Why Classroom Jobs Aren't Just 'Cute' - They're Crucial
In this episode, we’re diving into why class jobs are more than just 'cute helpers', how they support your students in meaningful ways, and how to make them manageable for you. Class jobs may seem like a small detail, but they can completely transform your classroom culture.Whether you’ve tried class jobs before (and dropped them) or you’re just getting started, this episode will help you simplify the system, make it sustainable, and connect it to your academic and SEL goals.Topics Discussed:TheWhyBehind Class JobsCommon Job StrugglesHow to Make it Work and Keep it SimpleRelated Resources:Classroom Jobs ResourcePre-K Circle Time 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
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22:46
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22:46
How I Keep Circle Time Engaging (Without Losing My Mind)
Ever looked out at your circle time rug and seen blank stares and wiggly bodies? You’re not alone. Circle time burnout is real (for both kids and teachers). But the good news? A few small changes can make a big impact (without hours of prep).In this episode, I’m sharing simple, sanity-saving strategies that keep kids engaged and make circle time something everyone looks forward to.Topics Discussed:Why kids get boredThe power of classroom jobsHow to rotate activities during circle timeAdding in brain breaks Related Resources:Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule BlogpostConnect 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
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16:01
Circle Time Isn't Broken (You Just Need a Better Reason)
In this episode, we’re digging into the real reasons circle time sometimes flops—and why it still matters when done with purpose. If you've ever felt pressure to skip it or questioned its value in a busy preschool day, this one’s for you.Topics Discussed:Why critics of circle time aren't entirely wrongHow to reframe circle time as a community builderPractical ways to make your circle time shorter, more engaging and developmentally appropriate Related Resources:Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule BlogpostConnect 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
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11:10
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11:10
The First Few Weeks of Circle Time: What to Do (and What to Skip)
Day one of preschool and circle time feels like total chaos? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.In this episode, we’re breaking down what circle time really looks like during those first few weeks—and how to keep it simple, predictable, and stress-free (yes, even when someone’s licking a shoe)! Topics Discussed:Why less is more when you’re just starting outA realistic breakdown of the first few daysWhen to introduce jobs, calendar, and routinesWhy singing instructions actually worksHow visuals can be your secret weapon from Day 1Related Resources:Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule BlogpostConnect 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
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12:24
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12:24
The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)
Feeling overwhelmed with all the Pinterest-perfect classroom ideas? Today we’re cutting through the clutter and talking about the only five things you really need to prep before the first day of preschool. No fancy bulletin boards, no year-long plans—just the simple, effective tools that help your classroom run smoother from Day One. Tune in!Topics Discussed:Why procedure visuals are your best Day One investmentHow to use movement and calming prompts to support regulationThe power of a visual schedule in creating predictabilityWhat makes a comforting and functional chill-out spotEasy, no-prep wait-time games that save your sanityRelated Resources:Procedure VisualsMovement or calming promptsA visual scheduleA calm-down areaAnd wait-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
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.
New Zealand