Happy Teaching

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

Small groups can feel like one of the hardest parts of the day to manage, but they don’t have to be! In this episode, Alex breaks down how to keep small group time simple, doable, and impactful in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to make your groups more consistent, this episode offers realistic tips and encouragement to help you feel more confident.
✨ What You’ll Hear:
Why small group time can feel overwhelming and how to ease that pressure
Simple ways to get started with small groups (even if you only have 10 minutes!)
Tips for managing the rest of the class while you're working with a group
What to do when things don’t go as planned
Encouragement to start small and build as you go
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
🖨️ Print and Play Club members don’t forget to grab:
Ready-to-go small group activities for literacy and math
Center rotation tools and management visuals
Planning templates to keep your groups organized
💌 Want more weekly support? Join the Teacher Tuesday email list
Not a member yet? Join here
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 diving into student-led conferences. Yes, even in Pre-K and Kindergarten! Alex walks you through how these conferences can look in early childhood settings, and how to keep the process simple, meaningful, and manageable. If the idea of student-led conferences has ever felt intimidating or “too much” for young learners, this episode will change your mind.

✨ What You’ll Hear:
What a student-led conference actually looks like in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom
Why it doesn’t have to be complicated (and how to keep it age-appropriate)
The power of students sharing their learning in their own words
How this approach strengthens home-school connections and builds student confidence
Encouragement to start small and adjust based on what works for you

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
Related Blog Post: Student Led Conferences in Kindergarten 
Join the Print and Play Club filled with classroom management, resources, and support. Join here if you're not a member already! 
💌 Grab your free weekly teaching pep talk with our Teacher Tuesday emails
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

Feeling a little worn down halfway through the school year? You’re not alone. In this encouraging mid-year check-in, Alex shares a heartfelt pep talk to remind you of the incredible impact you’re making every single day. Whether you're in a winter slump or just needing a little boost, this quick episode is here to lift you up and help you reset with purpose and perspective.
✨ What You’ll Hear:
Why mid-year burnout is real and totally normal
How to give yourself permission to slow down and reflect
Encouragement to celebrate how far you've come, not just what’s ahead
A reminder that you are the constant in your students’ days and that matters more than you know
A few gentle prompts to help you reconnect with your “why”
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
 ❤️ Print and Play Club: Looking for ways to bring more ease into your teaching this semester? PPC members don’t forget to explore the monthly planning guides, low-prep centers, and classroom management tools ready for you inside the club. 
Not a member yet? Join Here.
✉️ Weekly Pep Talks: Get more encouragement in your inbox every Tuesday with our Teacher Tuesday emails. Not on the list yet? Join here!

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

Returning from winter break can feel like hitting reset on your classroom routines. In this episode, Alex shares five essential routines that are worth reviewing to help your students settle back into the rhythm of learning. Whether you’re in Pre-K, TK, or Kindergarten, these simple but powerful routines will support smoother transitions, stronger classroom management, and a calmer, more connected start to the new year.

✨ What You’ll Hear:
Why winter break often brings a dip in routines and how to bounce back with confidence
5 specific routines to revisit, including: 
Morning arrival expectations
Whole-group carpet time
Voice level reminders
Clean-up transitions
Lining up and hallway behavior
How to review routines in a fun, non-punitive way
Encouragement that you're not starting over—just reinforcing what students already know

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
📝 Related Blog Post: 5 Classroom Routines to Review After Winter Break
🖨️ Print and Play Club: Members, don’t forget to grab your routine visual tools, transition tips, and behavior supports inside the club to make re-teaching routines simple and stress-free!

❤️ Not a member yet? Request your invite and get access to resources designed to support real teachers and real classrooms all year long.
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