The Kindergarten Toolbox
Welcome to The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, your go-to guide for creating calmer classrooms and more confident writers in the wonderfully unique world of kindergarten.
I’m Amy Murray — former kindergarten teacher, Type C “organized-in-piles” human, and vanilla-latte enthusiast. After years of helping teachers streamline their classroom routines with tips and tools that actually make sense for 5- and 6-year-olds, I created this podcast to support you with the practical strategies you’ve been craving.
Each episode is short, actionable, and designed to help you:
✔ simplify classroom management
✔ reduce behavior chaos with systems that stick
✔ teach writing in a way that meets beginning writers where they are
✔ build routines that make your day flow
✔ use visuals, tools, and expectations that really work in K
Whether you’re a brand-new kindergarten teacher or a seasoned pro looking for clarity and calm, you’ll find step-by-step support to help you feel more confident and in control.
Because kindergarten isn’t just the new first grade, it’s a world all its own, and you deserve tools that actually work.
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Here’s to calmer days and more confident writers!
The Kindergarten Toolbox
1. Getting Kids to be Quiet
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Do you ever feel like your classroom sounds like a playground no matter how many times you ask your students to be quiet? If you find yourself constantly competing with the chatter of your kindergarten students, this episode is just for you. Today, we're diving into practical, easy to implement strategies to bring peace and order back to your classroom, all while supporting your students' needs.
In this episode, I’m sharing my tried-and-true approaches for managing noise levels in early elementary settings. We’re diving into the power of using visuals, such as voice-level charts, to set clear expectations, and the importance of consistency in classroom management. We explore both classroom-wide and individual incentive systems, like Glow Notes and personalized sticker charts, to reward quiet behavior and motivate students. You'll also get practical tips for handling especially talkative students and creative solutions for managing transitions. This episode covers everything from establishing routines with visuals to implementing targeted support and incentives to create a calmer, more focused learning environment.
Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-1-getting-kids-to-be-quiet-in-kindergarten/
Resources Mentioned:
The Kindergarten Management Toolbox
Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/
Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders