Kindergarten Cafe Podcast

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! read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

68. Supporting Missing Skills in Kindergarten Math
Jan 23 2025
68. Supporting Missing Skills in Kindergarten Math
Finding support in Kindergarten is always a necessity. In this episode, I speak with a fellow kindergarten teacher about implementing a scripted math curriculum while addressing students' essential skill gaps. We discuss structuring classroom routines with engaging warm-ups and effective partner work, as well as the challenges of managing small groups in a fast-paced setting. Ultimately, we reinforce that teaching is an evolving practice, offering insights and encouragement for those facing math instruction challenges in early education.In this episode I share:Seeking Help for Small Group StrategiesIdentifying Foundational SkillsTargeted Support StrategiesImportance of Center TimeAddressing Missing SkillsNavigating Curriculum ChallengesCollaborating with Other ClassesDaily Touchpoints for Struggling StudentsPrevious Episodes:Exploring Counting Math Centers in Kindergarten Classrooms - Ep. 8Exploring Number Relationships: Creative Activities for Kindergarten Math - Ep. 13Working Smarter, Not Harder in Kindergarten: A Conversation with a First-Year Teacher - Ep. 15How to Best Manage Centers as a Classroom Teacher: Part 2 of a Conversation with a First-Year Teacher - Ep. 16Math Intervention for Kindergarten - Ep. 18Loving Teaching While Using New Curriculum ~ Ep. 29Using Seesaw for Improving Family Communication ~ Ep. 39Essential Math Skills Every Kindergartener Needs ~ Ep. 66Engaging Families in Supporting Struggling Learners ~ Ep. 67Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:From Planning to Progress Math WorkshopSign up for the From Planning to Progress Math Workshop which will be on Feb. 6th at 8 p.m. EST https://www.kindergartencafe.org/product/workshop
62. Balancing Curriculum and Development: Teaching with Young Learners in Mind
Dec 5 2024
62. Balancing Curriculum and Development: Teaching with Young Learners in Mind
How do we balance developmentally appropriate practices and the structured nature of elementary-focused curricula in early childhood education? That’s what this episode is about. There is a disconnect between the holistic approach of early childhood education and the more isolated curriculum areas typical of elementary education. I discuss practical instructional shifts that can be made, including the need for shorter, dynamic lessons and the incorporation of playful, hands-on activities to engage young learners. Providing choices in learning to enhance student engagement and ownership is so important. Throughout this episode you will hear me stress the importance of leveraging play as an educational tool. By reflecting on our teaching strategies and prioritizing developmentally appropriate practices, we can enrich learning experiences for young children.In this episode I share:Developmentally Appropriate PracticeUnderstanding Curriculum DiscrepanciesThe Importance of Play in LearningReflection on Expectations and LearningRelated Episodes:Balancing Curriculum and Play in Your Kindergarten Schedule ~ Ep. 48Easy Lesson Engagement Strategies ~ Episode 34*GET THE FREE DECEMBER GUIDEConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Trixie the Thoughtful TurtleLearn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/
60. Handling Behaviors in Kindergarten with Stacy and Katie
Nov 14 2024
60. Handling Behaviors in Kindergarten with Stacy and Katie
In this episode, I speak with Stacy and Katie, the creators of Teacher Tricks Times Two, a resource platform for educators. We discuss the evolving challenges in kindergarten teaching post-pandemic, talking about the increase in extreme behaviors and the necessity of fostering a safe, nurturing classroom environment. Stacy shares her experiences as a newish to kindergarten teacher, while Katie offers insights from her 12 years in kindergarten. We explore the significance of social-emotional learning, effective behavior management, and the importance of unstructured play. Both Katie and Stacy provide practical strategies and activities to enhance learning and address behavioral issues. In this episode we share:Discussing Classroom BehaviorsNavigating Teacher ChallengesReintroducing PlaydatesTeaching Kids Social SkillsStrategies for Handling BehaviorsThe Impact of COVID on LearningAdvocating for PlaytimeResources:Felipe the Feeling FrogHelping Kids Play: A Social Emotional Unit | How to Play at Recess & FriendshipSupporting Kids at Recess Kindergarten and First GradeSupporting Kids Who Fight at Recess  [Ep. 5]Connect with Katie and Stacy:Instagram - @teachertrickstimestwoWebsite - www.teachertrickstimestwo.comConnect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Trixie the Thoughtful TurtleLearn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/
55. Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts
Oct 10 2024
55. Strategies for Teaching Emotional Regulation and Handling Extreme Outbursts
In this episode, I address a question that I know a lot of teachers are struggling with. How to help students that are having big emotions, big reactions. How to help them in the moment. How to help them proactively. What to do about these big behaviors that are happening all over the country in our classrooms, especially ever since COVID. These behaviors are escalating more and more. So I want to get into just the tip of the iceberg here on how to help kids regulate their emotions. I provide practical strategies for emotional regulation, emphasizing that behavior is a form of communication. I introduce the concept of a "calm corner" for students to regain control, as well as methods for teaching emotional literacy during calm moments, like "five finger breathing." This episode aims to equip you with tools for creating a nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.In this episode I share:Understanding Big Emotions in StudentsThe Importance of Emotional RegulationStrategies for Emotional RegulationCreating a Calm CornerTeaching Emotional IdentificationReacting to Problem SizesResources Mentioned:Social Emotional Classroom SuppliesSocial Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum BundleThe Caring Critters Series!Connect with Zeba:Instagram - @kindergartencafeFacebook - @kindergartencafeWebsite - www.kindergartencafe.orgTik Tok - @kindergartencafeMentioned in this episode:Trixie the Thoughtful TurtleLearn more about the newest Caring Critters book: Trixie the Thoughtful Turtle https://www.kindergartencafe.org/trixie/