December can feel like a whirlwind in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. Between excitement, routines going off track, and a jam-packed calendar, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this short but powerful episode, Alex shares her number one tip for staying grounded, connected, and calm during the busiest month of the year. It’s all about working with your students (not against the chaos) and finding simple ways to preserve your energy while still making magical memories.

✨ What You’ll Hear:

1. Why the holiday season can cause a shift in classroom behavior and why that’s normal
2. The biggest mistake teachers make in December (hint: trying to do more!)
3. Alex’s go-to mindset shift that makes each day more joyful and less stressful
4. A peek into how this tip plays out in real classrooms
5. How to stay consistent, connected, and calm when excitement is high

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

1. 💡 Blog Post: #1 Tip for Teaching in December
2. If you're a member of the Print and Play Club, be sure to grab your December resources and planning tools to help you stay on track and reduce stress all month long!
3. ❤️ Not a member yet? Request an invitation and get instant access to centers, routines, and ready-to-use resources that match the rhythm of your classroom.

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

In this short and sweet pep talk, Alex is giving YOU the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: to slow down, take a breath, and let go of the constant pressure to “get it all done.”

Whether you're heading into a break or just wrapping up a chaotic week, this episode is your friendly reminder that your worth as a teacher isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s measured by the joy, care, and connection you bring to your students. ❤️

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Need tools to make classroom life easier? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find your go to resources for centers, Circle Time, classroom management, and so much more.

⭐ Join the Print and Play Club Here

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

Transitions can be tricky especially in early childhood classrooms where students are moving from high-energy play to more focused learning activities. If you've ever felt like your classroom goes from calm to chaos (and back again!) in the blink of an eye, you're not alone.

In this episode, we're talking all about how to help your students reset after transitions so you can move into your next activity with calm, confidence, and connection.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why transitions feel so hard for young learners and why that’s okay
2. The power of “transition bridges” like songs, visuals, and intentional cues
3. Simple tips to help kids go from silly to settled
4. Why buffer time and realistic expectations can make all the difference

✨ Key Takeaway:

You don’t need perfect transitions you just need predictable ones. With the right supports in place, your students can shift gears without the stress (and so can you!).

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

1. Blog Post: How to Calm Down Students After Classroom Transitions
2. Need tools to support smooth transitions? Inside the Print and Play Club, you'll find classroom chants, visual supports, calming songs, and more to make every part of your day flow with ease.

⭐ Join the Print and Play 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