Episode 14: Should We Let Things Go More in the First Days? In those first few days of school, we want students to feel safe, excited, and connected. Sometimes that leads us to wonder… Should I let some things slide while they adjust? In this episode, Alex gently but clearly explains why the answer is no, and how setting expectations early (in a kind, consistent way) is one of the most supportive things we can do for our students. ✨ You’ll hear: Why the routines you allow now become the ...

Whether it’s your first first day or your tenth, that back-to-school butterfly feeling never fully goes away. And that’s okay! The first day of school sets the tone. With a few simple, tested tips, you can make it smooth, calm, and connection-filled. In this episode, Alex shares five tried-and-true strategies to help you feel more prepared and confident heading into Day One with your new little learners. ✨ You’ll hear: How to make meaningful first-day connections at the doorThe one smal...

Episode 12: Make Your Day Count – Early Childhood Schedule Tips Trying to fit everything into a Pre-K or Kindergarten day can feel like solving a puzzle… blindfolded… with snack time looming. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! In this episode, Alex shares practical tips for building a classroom schedule that actually works—one that supports connection, play, learning, and calm (yes, even with clean-up time and pull-outs on the horizon). ✨ You’ll hear: The 5 key components of an effect...

Episode 11: Letting Go of Assigned Classroom Seating in Pre-K & Kindergarten What if your students didn’t have assigned seats at all? In this episode, Alex explores the benefits and challenges of moving away from traditional assigned seating in early childhood classrooms. From building independence to supporting self-regulation, you’ll hear how flexible seating routines can empower students while simplifying your daily flow. ✨ You’ll learn: Why ditching assigned seats can boost classroom ...

Episode 10: Stop Making Play a Four-Letter Word Let’s set the record straight: play is not fluff. In this episode, Alex unpacks why play-based learning is real learning—especially in early childhood—and how we can stop apologizing for it. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to justify playful teaching (or been side-eyed for not doing more “rigor”), this one’s for you. ✨ You’ll hear: Why play belongs in every early learning classroomHow academic and developmental goals align beautifully wit...

Episode 9: 10 Ways to Make Your Classroom More Playful Play isn't just for free choice time—it’s a powerful approach to learning. In this episode, Alex breaks down 10 simple, meaningful ways to make your classroom more playful, even within the structure of a full-day schedule. From mindset shifts to hands-on strategies, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use right away to boost engagement, independence, and JOY in your classroom. ✨ You’ll hear: Why playful learning doesn’t mean less structur...

Episode 8: Tools for Making Your Classroom More Playful Want to make your classroom feel more playful—but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! In this episode, Alex shares simple tools and mindset shifts to bring more joy and curiosity into your daily routine—without scraping your entire plan or adding hours to your prep. ✨ You’ll learn: What “playful” actually means in a structured classroomWhy playful learning doesn’t mean chaotic learningSpecific classroom tools that support play-bas...

🎙 Episode 7: The Truth About Teachers’ Summers “Must be nice to have summers off…” 😬 If you’ve ever heard that phrase and felt your blood pressure spike a little—you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex gets real about what summer actually looks like for teachers. Spoiler: it’s not two months of piña coladas and pool floats (though we wish!). From mental recovery to prepping for a brand-new group of learners, teachers use summer differently than most people think. ✨ You’ll hear: Why it...

🎙 Episode 6: What to Do When Kids Interrupt All Day Long If you're hearing “Teacher! Teacher!” on repeat, or getting constant shoulder taps during small group time — you’re not alone. Interrupting is one of the most common (and draining) behaviors in early childhood classrooms. In this episode, Alex walks you through exactly why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to set realistic expectations while still teaching respectful communication. ✨ You’ll learn: Why interrupting isn’t just...

🎙 Episode 5: 3 Things to Say Instead of "Good Job" (That Spark Real Conversation) Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with saying “Good job!” But what if you could level up your praise to build confidence, spark conversation, and boost learning? In this episode, Alex shares three powerful phrases you can use instead of generic praise to help students feel truly seen—and deepen their reflection in the process. ✨ You’ll hear: Why shifting your feedback builds language and confidence3 sim...

Tattling All Day? Here’s What to Do Instead If you’ve already heard “They’re not sharing!” or “He cut me!” more times than you can count before recess—you’re not alone. In this episode, Alex shares why constant tattling happens (hint: it’s not just misbehavior) and what to do instead—including real classroom examples, easy conversation scripts, and one gentle challenge for this week. ✨ You’ll learn: Why tattling is really about missing problem-solving skillsHow to explicitly teach peer ...

Episode 3: You’re Almost There – A Pep Talk for the Final Stretch You know it’s the end of the year when someone’s backpack is full of rocks and routines are… well, barely hanging on. If you’re juggling countdowns, theme days, and student energy that’s turned all the way up—you’re not alone. In this short but powerful pep talk, Alex is here to remind you just how far you’ve come and how much you’ve already done. ✨ You’ll hear: A lighthearted look at this wild time of yearEncouragement t...

Episode 2: Let’s Make the End of the Year Fun (Without Losing Our Minds) If your brain is half in summer mode but your classroom is still full of kiddos who need structure and fun—you’re in the right place. This episode is all about wrapping up the year with joy, calm, and connection. In this chat, Alex shares easy, meaningful ways to celebrate the end of the year without adding stress to your plate. ✨ You’ll hear: ABC Countdown ideas that actually work (and are already done-for-you if you're...

Episode 1: How to Actually Leave on Time on Fridays It’s Friday. Dismissal just ended. Your to-do list? Still a mile long. 😩 And with the end of the school year in full swing, that list likely grew five extra arms. So how do you walk out on time and still feel ready for Monday? In this episode of The Happy Teaching Podcast, we’re talking about 3 simple strategies to protect your Friday afternoon, get back your weekend (and your peace of mind) without sacrificing your classroom readiness...

Happy Teaching 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...