In this episode, Alex shares how to make circle time more engaging, effective, and developmentally appropriate — without adding more to your plate. If you’ve ever felt like your students just can’t sit still or that you’re constantly relying on brain breaks to keep things moving, this one’s for you.

✨ You’ll Hear:
• Why shorter circle times actually lead to better focus and fewer behaviors
• How to use songs and chants to guide transitions and boost participation
• Simple ways to add movement to read-alouds and group activities
• Why offering flexible sitting choices can reduce squirming and support focus

💡 You’ll also learn why removing some elements of circle time might be the key to helping everything run more smoothly.

🔗 Mentioned in this Episode:

• Check out this article on the blog 👉Offering Seating Options Beyond “Criss Cross Applesauce”
• Related podcast episode 👉Let’s Talk About “No More Criss Cross Applesauce”
• Grab this FREE Shamrock Subitizing Pocket Chart Game to try in your classroom!
• Get Circle Time Chants and Activities HERE!

Print and Play Club Members:
🎶 Head to your PLAYlist for ready-to-use circle time songs and monthly themed chants
🎉 Find tons of engaging pocket chart chants and activities to get kids moving, participating, and learning in fun, rhythmic ways
🙌 Download the editable Circle Time Seating Options Poster — a customizable visual support to teach sitting choices with clarity

📍 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!

📣 Let us know what YOU love for music and movement during circle time! Tag @thekindergartenconnection on Instagram with your favorite chant, transition, or brain break — you might inspire another teacher, too!

The Happy Teaching Podcast 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!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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’s Day in Pre-K and Kindergarten.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

1. A gentle reminder that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect
2. Why simplicity and consistency are key in classroom celebrations
3. How to keep things meaningful and fun without adding stress
4. What your students will actually remember about this day (hint: it’s not the crafts)

This quick listen will leave you feeling grounded and ready to enjoy the holiday with your little learners without the pressure.

⭐ ⭐ Join the Print and Play Club to access all of our Valentine's Day activities included in the membership.

You can also check out our Valentine's Day resources on the blog including book lists, activities, and much more. 💝

The Happy Teaching Podcast 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!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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 emotionally draining. But there’s a way through that builds connection and cooperation.

You’ll learn:

• Why refusal might be happening (hint: it’s not always defiance!)
• What to say and do in the moment to shift power struggles
• A must-try phrase that opens the door to student choice and cooperation
• How to keep your boundaries while staying calm and supportive

💡 This episode is packed with strategies you can use right away, especially if you've ever felt stuck or unsure of how to respond.

🧠 Want to go deeper? Check out the related blog post:
👉 Must-Try Tip for When a Student Refuses to Work

Want more classroom management support and resources?

Join the Print and Play Club now!

The Happy Teaching Podcast 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!

...

Connect with The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenconnection

Visit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.com

Join us at https://www.printandplayclub.com