by Zeba McGibbon
Are you an overworked or overwhelmed kindergarten teacher? Or maybe you're just a kindergarten teacher looking for fresh, new ideas. You are in the right place. The Kindergarten Cafe podcast will share weekly tips and tricks to help you save time, work smarter (not harder) and support students with engaging and purposeful lessons. I'm here to help you with everything you need from arrival to dismissal. Let's get started!
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April 17, 2025
<p>Being able to have self-regulation skills is essential for students. In this episode, I talk about how to teach self-regulation skills through daily classroom routines. I share practical strategies, including engaging activities like voice volume greetings and techniques such as five-finger breathing to help students calm down during transitions. I emphasize creating a 'control spot' or ‘calm corner’ in the classroom for self-regulation, equipped with familiar tools to support students during stress. Consistency in these practices is key as I provide additional tips for infusing self-regulation into everyday activities. </p><h2>In this episode I share:</h2><ul><li>Everyday Routines for Self-Regulation</li><li>Morning Meeting Strategies</li><li>The Control Spot</li><li>Transitioning in the Classroom</li></ul><br/><h2>Related Episodes:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/self-regulation-and-impulse-control-in-kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Self-Regulation and Impulse Control in Kids ~ Ep. 22</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Learn More:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/teaching-self-regulation-skills-through-everyday-routines-ep-81/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Breathing Strategies Freebie!!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/social-emotional-learning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Social Emotional Learning</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/easy-self-regulation-strategies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Easy Self-Regulation Strategies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/helping-children-regulate-their-emotions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Helping Children Regulate Their Emotions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/8-impulse-control-activities-for-kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Easy Impulse Control Activities for Kids</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Self-Regulation SEL Resources:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Impulse-Control-and-Self-Regulation-A-Social-Emotional-Learning-Unit-7226459" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Impulse Control and Self-Regulation: A Social Emotional Learning Unit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Curriculum-Support-for-Students-with-ADHD-Executive-Function-5511623" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Social Emotional Curriculum: Support for Students with ADHD | Executive Function</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Connect with Zeba:</h2><ul><li>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kindergartencafe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Website - <a href="http://www.kindergartencafe.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.kindergartencafe.org</a></li><li>Tik Tok - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li></ul><br/><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Caring Critters Books</strong></p><p>Felipe the Feeling Frog: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/felipe/ Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle: https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/</p>
April 10, 2025
<p>In this episode, I share how my classroom play center, Loose Parts, is sparking creativity and self-expression in young learners. Using everyday items like those from my recycling bin, there is so much power in open-ended materials in imaginative play. I also discuss simple organization strategies and how introducing materials gradually helps kids stay engaged. Through play, students develop storytelling skills, explore math concepts, and learn that the process matters more than the final product.</p><h2>In this episode I share:</h2><ul><li>Exploring Loose Parts in the Classroom</li><li>Connecting Loose Parts to Literacy</li><li>Benefits and Implementation of Loose Parts</li></ul><br/><h2>Related Episodes:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/balancing-curriculum-and-play-in-your-kindergarten-schedule-ep-48/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/encouraging-independent-play-in-the-classroom-ep-72/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Encouraging Independent Play in the Classroom ~ Ep. 72</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/child-led-play-and-learning-with-melysa-from-pre-k-spot-talks-ep-27/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Child-Led Play and Learning with Melysa from PRE-K Spot Talks ~ Ep. 27</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Learn More:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/product/summer-bootcamp-week-5-play-based-learning-in-kindergarten/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Workshop: Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/top-five-play-based-learning-must-haves/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Top Five Play Based Learning Must Haves</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/starting-purposeful-play-in-kindergarten/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Starting Purposeful Play in Kindergarten? Outstanding!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.kindergartencafe.org/setting-up-play-areas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Setting Up Classroom Play Areas</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Connect with Zeba:</h2><ul><li>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kindergartencafe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Website - <a href="http://www.kindergartencafe.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.kindergartencafe.org</a></li><li>Tik Tok - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li></ul><br/>
April 3, 2025
<p>What are your thoughts on the Science of Reading? Well, in this episode, I explain what the Science of Reading is and its impact on designing effective literacy centers. I highlight the key pillars of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and advocate for a balanced approach. I also tell you about the various literacy centers I implement, including a Word Work Center and interactive group activities, which adapt throughout the year to support students’ evolving skills. </p><h2>In this episode I share:</h2><ul><li>The Science of Reading Explained</li><li>Designing Effective Literacy Centers</li><li>Adapting Centers Throughout the Year</li><li>Future Plans for Literacy Focus</li></ul><br/><h2>Centers:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vocabulary-Activities-Games-for-Kindergarten-Literacy-Centers-10064402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vocabulary Activities & Games for Kindergarten | Literacy Centers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Decodable-Passages-Printable-and-Progressive-Phonics-Readers-9596733" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kindergarten Decodable Passages | Printable and Progressive Phonics Readers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Decodable-Readers-BUNDLE-Progressing-Skills-Just-Print-and-Read-8816626" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kindergarten Decodable Readers BUNDLE! | Progressing Skills |Just Print and Read</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Kids-to-Draw-Introduction-to-Drawing-Drawing-Journal-Fine-Motor-8671625" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teaching Kids to Draw | Introduction to Drawing | Drawing Journal | Fine Motor</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Phonics-Activities-Bundle-Centers-Small-Groups-Interventions-5525055" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kindergarten Phonics Activities Bundle | Centers, Small Groups, Interventions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Worksheets-Bundle-Alphabet-Literacy-Centers-and-Journals-11657590" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alphabet Worksheets Bundle | Alphabet Literacy Centers and Journals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/High-Frequency-Word-Practice-Sight-Word-Spelling-Reading-Games-5409060" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">High Frequency Word Practice | Sight Word Spelling & Reading Games</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Scarsborough’s Rope:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.reallygreatreading.com/blog/scarboroughs-reading-rope?srsltid=AfmBOor3lqoWWW6QF-8Zwfhv2TxYRJ229zWgsuXOYZzzF9tFJqTTYJB6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Can Scarborough's Reading Rope Transform the Approach to Literacy Instruction?</a></li></ul><br/><h2>Connect with Zeba:</h2><ul><li>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kindergartencafe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li><li>Website - <a href="http://www.kindergartencafe.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.kindergartencafe.org</a></li><li>Tik Tok - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kindergartencafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kindergartencafe</a></li></ul><br/><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>FREE Workshop</strong></p><p>Sign up to get the free LIVE workshop - Closing the gap: Supporting students who need extra help in kindergarten literacy April 10th at 8pm EST Recording will be available! https://www.kindergartencafe.org/literacyworkshop </p>
Anna Geiger
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Zeba McGibbon
Sara Marye, Literacy Teacher, Elementary Teacher
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Angela Watson
Teaching on the Double
Faith Borkowsky and Judy Boksner
Jennifer Gonzalez
Claire English
Teach Me, Teacher LLC
Timothy Shanahan
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