A thriving art center doesn’t need to be messy, chaotic, or adult-directed. In fact, with just a few thoughtful strategies, your art area can become one of the most independent and purposeful spaces in your classroom.

In this episode, Alex shares her best tips for setting up a successful, student-led art center that encourages creativity, builds confidence, and runs smoothly all year long.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. The #1 mindset shift for embracing child-led art
2. How to introduce materials so students can use them independently
3. Tips for managing supplies, expectations, and cleanup
4. Why process art beats product art every time (especially for early learners!)

This episode will help you rethink what’s possible in your classroom art space—with less stress and more joy!

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the full blog posts:

1. Tips for an Independent Pre-K & Kindergarten Art Center
2. How to Set Up an Independent Classroom Art Center

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Visual routines and picture labels for classroom centers
2. ✅ Planning tools and monthly themes to support independent stations
3. ✅ Art Ideas and Inspiration

📍Join the Club: https://printandplayclub.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

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

Episode 20: The Easiest Way to Build Scissor Skills

Want to improve your students’ fine motor skills- without adding more to your prep list?

In this episode, Alex shares a super simple solution for consistent cutting practice that’s teacher-friendly and student-approved: The Cutting Jar.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why scissor skills matter more than just cutting shapes
2. The problem with only offering occasional cutting activities
3. How the Cutting Jar builds independence and consistency
4. Simple routines to make fine motor practice part of the day

Whether you’re starting the year or supporting ongoing skills, this is a tip you’ll come back to again and again.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the full blog post: Simple Scissor Skills Practice for the Classroom

✂️ Grab the Cutting Jar Mini Training:

1. ✅ Printable cutting strips (leveled for different skill sets)
2. ✅ Fine motor starter kit for easy setup
3. ✅ BONUS: ABC Cutting Practice Book

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. ✅ Cutting Jar Training
2. ✅ Cutting Jar Printable Pack
3. ✅ Additional fine motor centers
4. ✅ So Much More!

📍Join the Club: https://printandplayclub.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

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

Episode 19: How to Make Clean-Up Fast, Fun, and Stress-Free

If clean-up time feels chaotic or takes forever, you’re not alone. But what if this part of your day could be smoother, faster and even fun?

In this episode, Alex shares easy, actionable tips to transform your clean-up routine into a calm, consistent system your students can follow (and even enjoy!). You’ll walk away with ideas that you can try tomorrow.

✨ You’ll hear:

1. Why clean-up struggles are totally normal and fixable
2. The role of visual cues, clear expectations, and transition time
3. How using clean-up songs and countdowns can shift the vibe entirely
4. A mindset shift that takes the pressure off you to do it all

From quick transitions to building classroom responsibility, this episode is packed with tips to help your day end on a high note.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode

📖 Read the related blog posts:

1. How to Make Classroom Clean-Up Fast and Fun
2. Must-Try Classroom Clean-Up Tip
3. Clean-Up Songs for Pre-K and Kindergarten

🧰 Inside the Print and Play Club:

1. Routine Cheat Sheets
2. Classroom management tools for smooth transitions
3. Plus so much more!

📍Join the Club: https://printandplayclub.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=podcast

📲 Come say hi on Instagram: @thekindergartenconnection

💛 Love a good tip that saves your voice and your sanity? Share this episode with a teacher friend who needs smoother clean-ups too!

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