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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Episodes
67 episodes
Episode 66: Meaningful Classroom Transitions
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 g...
Episode 65: Rethinking Classroom Jobs
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 meaning...
Episode 64: Simple Brain Break Songs for the Classroom
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 move...
Episode 63: Songs for Smoother Classroom Transitions
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 lis...
Episode 62: Using Songs to Teach Classroom Routines
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 expec...
Episode 61: Name Games & Songs for Back to School
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 liter...
Episode 60: Making the Most of Classroom Volunteers
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 ...
Episode 59: Simple Center Storage Ideas for Teachers
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...
Episode 58: Building Strong Partnerships with Paraeducators
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 hu...
Episode 57: The First Week of School: Go Slow to Go Fast
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 t...
Episode 56: Parent Communication Made Easier
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.✨ Y...
Episode 55: Using Book Boxes to Build Independence
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 rout...
Episode 54: What If I'm Not Allowed to Play
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 roo...
Episode 53: Why Play Is Never "Just Playing"
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...
Episode 52: What Are Free-Flowing Centers?
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 lit...
Episode 51: Community Supplies: Why They Actually Work
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 constan...
Episode 50: Why Your Classroom Layout Matters
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 table...
Episode 49: Playful Classroom Areas That Support Learning
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 creat...
Episode 48: Beating the Sunday Night Blues
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 r...
Episode 47: Walking in Line Without the Chaos
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....
Episode 46: Struggling with Dismissal? Try These Simple Shifts
In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most chaotic parts of the school day — dismissal. Even with a plan in place, dismissal can feel rushed, stressful, and overwhelming. You'll hear simple, practical strategies to help you create a...
Episode 45: A Simple Alphabet Party That Feels Fun (Not Stressful)
In this episode, Alex shares a simple, low-prep way to celebrate the end of the year with an Alphabet Party. If you’re feeling the end-of-year crunch, these easy ideas still feel fun and special without adding more to your plate.✨ You...
Episode 44: Four Corners: The Easiest Brain Break Your Class Will Love
In this episode, Alex shares a simple, go-to game that every teacher needs in their back pocket, especially during those high-energy, “we need something different right now” moments. Whether you’re dealing with spring fever, indoor recess, or f...
Episode 43: Should You Limit How Many Kids Are in Each Center? (Let’s Rethink This)
In this episode, Alex challenges a common classroom practice: limiting how many students can be in each center. Before you think, “There’s no way that would work in my classroom”... stick with this one. This episode is all about shifting perspe...
Episode 42: AI for Teachers: Simple Ways to Save Time and Reduce Stress
In this episode, Alex breaks down AI in a way that actually feels manageable for teachers. Whether you’re excited about AI, completely overwhelmed by it, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you shift your mindset and see how it can ...