Happy Teaching
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 designed to make your job easier and your classroom happier.
Subscribe now and start teaching with confidence and joy!
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Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com
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Episodes
36 episodes
Episode 35: Valentine’s Day in Pre-K & Kindergarten- What Really Matters
Valentine’s Day in the early childhood classroom can feel like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or over the top. In this short and sweet episode, we’re talking about what really matters when it comes to celebrating Valentine’...
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Episode 35
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8:56
Episode 34: When a Student Refuses to Work - Try This!
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 ...
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Episode 34
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10:55
Episode 33: Let’s Talk Small Groups: Keeping It Simple in Pre-K & Kindergarten
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’...
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Episode 33
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7:48
Episode #32: Tackling Parent Teacher Conferences
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. ...
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12:33
Episode 31: Mid-Year Motivation: A Pep Talk for Teachers
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 win...
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Episode 31
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8:36
Episode 30: 5 Routines to Review After Winter Break
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 P...
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Episode 30
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9:13
Episode 29: #1 Tip for Teaching in December
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 ...
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Episode 29
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8:01
Episode 28: Slow Down & Celebrate: A Self-Care Pep Talk for Teachers
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 wrappi...
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Episode 28
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9:13
Episode 27 : How to Calm Down After Transitions
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 bli...
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Episode 27
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5:42
Episode 26: How to Actually Teach Sharing in Pre-K & Kindergarten
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 th...
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Episode 26
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10:51
Episode 25: Let’s Talk About “No More Criss Cross Applesauce”
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...
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Episode 25
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10:10
Episode 24: Off-Topic Stories at the Worst Times? Try This.
Episode 24: Off-Topic Stories at the Worst Times? Try ThisYou'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. So...
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Episode 24
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7:04
Episode 23: Consequences That Actually Work in Pre-K & Kindergarten
Episode 23: Consequences That Actually Work in Pre-K & KindergartenIf 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...
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Episode 23
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12:54
Episode 22: What to Do When Kids Pout
Episode 22: What to Do When Kids PoutYou 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....
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Episode 22
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11:58
Episode 21: How to Build an Independent Art Center in Pre-K & Kindergarten
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 epi...
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Episode 21
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10:35
Episode 20: The Easiest Way to Build Scissor Skills
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 consis...
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Episode 20
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8:35
Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and Stress-Free
Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and Stress-FreeIf 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...
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Episode 19
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9:52
Episode 18: Managing Big Emotions - A Must-Try Social-Emotional Tip
Episode 18: Managing Big Emotions - A Must-Try Social-Emotional TipHelping young children handle big feelings is one of the most important and often most challenging parts of early childhood teachin...
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Episode 18
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10:32
Episode 17: How to Handle a Loud Class (Without Losing Your Voice or Mind)
🎙 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.
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Episode 17
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10:57
Episode 16: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Name Writing
Episode 16: 3 Simple Ways to Practice Name WritingHelping 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 inv...
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Episode 16
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7:17
Episode 15: Go Slow to Go Fast – Encouraging Independence in Pre-K & Kindergarten
Episode 15: Go Slow to Go Fast – Encouraging Independence in Pre-K & KindergartenIt’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 you...
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Episode 15
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9:04
Episode 14: Should We Let Things Go More in the First Days?
Episode 14: Should We Let Things Go More in the First Days?In those first few days of school, we want students to feel safe, excited, and connected. Sometimes that leads us to wonder… Should I let some things slide while they ...
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Episode 14
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9:47
Episode 13: Tested Teacher Tips for the First Day of School
Whether it’s your first first day or your tenth, that back-to-school butterfly feeling never fully goes away. And that’s okay! The first day of school sets the tone. With a few simple, tested tips, you can make it smooth, calm, and ...
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Episode 13
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11:30
Episode 12: Make Your Day Count – Early Childhood Schedule Tips
Episode 12: Make Your Day Count – Early Childhood Schedule TipsTrying to fit everything into a Pre-K or Kindergarten day can feel like solving a puzzle… blindfolded… with snack time looming. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alo...
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Episode 12
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9:16
Episode 11: Letting Go of Assigned Classroom Seating in Pre-K & Kindergarten
Episode 11: Letting Go of Assigned Classroom Seating in Pre-K & KindergartenWhat if your students didn’t have assigned seats at all?In this episode, Alex explores the benefits and challenges of moving away from traditio...
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Episode 11
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10:59