease the transition for everyone involved while keeping the end of the year calm and positive.In this episode, I share:why the transition to first grade can feel much bigger than adults sometimes realizecommon differences between kindergarten and first grade that can create stress for studentshow to help children reflect on how much they’ve grown and why that builds confidence for next yearwhy independence skills practiced all year long are one of the best forms of first-grade preparationhow classroom visits and meeting first-grade teachers can reduce fear of the unknownwhy I avoid talking about being “almost first graders” too early in the yearhow countdown language can increase anxiety and behavior struggles for some studentswhen to use a personalized social story for students who are especially worried about the changehow memory books and celebrations help students process the end of kindergarten in a healthy waysimple ways teachers can prepare themselves now for next school year and reduce future stresshow cleaning toys and organizing materials can help both students and teachers transitionwhat teachers can do when they are worried about certain students moving on to first gradehow to communicate support strategies to next year’s teacher without labeling the child negativelyways to help families prevent the “summer slide” and keep learning going at homeThis episode is full of reminders that transitions affect every child differently. With the right support, encouragement, and preparation, students can leave kindergarten feeling proud of what they accomplished and ready for what comes next.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Stress-Free End-of-the-Year Tips ~ Ep. 32End of the Year Teacher Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Start Next School Year ~ Ep. 84Learn More:5 Easy things to prepare for next school yearResources:End of Year Kindergarten Summer Packet for First Grade ReadinessEnd of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!End of Year Digital Social StoryBack to School First Day and First Week Kindergarten Activities and Lesson PlansConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:End of Year BundleGrab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may
• 133. Engaging End-of-Year Activities for Kindergarteners 07.05.2026 12min

  The end of the year brings a very real energy shift in kindergarten. Kids are tired, routines start to feel old, and the big transition to summer or first grade can bring excitement for some students and a lot of anxiety for others. In this episode, I share how to keep the classroom fun and engaging at the end of the year without throwing out the structure that kids still need.I explain why end-of-year routines matter more than ever, especially for students who feel worried about change, and why adding novelty in thoughtful ways can help keep everyone regulated, motivated, and excited to come to school.In this episode, I share:why the end-of-year behavior shift happens and how to respond without abandoning your routineswhy I does not recommend a countdown to the last day of school, especially for anxious studentshow theme days can add excitement and novelty while still keeping your daily structure intactwhy movement breaks become even more important at the end of the year and how to use them proactivelyhow letting students take the lead as “teacher of the day” can build confidence, ownership, and engagementhow adding simple choices throughout the day helps students stay more invested in learningways to help children reflect on their kindergarten year through memory books and favorite momentshow to keep end-of-year celebrations simple, meaningful, and low-stress with a focus on celebrating growthThis episode is full of practical ideas for making the last stretch of kindergarten more joyful, more manageable, and a lot less chaotic. If you want your students to stay engaged while still feeling safe in the familiar rhythm of the day, this episode will give you plenty of ways to make that happen.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:End of the Year Teacher Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Start Next School Year ~ Ep. 84End of the Year Celebrations in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 8310 Movement Breaks for the End of the Year ~ Ep. 35End-of-Year Magic: Unleashing Excitement with Theme Day Ideas ~ Ep. 82Stress-Free End-of-the-Year Tips ~ Ep. 32Resources:End of the Year Writing Prompts & Memory Book!End of the Year Kindergarten Theme Days | Last Week of School ActivitiesMay & June Kindergarten PlansConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:End of Year BundleGrab the bundle at www.kindergartencafe.org/may
• 132. Supporting Students who Struggle With Mistakes 30.04.2026 20min

  A worksheet gets crumpled and thrown away. Tears start over one small error. A student refuses to even begin because they’re afraid of getting it wrong.I’m sure you’ve seen this in your classroom.In this episode, I explain what’s really going on when students struggle to handle mistakes, and how to support them in a way that helps them move forward.You’ll hear how these reactions often stem from anxiety, perfectionism, or a lack of growth mindset, and why simply telling students “it’s okay” isn’t enough in the moment.In this episode you’ll hear:the common reasons students react strongly to mistakes, including fear of failure, comparison, and lack of persistencehow to reframe mistakes as learning opportunities using simple, consistent languagewhy it’s important to explicitly teach growth mindset, persistence, and emotional regulation outside of those difficult momentspractical ways to respond in real time when students cry, shut down, crumple their work, or refuse to starthow to support different types of reactions with specific strategies (like using fix-it tape, offering breaks, or reducing the workload)ways to build emotional regulation skills and give students language to express frustration appropriatelyhow to stay consistent while still being flexible in how students show their learningspecial considerations for students who are learning English and may be afraid to take risks with languageI also share real classroom scenarios and what she would say or do in each situation, helping you see how these strategies play out in practice.If you have students who shut down, avoid work, or get overwhelmed by mistakes, this episode will give you practical tools to support them while still keeping expectations in place.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies ~ Ep. 115Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts ~ Ep. 55Strategies for Teaching English Learners ~ Ep. 31Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57Resources:Fix It Tape (Amazon Affiliate Link)Growth mindset books: (Amazon Affiliate Link)Social Emotional LessonsClass Dojo - Growth MindsetConnect 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/
• 131. Building Self-Confidence In Kindergarteners 23.04.2026 20min

  Self-confidence plays a huge role in how students learn, take risks, and see themselves in the classroom and kindergarten is a critical time to begin shaping that identity. This episode shares practical, everyday strategies teachers can use to help students build confidence and develop a positive sense of themselves as learners.You’ll hear why confidence isn’t just about feeling good, it directly impacts whether students are willing to try, make mistakes, and keep going when things get hard.In this episode, I share:why self-confidence is essential for learning and how negative self-beliefs can hold students backhow building independence through daily routines and classroom systems helps students feel capableways to incorporate choice into the day so students take ownership of their learninghow to teach and model growth mindset, including using simple language shifts like adding “yet”the importance of celebrating effort, persistence, and progress, not just the final producthow to respond to mistakes in a way that builds resilience instead of discouragementwhy classroom language matters (including addressing phrases like “that was easy”)simple ways to highlight each student’s strengths while helping them work through challengesI also share ideas for using morning meetings, class celebrations, and positive notes home to create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, capable, and valued.If you’re looking for practical ways to support students who hesitate, compare themselves, or shut down when learning feels hard, this episode will give you strategies you can start using right away.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Kickstart the New Year with Growth Mindset Strategies ~ Ep. 115Teaching Students to Persevere ~ Ep. 20The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 73Resources:Kindergarten Social Emotional LessonsSocial Emotional Challenges!Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:SEL Bundlehttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167
• 130. What Every Dramatic Play Center Really Needs 16.04.2026 17min

  Dramatic play is one of the most powerful learning areas in an early childhood classroom, but many classrooms are losing it or aren’t sure how to set it up effectively. In this episode, I break down what every strong dramatic play center should include and how to keep the area engaging for students throughout the year.You’ll hear how dramatic play supports language development, social skills, imagination, and academic learning, all while students think they’re just playing.In this episode, I share:the key elements every dramatic play setup should includehow to build literacy opportunities into play through signs, menus, forms, and word chartssimple ways to add math connections like counting, measuring, and pricinghow dramatic play helps build background knowledge and vocabulary through real-world roleswhen to change your dramatic play center and how to tell when students are ready for something newI also share many of my favorite dramatic play themes, including favorites like the vet office, movie theater, post office, travel center, bakery, and farmer’s market and how I rotate them throughout the year.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:The Power of Dramatic Play in the Classroom ~ Ep. 23Resources:Dramatic Play Themes & Easy Set-Ups BundleConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode: Purposeful Play Mega Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Purposeful-Play-Mega-Bundle-Kindergarten-Play-Based-Learning-System-15337551
• 129. What Principals Really Want You to Know About Hiring, Interviews, and Getting the Job 09.04.2026 50min

  If you are applying for a new teaching job, hoping to switch schools, changing grade levels, or trying to land your very first classroom position, this episode is packed with the kind of advice you usually only hear behind closed doors.I am joined by not one, but two elementary principals, Jake and Rob, for an honest conversation about what really matters in the hiring process. From getting the interview to standing out once you’re in the room.They talk through what principals notice right away, what makes a candidate memorable, and how teachers can better prepare for interviews, demo lessons, and even internal grade-level changes. There is also a lot of reassurance here for anyone feeling discouraged by rejections or overwhelmed by the process.In this episode, we discuss:how to talk to your principal if you want to change grade levels within your schoolwhat helps candidates land an interview, including resume details, cover letters, and reaching out directlywhy getting your foot in the door through subbing, paraprofessional work, or long-term positions can make a huge differencewhat principals are really looking for in an interview beyond the buzzwordshow personality, authenticity, preparation, and school culture all factor into hiring decisionsthe kinds of questions candidates should be ready to answer, especially around collaboration, differentiation, and family communicationwhat questions you should ask in an interview to make sure the school is the right fit for youtips for demo lessons, including how to prepare, what administrators are watching for, and why student engagement matters mostThis episode is packed! Jake and Rob also share some of the biggest red flags in interviews, the value of thank-you emails, and why schools are not just hiring a teacher on paper, they are hiring someone to join a team and care for kids every day.If you are job searching right now, or even just thinking about making a change, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and a lot less in the dark about the process.Work with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Monthly Guideshttps://www.kindergartencafe.org/guides/
• 128. Adding Details In Writing 02.04.2026 17min

  In kindergarten writing, the main goal is helping students write a strong, clear sentence. But once some students are ready to go further, the next step is learning how to add meaningful details that bring their stories to life.In this episode, I share simple strategies for teaching young writers how to expand their stories without overwhelming them. I explain how to break the skill into manageable steps and introduce one type of detail at a time through small groups, conferences, and modeling.Inside this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:teaching students to add thinking and talking through speech and thought bubbleshelping writers include feelings so readers better understand the storyguiding students to use the five senses to make their writing more vividusing small groups, checklists, and sticky-note goals to support individual writerswhy oral storytelling and writing warmups help students generate stronger details before they begin writingWork with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Using Writing Goals to Empower Young Writers ~ Ep. 24Learn More:Use Kindergarten Writing Prompts and Easy Warm-Ups to Improve Writing!Resources:Writing Adding Details: Writing Small GroupsTeaching Writing in Small Groups Bundle | Differentiated Writing Groups K-2Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Literacy Support Bundlehttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Literacy-Support-for-Small-Group-Instruction-BUNDLE-Reading-Writing-11977457
• 127. Field Trip Tips! 26.03.2026 19min

  Planning a field trip can feel exciting… and slightly terrifying at the same time. In this episode, I share all the practical tips I’ve learned over the years to make field trips smoother, safer, and far less stressful for teachers. Everything from choosing the right location to organizing groups and managing the day-of logistics. If you’ve ever worried about keeping track of 20+ kids in a crowded public place, this episode is for you.Inside the episode, I share tips like:how to choose a field trip location that’s actually manageable for your classways to organize parent volunteers and small student groups for better supervisionsimple strategies for preparing families and students ahead of timewhat to bring with you on the trip (including a few things you might not think of)how to keep students safe, organized, and still excited about the experienceWork with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Monthly Guideshttps://www.kindergartencafe.org/guides/
• 126. Making the Shift to Systematic Phonics Intruction with Melanie from Phonics Rules for Kids 19.03.2026 26min

  Phonics can feel… well, stressful. For teachers and parents. I invited Melanie Jeffrey, host of the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast and former K–3 classroom teacher turned phonics coach to talk about what actually helps early readers become confident decoders (and what looks like reading but is really just guessing).Melanie shares how her instruction shifted from leveled texts and “cueing” strategies to more systematic phonics, and why it made such a noticeable difference for kids.You’ll hear practical, classroom-friendly ideas like:what to focus on in small groups when a child is stuck at blending/decodingwhy that jump from easy leveled books to harder ones can completely derail kidssimple “must-have” materials for phonics-based small groups (without needing 97 bins)an easy phonics game kids will beg to play again (and that won’t require re-teaching directions weekly)why partner reading often beats silent reading in kindergarten (and why “silent reading” can be a wild expectation anyway)Plus, Melanie shares what inspired her to start helping parents teach phonics at home in short, doable chunks so it doesn’t turn into nightly tears and drama.Connect with Melanie:Podcast - Phonics Rules for KidsWebsite - phonicsrulesforkids.comWork with Zeba 1:1 CoachingSend Zeba a voice messageConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Literacy Support Bundlehttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Literacy-Support-for-Small-Group-Instruction-BUNDLE-Reading-Writing-11977457
• 125. Kindergarten Addition Tips and Extensions 12.03.2026 16min

  This episode tackles two opposite classroom math challenges: students who don’t get addition, and students who’ve already mastered it. Whether you're trying to build understanding from the ground up or keep your addition knowers engaged, I shares real, classroom-tested strategies that go beyond just “more worksheets.”In this episode I share:Why addition often breaks down when students move too quickly from counting to abstract story problemsHow using concrete tools (counters, 10‑frames, visuals) helps students truly understand “total” and “altogether”The importance of modeling, repetition, and explicitly teaching how to combine groupsWays to deepen learning by having students explain their thinking, create their own problems, and find multiple solutionsHow logic puzzles and open‑ended math tasks build problem‑solving skills without rushing ahead in contentSend Zeba a voice messageResources:Kindergarten Cafe Math ResourcesKenKen PuzzlesTangMath by Greg TangBedtime MathMath Books I recommend (Amazon Affiliate Link)Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Kindergarten Math for the WHOLE Year BundleGrab the bundle at https://www.kindergartencafe.org/math
• 124. Small Group Ideas for Kindergarten Reading Comprehension 05.03.2026 13min

  Your students are finally decoding with confidence, so what’s next? In this episode, I share what comprehension-focused small groups can look like once your students are fluent readers. Spoiler: it’s about more than just “did they understand the story?”In this episode I share:Why decoding must come first before comprehension groupsHow comprehension is built through modeling, discussion, and real conversationsA breakdown of skill-based small group topics like: Retelling, Character focus, Predicting, Making connections, Comparing/contrastingTips for keeping it simple with before/during/after comprehension questionsHow to use comprehension jobs, cards, or bookmarks to guide small group rolesWhen to try independent book clubs with higher readers (and how to structure them)Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success ~ Ep. 119Resources:Kindergarten Small Group Comprehension PackConnect 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
• 123. Decodable Books vs Leveled Texts in Kindergarten 26.02.2026 15min

  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.In this episode I share:The difference between decodable vs. leveled booksWhy I stopped using leveled texts in small groupsHow decodables build student confidence and support phonics instructionWhen it’s okay to mix in leveled textsHow to match decodable texts to students' phonics skillsTips for organizing your classroom library and book bagsWhy it’s okay if you’ve done things differently in the past (you’re learning!)Send Zeba a voice messageRelated Episodes:Science of Reading 101 With Heidi from Droppin’ Knowledge ~ Ep. 81Resources:Decodable ReadersConnect 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
• 122. Navigating Tricky Team Dynamics w/ Jenna from @ThatStrongTeacher 19.02.2026 36min

  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.In this episode Jenna shares:How to communicate needs and concerns using simple, effective languageWhat to do when teams feel cliquey, unbalanced, or hard to break intoHow to advocate for yourself while still being a supportive teammateWhy celebrating small moments and sharing resources matters more than you thinkPractical ways to build trust and connection with colleagues over timeSend Zeba a voice messageConnect with Jenna:Instagram - @thatstrongteacherConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Social Emotional LessonsDownload the free Social/Emotional Lessons: https://kindergartencafe.org/social-emotional-lessons
• 121. How to Stop Tattling and Build Problem-Solvers 12.02.2026 17min

  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 Bundlehttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167
• 120. Unpacking Mid-Year Assessment Data 05.02.2026 16min

  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 this episode:Free Math GuideDownload the free Math Guide: www.kindergartencafe.org/math-guide
• 119. Easy Small Group Ideas for Blending and Decoding Success 29.01.2026 11min

  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
• 118. Top Strategies for Teaching Personal Space in Kindergarten 22.01.2026 18min

  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 Bundlehttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167