Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Circle time is a beloved and essential part of the preschool classroom, providing a space for children to connect with their peers, learn new things, and develop important social and emotional skills. To create a successful and engaging circle time experience, it's crucial to carefully consider the physical environment. This episode lays out the key features I think about when setting up circle time.Topics Discussed:The right spaceThe board and wallIntegrating core and add-in activitiesRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Podcast Episode 81: Keep Circle Time LivelyConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Center time is a major staple of a preschool program. And if you are running a play-based classroom like I am… free-play centers is the key ingredient! But have you ever wondered…. how long should I schedule time in centers? Tune in and I will walk you through what the recommendations are for scheduling center time.Topics Discussed:ECERS (Early Childhood Environmental Education Rating System) recommendations.Recommendations based on length of day How to schedule center time so it doesn't feel so overwhelmingResources Mentioned:Free Schedule WorkbookRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: How Long to Schedule Centers - With a helpful simplified scheduling chart!Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Setting up a preschool classroom is both exciting and daunting. This is the space where new little young minds will explore, learn, and grow. As a play-based classroom, my classroom truly is the second teacher. But, I truly believe we can’t just ‘wing it’. There are some important factors to take into consideration when setting up your preschool classroom – and I’m sharing them all here with you! Tune in!Topics Discussed:The 7 key factors to think about before setting up your preschool classroomResources Mentioned:Free Classroom Set Up WorkbookConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

The first day of preschool is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and new faces. As preschool teachers, we know the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment from the start. And we also know how a little strategic planning can go a long way in setting the stage for a smooth and successful year. In this episode, we’re talking about why investing time in planning classroom management before those tiny humans even walk through the door is a game changer. Tune in!Topics Discussed:5 ways to pre plan your classroom management - there might just be a couple you haven't thought of.Resources Mentioned:The Chill Spot: Free ResourceThe Schedule Workbook - Free ResourceProcedure CardsGuide to Social Emotional LearningSimplifying Classroom Management TrainingConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Preschool teachers often find themselves navigating many tiny humans with big emotions. While the rewards of being a preschool teacher are huge, it doesn't come without challenges! Behavior management in the preschool classroom is complex and so much of it is our own mindset. Let's talk about the hard truths of behavior management! Topics Discussed:6 hard truths about behavior management in the preschool classroomWhat preschool teachers can do to change their mindsets around behavior managementResources Mentioned:The Chill Spot: Free ResourceConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

No preschool classroom is immune to it… little learners with BIG emotions. Some years are different from others, but every school year we will have children in our class that need help processing big emotions. And this year was the year I finally created something that I feel like really helps…. It’s called The Chill Spot and I want to share it because I’m so excited about the progress I am seeing! Tune in to find out what it is and the benefits I have seen from using it!Topics Discussed:What the Chill Spot isWhy and how it is usedHow it has been working in my classroomResources Mentioned:The Chill Spot FREE ResourceRelated Blogposts or Episodes:Blogpost: The Chill Spot: What it is and how it’s WorkingConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

We all know the importance of fostering a strong literacy foundation in our little learners. But with so much to juggle, ensuring we're hitting all those crucial emergent literacy goals can feel overwhelming. I do understand why many teachers still grasp to a step-by-step plan. It makes sense to our brains and makes us feel confident that we are covering the skills we should be (even if it's done in a way that research tells us is not best for young children).But in this episode, I will help you understand how and why taking the non-traditional path to teaching emergent literacy skills is truly the way to go!Topics Discussed:Literacy plan - why I no longer use plans like LOTWWhat makes this plan different from a sequential curriculumResources Mentioned:Get Your Lit Together: Preschool Literacy Made Easy courseConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Isn't it amazing to see the way our little learners soak up everything around them? They're like tiny sponges, eager to explore and learn new things.When it comes to early literacy, our little sponges need the right opportunities to help them learn foundational literacy skills. Let's face it, traditional flashcards and worksheets can feel a bit…well, dry... and honestly... those methods aren't meaningful ways to learn letters. Plus, as you know from Episode 90, laying the literacy foundation is about SO much more than letter learning.So how do we make learning these emergent literacy skills exciting and engaging for our preschool crew? Tune in to find out!Topics Discussed:5 proven methods to help learn emergent literacy skillsResources Mentioned:Beyond the ABC’s Free ChallengeRead Aloud Activities Bundle for Pre-K Shared Reading Pocket Chart Poems and Simple Sentences BUNDLE Shared & Interactive Writing BUNDLE for Pre-K and Kindergarten Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

For whatever reason, parents seem to think if their preschooler can't name all the alphabet letters by the end of preschool, then the year was a loss. Or maybe you've even had an administrator that sees letter recognition as the key early learning goals for literacy!It can be frustrating because, as preschool teachers, we know that early literacy is so much more than just memorizing letters!This poses an important question though. What should we be teaching in this emergent literacy stage?Tune in to find out exactly which skills we should be focusing on when it comes to early literacy.Topics Discussed:4 early literacy skills you should focus onAdditional resources to help you incorporate a holistic approach to early literacyResources Mentioned:Beyond the ABC’s Free ChallengeFREE List of Skills Every Emergent Reader Must Have to Lay the Literacy FoundationConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

We all know the importance of fresh, engaging center materials to spark curiosity and learning in our preschoolers. But let's be real, sometimes the thought of prepping and switching out those materials feels like a whole other mountain to climb.We've all been there. You spend all this time crafting amazing experiences, but then changing things out feels like a chaotic avalanche. Fear not, my friend! This episode will definitely help. Topics Discussed:6 practical tips to help prep and manage center rotationsA special offer!Resources Mentioned:Preschool Planning MatrixRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: Leveling up your Centers with Tray TaskingBlogpost: Level Up your Preschool Science CentersBlogpost: Why we Change out our Drama CenterPodcast: Episode 49 - Center Signs that Work HarderConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Do you want to keep your preschool center time fresh and engaging, but get overwhelmed at the thought of actually doing it? Changing out centers for center time is some serious work! But, what you need is a plan! In this episode, let me walk you through my step-by-step process for changing out your centers! Tune in!Topics Discussed:The problem- changing out centers can be overwhelming and time consumingThe solution for easy switchesMy step-by-step process that will save you time and sanityA special offer!Resources Mentioned:Math & Literacy Center Bundle SALEWriting InvitationsScience CentersPreschool Planning MatrixRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: How Long to Schedule CentersPodcast: Episode 13- Benefits of Free Choice PlayConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

You know the centers in your classroom that your preschoolers rarely go to? The centers that when they do get students, those students rarely stay for too long? I call those the "un-popular" centers. I've found a way to liven up those centers! Tune in!Topics Discussed:Un-popular centers - writing, math, science, literacyHow to make the un-popular centers fun and appealingResources Mentioned:Preschool Science Centers Bundle - Lovely Commotion Preschool ResourcesWriting Invitations Bundle - Lovely Commotion Preschool ResourcesRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged CentersPodcast: Episode 14- Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged CentersBlogpost: Level Up your Preschool Science CentersBlogpost: Why we Change out our Drama CenterPodcast: Episode 62 - Why we Change out our Drama CenterPodcast: Episode 48- Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

We all know the magic of center time: a room buzzing with creativity, exploration, and little minds learning through play. But let's be honest, sometimes center time can feel more like...chaos erupting.Keeping children engaged can be challenging. Today I want to share with you 5 strategies that have helped guide me to making my free play centers more enjoyable for all!Topics Discussed:Change it upUse hands-on materialsPut it on the tableUse noveltyPlay in the centerRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged CentersPodcast: Episode 14- Free Play + Playful Learning = Engaged CentersBlogpost: Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?Podcast: Episode 48- Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

The end of the school year is definitely bittersweet. It's exciting for our current students to be headed to new adventures and hard to let go of the littles we have had in our classrooms all year! One thing I do at the end of each year is spend some time reflecting. What worked in my classroom and what do I want to change for that new group of students coming in! Topics Discussed:The importance of reflectionSeveral key areas to reflect on (wins and needs work)Setting goals for next school yearResources Mentioned:Get your Yearly Planning On (free training)Circle Time GamesInteractive Read AloudsShared ReadingInteractive and Shared WritingRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Setting Up your Preschool Classroom (video)Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

While conferences are a great time to connect with parents, celebrate student achievements and also provide a space to express concerns - it's not easy. Most of us are extremely comfortable talking to young children, but talking to parents can feel like a totally different experience! In this episode of the Lovely Preschool Teachers podcast, you will get tips on how to make conferences go more smoothly and actual examples that you can use when talking to parents! Topics Discussed:Positivity FirstGiving SpecificsFocusing on SkillsProviding SupportConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

I’ve done a lot of required assessments in my day. And when I think back, I can confirm that I didn’t actually use the results from the assessments. I just got the assessment done and called it a day.But, the purpose of assessing is to check progress and if there is a discrepancy, to use that data to create lessons and learning opportunities to help teach that missing skill.Tune in to this episode to hear the why, how, and what behind data collection and the system I created!Topics Discussed:Why assessment data should be analyzedThe system I created and how to use itWhat can be learned from collecting assessment dataResources Mentioned:Free Quick Data CollectorFree Assessment GuideRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Episode 26: Do This, Not That - Assessment EditionEpisode 27: Making Preschool Assessment EngagingEpisode 31: Streamline your Preschool Assessment ProcessConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

We all know the importance of preschool assessment – it helps us understand our little learners and tailor our teaching to their needs. But traditional assessment periods can sometimes feel overwhelming. Testing all of the skills multiple times per year is exhausting and unnecessary! What if you were only focusing on specific skills to assess for each testing period? You'd be doing LESS assessing. Now you can use that time saved to TEACH those missing skills in small group! Let me introduce you to 'The Storybook Method'.Topics Discussed:Why use the Storybook Method for Preschool Assessment?The Skill Break-DownWhat to do about Re-AssessingThe 4 Step Process to Storybook Your AssessmentsResources Mentioned:FREE Storybook Method Assessment GuideRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost: Making Assessments EngagingPodcast Episode 31: Streamline your Preschool Assessment ProcessConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Circle time is a great way to review skills and grow class community! However, what do you do when circle time feels like more of a hassle than it's worth? Is it hard to keep the students engaged? Is your circle time becoming boring? In this episode I will help you bring joy into your circle time!Topics Discussed:Why circle time might need a refreshWays to keep circle time livelyResources Mentioned:Free Circle Time PlanRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Quick & Easy Circle Time Games - Lovely Commotion Preschool ResourcesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Raise your hand if you struggle to ‘fit it all in’.Relying on small group time to fit in all the things that preschoolers need to know just wasn’t cutting it.The problem is… since small group time often occurs during free play, there are many distractions. Not only do some children not want to leave their play to come to the small group table, teachers are often needed for conflict resolution.But, while teachers are taking the time to help students in the social setting, they are struggling to fit in all of the other things!That's where quick and easy circle time games come in!Topics Discussed:What is a circle time game?How do you use a circle time game?Do they really help?Resources Mentioned:Sign up for a Sample of FREE Circle Time GamesCircle Time Games Bundle6 Principals of How Children LearnRelated Episodes or Blogposts:How to Use Circle Time GamesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

As Play-Based Preschool Teachers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to create engaging and play-filled experiences for our little learners. However, while trying to provide the best education possible, we can end up getting overwhelmed and stretched too thin. Topics Discussed:Reconsidering classroom partiesSimplifying student giftsRethinking seasonal decorEliminating 'themed days'Holiday programsConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Sharing. It's a common topic amongst those who teach young children. Why are preschoolers expected to share? What impacts might forcing young children to share have? What should we do instead. This episode covers it all!Topics Discussed:The reasons preschoolers are told to shareThe negative impact it can haveWhat we should teach insteadHow to help children solve "sharing issues"Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Preschool is often the first time that young children are leaving their home environment and trying out a classroom setting. This includes the need for peer-to-peer communication. It can be hard for children who have not had many opportunities to practice these types of interactions before. As educators, it is our job to help them navigate these peer relationships. Topics Discussed:Skills children need to effectively communicate with peersWays to teach peer communication to preschoolersIdeas and activities to help children interact with peersResources Mentioned:Social Emotional Lesson PlansRelated Episodes or Blogposts:How To Teach Social Emotional Skills In Whole GroupConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Question of the Day, Daily Question, Preschool Graphing and Survey of the Day has long been a staple in early childhood classrooms… for good reason.With children being quite ego-centric (a nice way of saying, they think it’s all about them), students learn new things more easily when they are at the center of it.So, when we ask each child a question, gather everyone in the classes’ responses and analyze the data – children are interested!Topics Discussed:How to use survey of the day and the benefits of itA walk through of exactly what survey of the day looks like in the classroomTypes of surveysResources Mentioned:Clipboard Surveys BundleClassroom Management Podcast SeriesRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Podcast Episode 32: Ideas for Preschool Classroom JobsConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

As preschool teachers we are constantly looking for ways to incorporate literacy in our classrooms to support our young learners.  One powerful tool that surrounds us every day is environmental print. This type of print refers to print that children see around them in their day to day lives, such as signs, logos, labels and symbols. Environmental print can play an important role in literacy development in our preschoolers.Topics Discussed:How environmental print benefits literacy developmentWays to incorporate print into your classroomActivities that support environmental printResources Mentioned:FREE literacy training: '3 Mistakes to Avoid to Rock Early Literacy in your Preschool Classroom'Classroom Management Podcast SeriesRelated Episodes or Blogposts:How to Teach Literacy Without LOTW3 Mindset Shifts Preschool Teachers Need to Make regarding Teaching Letter RecognitionUsing Meaningful Experiences to Teach LettersUsing Meaningful Experiences to Teach LettersFinding the Time to Implement Preschool Literacy Experiences in the Preschool Classroom Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Looking for some cool math games for pre-k?I am a game-loving teacher who brings games into learning whenever I can. And math lends itself well to game play, because most of the time my pre-kers don’t even know they are learning! What’s even better… my students are practicing turn-taking and how to win and lose gracefully.  Name me a worksheet that can do that!?Topics Discussed:9 types of gamesBenefits for each of the games mentioned.Resources Mentioned:Preschool Math GamesMonthly Math GamesAt-Home Math GamesRelated Episodes or Blogposts:9 Pre-K Math Games We Love - Lovely Commotion Preschool ResourcesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Have you tried everything when it comes to behavior management? Taught them all of the expectations and practiced the procedures? Sometimes we need to play detective to find out what is really going on behind one (or more) of our student's unwanted behavior. Topics Discussed: Playing behavior detectives and loads of questions to ask yourself Asking for help Recognizing when something is out of your realm of expertise Realizing that some days are just hard Resources Mentioned: Free Classroom Management Training Related Episodes or Blogposts: Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards Episode 71: What Student Behaviors are Telling You Episode 72: Going Beyond Managing Behaviors Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com ⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management Series

Are you a teacher or a manager? I don’t know about you, but I refer to myself as a Preschool Teacher, not a Preschool Manager. So, why when it comes to behaviors in the classroom, we feel that they need to be managed? Why not taught? I didn’t sign up to be managing behaviors, I signed up to teach…. and that shouldn’t just mean academic skills. Topics Discussed: Why teach instead of manage Teaching missing skills in the moment Teaching skills before a behavior happens Teaching skills in a whole group setting Resources Mentioned: Procedures Cards Social Emotional Learning Units Learn More about Social Emotional Learning Units Here Related Episodes or Blogposts: Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards Episode 71: What Student Behaviors are Telling You Episode 62: Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional Learning Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com ⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management Series

All behaviors are a form of communication. What are the little ones in our classroom trying to tell us? Children aren't trying to ruin our days. They learn how to behave through experiences and modeling. In this episode, I will talk about how we can modify the unwanted behaviors we are seeing in our classrooms. I'll give you a hint... the first step is to find out the WHY behind the behavior. Tune in! Topics Discussed: 3 examples of unwanted behaviors (hitting, sitting on the carpet, and following directions) What behaviors can tell us about the child and the situation How we can modify the unwanted behaviors Related Episodes or Blogposts: Episode 69: Honest Truth about Behavior Charts Episode 70: Beware of Classroom Rewards Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com ⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management Series

Deciding whether or not to implement a classroom rewards system is a decision worth putting some thought into. Scroll through Pinterest and you can find all kinds of reward systems: sticker charts, brag tags, token economies, dojos, punch cards, candy rewards and coupons. The ideas are truly endless. But, are these systems right for your students? Topics Discussed: Classroom Reward Systems Individual Reward Systems The Downside to Reward Systems and What to Use Instead Related Episodes or Blogposts: Episode 69 - Honest Truth about Behavior Charts Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com ⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management Series

Behavior charts in schools are a hot topic. Many preschool teachers use them. But, are they harmful to young children? This episode will take you through how my thoughts and feelings on this topic have changed over the years. Learn how I went from using those fancy clip and star behavior charts to relying on relationships, a little detective work, and teaching and why it is a much better system. Topics Discussed: Behavior charts and my old way of thinking What I do to manage behaviors in my classroom currently Why behavior charts don't work and can even be harmful to children Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com ⭐ Listen to the entire Classroom Management Series

February is coming near! Want to bring some of that February Fun into your classroom?  I’ve got 8 Valentine Activities that I know your Preschoolers will love (because mine do!).So, if you are ready to do some February Lesson Planning, take a listen to these activities – you might just find a couple you want to try too!Topics Discussed:8 Easy Valentine ActivitiesResources Mentioned:February STEM ChallengesFebruary Preschool Math GamesFriendship Pre-K Lesson PlansTwo & Three Year Old Friendship Lesson PlansRead Aloud Units: FriendshipFine Motor Tubs: Valentine’s DayValentine’s Math and Literacy CentersValentine’s Writing InvitationValentine’s Shared Reading Pocket Charts (NEW)Related Episodes or Blogposts:Blogpost with picturesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

One of the most important (if not THE more important) area in Early Education is Social Emotional Learning.I am a firm believer that by helping teach children self awareness, social awareness and healthy relationship skills we are helping them become functioning members of society… and who doesn’t want that?!So, when it comes to teaching children to be good friends– it starts in our preschool classrooms. Listen in as I discuss the friendship skills I focus on, how I teach my students to be good friends, and what is currently working in my classroom!Topics Discussed:Why I choose to teach friendship skills Friendship skills for preschool classroomsHow to teach children to be good friendsResources Mentioned:Winter Shared ReadingSocial Emotional Learning LessonsOn TpTIn the LCPR ShopCasel.orgRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Episode 60: Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional LearningEpisode 56: Master List of Social Emotional Skills to TeachConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

One of the first exciting milestones that many preschoolers meet in their pre-k year is learning to write their name. While this process can be exciting, preschool teachers often face the challenge of keeping track of where each child is on their name writing journey. Not every child is ready to jump in and write their full name. It's a process and one that we must respect for each child.And respecting that process is the exact reason I created the Personalized Name Writing Notebook my second year teaching pre-k. Topics Discussed:Why the Personalized Name Writing Notebook is a successful approach to name writingWhen to use the Name Writing NotebookDifferentiating the Name Writing NotebookResources Mentioned:Name Writing NotebookBuy on TPTBuy in the LCPR ShopBlogposts or Episodes Related:Teaching Preschoolers to Write Their NamesTips for Teaching Name WritingThings to do Before Teaching Name WritingConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

As preschool teachers, we know the amazingness that is outdoor play. The fresh air, the movement, the unstructured play. But, when winter (or the rain) puts a halt to outdoor play, it can leave both children and teachers in a cooped-up, cranky state!So, today I wanted to share with you some Indoor Gross Motor ideas - many shared from fellow teachers in our Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group. Just because the outdoors is off limits, doesn't mean we shouldn't be providing time and space for gross motor movement.Topics Discussed:Indoor Gross Motor Games and ActivitiesIndoor Gross Motor Toys we LoveResources Mentioned:Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group PostConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Winter Activities that Preschoolers Love!If you are one of those teachers that love to get ahead and get your winter planning done before break - this one is for you! There are so many amazing winter activities that we can do with preschoolers and I have some to share with you today that are student approved!Hold onto your mittens, because there are enough ideas here for you to fill up your winter lesson plans!Topics Discussed:Winter Activities for Small GroupWinter Activities for Whole GroupWinter Activities for Preschool CentersResources Mentioned:Hibernation Science CenterWinter Science CenterWinter Two and Three Year Old Lesson PlansPre-K Literacy Unit: WinterPlay-Based Preschool Lesson Plans: WinterWinter Snow Wonderland Dramatic Play PropsWinter Circle Time GamesWinter Writing InvitationsWinter Math and Literacy CentersRelated Episodes or Blogposts:See Photos of the Winter Activities HereConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Tips for Keeping Holiday Stress DownDo the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed every single year?We want our students to have a magical holiday and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create a classroom that is filled with holiday cheer! BUT...what if we re-evaluated the season and re-imagined what a meaningful holiday experience could look like in our classroom?Listen in to find out how I've decided to cut back on the pressure I was putting on myself AND still create a meaningful holiday experience for the littles in my class!Topics Discussed:Decrease visual noise and instead provide only interactive holiday itemsPlan time for parent gifts and rethink student gifts When to ask for help and donationsRemember to take the time to truly enjoy your studentsResources Mentioned:Related Episodes or Blogposts:Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Why We Change Out Our Drama CenterDoes just thinking about changing out your drama center make you feel overwhelmed? Changing out centers, especially the drama center, can be hugely beneficial for your students and your sanity! As littles become tired of one theme, we can start noticing some challenging behaviors. Listen in to find out how and why I like to change out the drama center in my classroom!Topics Discussed:When to decide if the center is no longer workingWhy I consider center planning importantThe benefits of changing the drama center themesHow and why to add props to the drama centerResources Mentioned:Pretend Play PropsRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Prep Centers Now, Save Sanity LaterConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Get Ready for DecemberOh, preschool teachers…December is a comin’! I love the Holidays, but man… the first part of December (before break) is stressful.I start thinking of all the things I have to do….√ parent gifts√ themed centers√ holiday parties√ thematic unitsThen, you also have your family and friends to shop and wrap for. Don’t forget to put up the lights and the tree. There is also cooking and baking to do and Hallmark movies that need watching… all on top of the regular house chores and the chauffeuring of your own children to after school activities.Exhausted yet?  Yeah, me too.I honestly felt like I need a graphic organizer to map out all the craziness….So, I created one.  Keeping myself organized is what keeps me sane. Listen in to hear all about the planner I created and what December activities I include in my classroom!Topics Discussed:The PlannerThe Materials ListCenters, Gifts, and the Class PartyResources Mentioned:Free ‘Save my Sanity’ December Preschool PlannerHoliday Resources ListRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Sweet Smell of Christmas ActivityConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Transforming Preschool Behaviors with Social Emotional LearningAs a preschool teacher, you know that managing behaviors in the classroom can be a challenging.From fit-throwing, to hitting, to peer issues - behavior issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.I get it. But, there is a better way that can help you transform your classroom environment and help your little learners thrive. Listen in and don't forget to grab your FREE Guide to Social Emotional Learning!Topics Discussed:Why the Guide to Social Emotional Learning was createdHow can teachers transform unwanted preschool behaviors with social emotional learningWhat the guide is and how it can help transform the thinking around student behaviorsResources Mentioned:Free Guide to Social Emotional LearningConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Art Center StorageThe art center is one center that can get really messy really fast. It’s a good kind of messy though- one full of creativity and color.But, messy nonetheless. Listen in as I explain the perfect solution to storing all of the artsy stuff our preschoolers love!Topics Discussed:What is the art cart and how does it evolve throughout the year?Why teaching procedures is key when it comes to the art cart and the materials in it.Resources Mentioned:See pictures of my art cart here.Get FREE Art Center Storage Labels here.Related Episodes or Blogposts:Preschool Art Center StorageConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Using Nursery Rhymes in PreschoolDo your preschoolers know the traditional nursery rhymes that we used to recite as kids?  I bet you remember Jack and Jill, Hey Diddle Diddle and Little Miss Muffet, don’t you? What was the point of those rhymes anyway? Listen in to find out why and how I use nursery rhymes in the classroom!Topics Discussed:Benefits of nursery rhymesHow to use nursery rhymes in preschoolResources Mentioned:Nursery Rhyme Bundle 1On TpTIn the LCPR ShopNursery Rhyme Bundle 2On TpTIn the LCPR ShopRelated Episodes or Blogposts:Using Nursery Rhymes in Preschool - Lovely Commotion Preschool ResourcesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

5 Ways to Encourage Writing Through PlayGetting children to go to the Preschool Writing Center isn't the easiest task, is it? The appeal just isn't there.So, what's a preschool teacher to do when getting children to the writing center is such a chore? We could take the writing out of the center... We could also make our writing center more appealing... both great options for encouraging writing through play!When it comes to upping my writing game through play, I've found 5 sure-fire ways and I want to share them with you!Topics Discussed:How to incorporate writing into the Drama and Science CentersHunt and Write the Room ActivitiesWriting InvitationsBook MakingResources Mentioned:Science CentersHunt the RoomWriting InvitationsRelated Episodes or Blogposts:5 Ways to Encourage Writing through Play Blogpost (with pictures)Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Master List of Social Emotional Skills to TeachWe, as preschool teachers, are the experts of social and emotional behaviors. Just think about how many times you may have intervened in a squabble, comforted a crying child, calmed an angry one or helped a child solve a problem.Probably quite a bit, huh?But, in all honesty, sometimes doing these things over and over again makes you feel insane. Why can’t these children just play nice?! You are putting out fires left and right. Sometimes being a firefighter is all you do in a day… there has GOT to be a better way!Here is what I do when I feel that insanity coming on…I flip my script…Topics DiscussedChanging our own thought process when it comes to teaching social emotional skillsWhat types of social emotional skills should you be teachingResources MentionedSocial Emotional Skills List (free)Social Emotional Lesson PlansRelated Episodes or Blog PostsEpisode 12: How to Teach Social Emotional SkillsConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com

Is it Time to Start Small Group? Episode Summary As the school year starts, our focus is on getting to know our new little students. We are teaching them procedures, rules and practicing routines. We are playing with students to get to know them and helping children learn how to use the materials in classroom centers.At the beginning of the year, these things are the most important things!So, back to the question at hand... When is it time to start small group? When is it okay for you step back from monitoring, playing and helping children in centers? Listen in to find out! Topics Discussed:What questions to ask yourself to know if your class is ready to start small group  Resources Mentioned:Done-for-You Small Group Lessons Related Episodes or Blog Posts:Episode 35: 5 Reasons to Have Preschool Small GroupEpisode 36: How to Effectively Group Preschoolers for Small GroupEpisode 37: Preschool Small Group Activity IdeasEpisode 38: Organizing your Preschool Small GroupEpisode 39: My Top Tips for Preschool Small Group Connect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:  Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

Parent Education Boards Episode SummaryPreschoolers learn amazing things through play, but this isn't something that is easy for parents to see. Help educate the parents in your early childhood program with Parent Education Bulletin Boards.I wanted our families to better understand all the amazing growth and learning goodness that really happens inside a preschool classroom --- that's when the Parent Education Bulletin Boards were born!With 10 done-for-you bulletin boards, teaching families has never been easier! All you have to do is print, laminate and hang - the rest is done for you!Learn all about the benefits of Parent Education Boards in this episode! Topics Discussed:A breakdown of the different boardsThe benefits (and results) of including Parent Education Boards in your classroom  Resources Mentioned:Parent Education Boards Related Episodes or Blog Posts:Blogpost with Pictures Connect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:  Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures Episode SummaryTeaching young children the procedures and routines of the classroom is important for a safe and (less) chaotic environment. The benefits of implementing visual procedure cards are huge.To get the most out of visual procedure cards, first... * Learn why they are important, then... * How to implement themYou can use pre-made procedure cards or create your own by taking pictures of the steps in each routine. Either way, these tips will help you make the most of the cards you created. Topics Discussed: Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures- Everything from printing and displaying cards to using, adapting, and adding fun elements to your cards and procedures.Resources Mentioned:Visual Procedure CardsBuy on TPTBuy on LCPR Shop Related Episodes or Blog Posts:Why you Should be Using Visual Procedure CardsHow to Teach Classroom ProceduresConnect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:  Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

How to Teach Classroom Procedures Episode Summary Our young learners aren't yetreaders. Therefore, posters of written rules, schedules and proceduresare null and void. To young children, these posters are just visualnoise.But, pictures are a different story. Young children can 'read' pictures.So when it comes to helping young children learn about routines in the classroom- visuals are the way to go.I found a need for visual procedurecards in my classroom several years ago, so I created them, implementedthem and I am so happy I did.The benefits of procedure cards arehuge and I saw all of those benefits when I implemented them myself.Plus, the visuals have kept me from having to say a routine procedureover and over and over and over and... you get it!Topics Discussed:The benefits of procedure cards How to use visual procedure cardsManaging your own expectations when it comes to proceduresResources Mentioned:Visual Procedure Cards:On TPTBuy in the LCPR ShopRelated Episodes or Blog Posts:Why you Should be Using Visual Procedure CardsConnect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher wholoves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for yourclassroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you upyour confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still inthe classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runsher classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect anew episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilitiesand confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educatorwith over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachersimplement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over theworld. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more atthe Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

Episode Summary Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of things that we have to teach our new little students at the beginning of each year?Coming to the carpet, sitting at the carpet, lining up, walking in the hall, using the restroom, washing hands, how to clean up, how to treat toys, how to pack up to go home.... and the list goes on! <<does this list make you as tired as it does me?If so, good news! I have a tool to share to make teaching all those procedures easier! <Woohoo!Topics Discussed:Communicating your expectations through Procedure CardsUsing Visuals to help children learn ProceduresTools you can use to teach ProceduresResources Mentioned:Visual Schedule CardsBuy on TpTBuy in the LCPR ShopConnect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

Episode SummarySchedules are an important way of life. They keep us in our daily routines and get us to the places we need to be.In a preschool classroom, a daily schedule is the backbone to our day. At the beginning of the school year, I create our classroom schedule (using the 5 step method) and have it hanging up in the room. But, of course the young children in our classroom can't read it! I found that many of my students were asking 'what do we do next?', 'when can we go outside?' and 'when is my mom coming?'. So, I knew it was time to create some visual supports for my little non-readers! Listen in to learn about a great resource to include in your classroom!Topics Discussed:Creating a Picture Schedule for Little LearnersThe Benefits of Displaying Visual Schedule CardsUsing Visual Classroom SchedulesResources Mentioned:Creating the Perfect Preschool Schedule Workbook + Visual Procedure CardsRelated Episodes or Blog Posts:Creating a Preschool Schedule in 5 StepsConnect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast: Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.

EPISODE 49Episode SummaryWhen it comes to play-based learning, sometimes it's hard to see what children are actually learning.Think about it, in a center where children are sitting and doing worksheets or workbooks, we can see the learning outcome.But, in a play-based classroom (the best way for children to learn) this learning isn't as easy to see. It takes a trained eye to see what benefits and results can come from centers or hands-on activities - not much of which is coming home in a backpack.So, it becomes our job to communicate the amazing, endless learning opportunities that play-based learning can bring.There are many ways to communicate the benefits of play to parents.In this episode, let's discuss center signs!Topics Discussed:Why preschool center signs shouldn't be just a label on the wallUsing the center signs to teach/inform other adultsHow to make the center signs work for youResources Mentioned:Center Signs on TPTCenter Signs on LCPR ShopConnect with Ashley:Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast:  Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com.