Happy Teaching

Episode 63: Songs for Smoother Classroom Transitions

In this episode, Alex builds on last week's conversation about singing in the classroom with two more simple songs to support classroom management. This time, the fo

Episode 62: Using Songs to Teach Classroom Routines

In this episode, Alex shares how simple songs can make classroom routines easier to teach and more fun to practice. You don't have to be a great singer. Your student

Episode 61: Name Games & Songs for Back to School

In this episode, Alex shares some of her favorite name games, songs, and chants for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Name activities are a simple way to help students learn each o

Episode 60: Making the Most of Classroom Volunteers

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making classroom volunteers a true support instead of another thing to manage. Whether you have parent volunteers ev

Episode 59: Simple Center Storage Ideas for Teachers

In this episode, Alex shares simple, practical ideas for organizing and storing classroom centers when they're not in use. If you've ever wondered what to do wi

Episode 58: Building Strong Partnerships with Paraeducators

In this episode, Alex shares practical ways to build a positive, productive partnership with the paraeducators in your classroom. Working alongside another adult isn&apos

Episode 57: The First Week of School: Go Slow to Go Fast

In this episode, Alex shares the mindset and strategies for a successful first week of school. Instead of rushing into academics, you'll learn why focusing on routin

Episode 56: Parent Communication Made Easier

In this episode, Alex shares practical strategies for making parent communication simpler and less stressful. You'll hear easy ways to keep families informed, build

Episode 55: Using Book Boxes to Build Independence

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite tools for building independence in the classroom: book boxes. Book boxes can do much more than hold books. They can help

Episode 54: What If I'm Not Allowed to Play

In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most common questions she hears from teachers: What if I'm not allowed to play? If you love the idea of playful learning but

Episode 53: Why Play Is Never "Just Playing"

In this episode, Alex dives into an important early childhood topic: the difference between free play and purposeful (or guided) play. Alex explains what each one looks l

Episode 52: What Are Free-Flowing Centers?

In this episode, Alex breaks down one of her favorite classroom systems: free-flowing centers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by center rotations, timers, constant prep,

Episode 51: Community Supplies: Why They Actually Work

In this episode, Alex shares why she made the switch from individual student supplies to whole-class community supplies and why she never went back. If you’ve ever dealt

Episode 50: Why Your Classroom Layout Matters

In this episode, Alex builds on last week’s conversation about playful classroom areas by introducing the idea of the “mullet of classroom design.” What does that mean? M

Episode 49: Playful Classroom Areas That Support Learning

In this episode, Alex shares some of the most important classroom areas to include in a playful, developmentally appropriate learning environment. This conversation isn’t

Episode 48: Beating the Sunday Night Blues

In this episode, Alex talks about something many teachers know all too well — the Sunday Night Blues. That anxious feeling as the weekend winds down can make it hard to f

Episode 47: Walking in Line Without the Chaos

In this episode, Alex tackles a classroom challenge that sounds simple but rarely feels easy: walking in line. Getting young students from point A to point B can quickly

Episode 46: Struggling with Dismissal? Try These Simple Shifts

In this episode, Alex tackles one of the most chaotic parts of the school day — dismissal. Even with a plan in place, dismissal can feel rushed, stressful, and overwhelmi

Episode 45: A Simple Alphabet Party That Feels Fun (Not Stressful)

In this episode, Alex shares a simple, low-prep way to celebrate the end of the year with an Alphabet Party. If you’re feeling the end-of-year crunch, these easy ideas st

Episode 44: Four Corners: The Easiest Brain Break Your Class Will Love

In this episode, Alex shares a simple, go-to game that every teacher needs in their back pocket, especially during those high-energy, “we need something different right n