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.
Hit follow so you never miss an episode…
Here’s to calmer days and more confident writers!
The Kindergarten Toolbox
3. How to Stop the “I Don’t Know What to Write About” Excuse
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Picture this: you’re ready to start your kindergarten writing block, but before you’ve even handed out all the papers, you hear every student call out “I don’t know what to write about.” The stress and confusion that often swirl around writing blocks can leave even the most prepared teachers feeling exhausted. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by blank stares and reluctant writers, this episode is your go-to guide for turning hesitation into excitement.
In this episode, I’m sharing effective strategies for overcoming the dreaded “I don’t know what to write” excuse in young writers. We dive into specific tools designed for kindergarten classrooms to help students get started and build independence in their writing. You’ll walk away with practical tips on structuring your writing time, supporting overwhelmed students, and setting up routines that foster confident, capable writers from the very first day.
Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-3-how-to-stop-the-i-dont-know-what-to-write-about-excuse/
Resources Mentioned:
The Kindergarten Writing Toolbox
The Kindergarten Management Toolbox
Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/
Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders