Episode 69: Sensory Bins Made Easy

In this episode, Alex shares how to use fidgets intentionally in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. While fidgets can be helpful tools for supporting attention and self-regulation, introducing them can bring up plenty of questions, especially when every student suddenly wants one! Plus, Alex explains why sitting still and making eye contact aren't always the best indicators of whether a child is paying attention.✨ You'll learn:Why fidgets should be introduced as tools, not toysHow fidgets can support attention and self-regulationWays to introduce fidgets without creating classroom distractionsHow to set expectations and help students use fidgets appropriately💡 Fidgets aren't just something to keep little hands busy! When introduced thoughtfully, they can be valuable tools for helping students regulate their bodies, stay engaged, and participate in classroom learning.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🧘 No More Crisscross Applesauce WebinarDoes sitting still really mean a child is paying attention? In this popular classroom management training, Alex explores what attention can look like in young children and how we can create more developmentally appropriate expectations during circle time. Print and Play Club members can watch the webinar on demand!👉 Watch the Webinar Inside the Print and Play Club!🌟 Classroom Management Support in the Print and Play ClubWant more support with fidgets and other classroom management challenges? Print and Play Club members can watch our on-demand Using Fidgets in the Classroom training, plus access a library of classroom management trainings, ready-to-use resources, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, to help problem-solve everyday classroom challenges.👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!🧩 Favorite Classroom FidgetsCurious about which fidgets to try? Explore some of our favorite fidget options for giving students a quiet way to keep their hands busy while listening and learning.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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares how to make sensory bins more manageable, affordable, and accessible in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom. You don't need a fancy sensory table, elaborate themes, or endless supplies to give your students meaningful sensory play experiences!✨ You'll learn:How to set up sensory bins without a large sensory tableEasy fillers and materials you can reuse throughout the yearWays to change themes without constantly buying new suppliesWhy sensory play doesn't always need an academic component💡 Sensory bins don't have to be elaborate to be meaningful! With a few basic materials and a little creativity, you can create engaging play experiences that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and learning.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🖐️ Sensory Bin Resources Inside the Print and Play ClubLooking for more inspiration? Print and Play Club members have access to the sensory bin ebook, ready-to-use printables, and playful learning activities for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Whether you're adding a little literacy or math practice to your bins or looking for fresh classroom ideas, you'll find plenty of resources to explore!👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!🌟 Need Sensory Bin Ideas? Ask Poppy!Not sure what to use as a sensory bin filler or how to switch up your themes? Poppy, our AI teaching assistant, can help you brainstorm easy sensory bin ideas using materials you already have. You can even try Poppy for free!👉 Try Poppy Free!🎃 FREE Printables for Sensory BinsWant to add a matching game or learning activity to your sensory bin? Browse free printables on The Kindergarten Connection for seasonal literacy and math activities you can easily incorporate into sensory play.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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares practical tips for making substitute plans easier to prepare and manage. Whether you're planning for an upcoming absence or unexpectedly waking up sick, having a few things ready ahead of time can make a big difference!✨ You'll learn:• Why keeping familiar routines matters more than following every lesson exactly. • How to organize a sub tub with essential classroom information. • What activities and materials to prepare ahead of time. • How to give substitutes flexibility while keeping the day on track.💡 Sub plans don't have to mean starting from scratch every time you're absent! A little preparation now can save you time, reduce stress, and help your students and substitute have a smoother day.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:📋 Sub Plans & Editable TemplatesTake the stress out of preparing for a substitute with ready-to-use Pre-K and Kindergarten sub plans! These resources include editable templates for classroom schedules, routines, procedures, and important information, plus activities for literacy, math, and more. Set up your sub tub once, then update it as needed throughout the year! 👉 Shop the Sub Plans & Templates HERE📚 Sub Plans in the Print and Play Club Print and Play Club members can download the sub plans, editable templates, and included activities as part of their membership! You'll also find plenty of additional printables and games to keep your sub tub stocked throughout the year. Already a member? Find the Sub Plans inside the club!👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares one of her favorite circle time games for Pre-K and Kindergarten: Who’s Missing? This playful guessing game is a fun way to build classroom community while practicing names and listening skills. You'll hear exactly how to play, ideas for incorporating clues like rhyming and beginning sounds, and tips for making sure students understand that everyone may not get a turn each time you play.✨ You'll learn:• How to play Who’s Missing? with little to no prep.• Ways to use clues to practice names.• How the game encourages listening and classroom community.• Tips for managing turns and keeping the game moving.💡 A classroom game doesn't have to be complicated to be meaningful! Who’s Missing? gives students a chance to have fun together while learning more about their classmates and practicing important early skills.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:📱 Do you have a circle time game your students can't get enough of? Send us a message on Instagram or email us at [email protected] with your favorite! Alex would love to hear your ideas and may even share some listener-submitted games in a future episode.📚 More Playful Classroom Ideas in the Print and Play ClubLooking for more ways to keep your students engaged while building a strong classroom community? Print and Play Club members get access to ready-to-use activities, classroom management support, playful learning ideas, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, to help with everyday classroom challenges.👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares a fun way to make classroom transitions smoother while sneaking in a little extra learning along the way. Instead of having everyone move at once, you can use letters, shapes, numbers, and other familiar skills to gradually excuse students while reviewing what you've been learning.✨ You'll learn:Why transitions are a common time for classroom management strugglesHow to turn slower transitions into quick learning opportunitiesWays to use letters, shapes, numbers, and subitizing during transitionsHow to include students without making the activity feel like a quiz💡 Transitions don't have to be wasted time! When you need to slow things down, a quick review activity can keep students engaged while helping everyone move calmly into what's next.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🔤 Learning Through TransitionsWant to see these transition ideas in action? Check out the related blog posts for pictures and examples of using letters, shapes, numbers, subitizing, and more to add a little learning to transition time.👉 Simple and Effective Classroom Transition Ideas: Part 1 and Part 2💡 More Classroom Transition IdeasNot every transition needs to slow down! Find even more ideas for helping students move smoothly from one part of the day to the next.👉 Effective Transition Strategies for Regrouping After Recess🎵 Transition Songs in the Print and Play ClubWhen you need a quicker transition, Print and Play Club members can head to the PLAYlist for songs that help with lining up, gathering for circle time, routines, and more. They're an easy way to keep students engaged while moving through the day. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares a simpler approach to classroom jobs for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Instead of assigning and rotating a different job for every student, she uses one helper of the day, keeping classroom responsibilities meaningful for students and much easier for the teacher to manage. You'll hear how this easy system works, why it fits young learners so well, and how it can even help students practice patience, independence, and celebrating their classmates.✨ You'll learn:Why traditional classroom job systems can become another thing for teachers to manageHow to use one Helper of the Day instead of multiple assigned jobsA simple two-container system for making sure everyone gets a turn💡 Classroom jobs don't have to mean complicated charts and weekly rotations. A simpler system can still give students meaningful responsibility while making classroom management easier for you.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:⭐ Want to see exactly how Alex manages classroom jobs with just popsicle sticks and two containers? Check out the related blog post for pictures and a closer look at this easy system.👉 How to Assign Classroom Jobs in Pre-K & Kindergarten📚 Classroom Management Support in the Print and Play ClubWant more easy systems that build student independence? Print and Play Club members have access to classroom management trainings, routine support, ready-to-use resources, and Poppy, your AI teaching assistant, to help problem-solve everyday classroom challenges. 👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

In this episode, Alex shares two simple songs you can use anytime your Pre-K or Kindergarten students need to get their wiggles out, refocus, or fill a few extra minutes. No special materials or planning needed—just your voice and a little movement!✨ You'll learn:When brain breaks can be helpful and when it may be time to rethink lesson lengthTwo easy songs you can use anytimeHow movement and freezing can help you regain students' attentionA no-prep way to combine movement with counting practice💡 Brain breaks don't have to be complicated! A few minutes of simple, purposeful movement can help students reset, refocus, and come back ready for what's next.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🎵 Copy Me Brain BreakTry this easy song to the tune of Frère Jacques. Start by having students copy your movements, then choose a student to lead while everyone copies their moves!Verse 1: Teacher-LedCopy me now, Copy me now,Watch my moves, Watch my moves,Fast or slow now, High or low now,Copy me, Copy me.Verse 2: Student-LedCopy a friend, Copy a friend,Watch them move, Watch them move,What will they do? What will they do?Copy them, Copy them.🎶 Body Parts Movement SongGet students moving with this simple song to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Shake, clap, shrug, wiggle, stomp, and don't forget to freeze!Shake, shake, shake your head.Shake it just like me!Shake your head fast and then shake it slow,Now it’s time to freeze!Clap, clap, clap your hands.Clap them just like me!Clap your hands fast and clap your hands slow,Now it’s time to freeze!Shrug, shrug, shrug your shoulders.Shrug your shoulders like me!Shrug them fast then shrug them slow,Now it’s time to freeze!Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle your hips.Wiggle your hips like me!Wiggle them fast then wiggle them slow,Now it’s time to freeze!Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet.Stomp your feet with me!Stomp them fast then stomp them slow,Now it’s time to freeze!🌟 Find More Songs in the Print and Play ClubPrint and Play Club members can head to the PLAYlist to find even more movement songs, complete with audio and printable activities to use with your students.👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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 focus is on transitions—helping students gather calmly, get ready to listen, and move on to what's next without constant reminders.You'll hear two easy songs you can start using right away, whether you're gathering students on the rug or simply trying to get everyone's attention back.✨ You'll learn:How songs can make transitions calmer and easier to manageA simple song for helping students settle on the rugHow rhythm and movement can keep students engaged while they waitAn easy alternative to repeatedly calling for students' attention💡 A simple song can give students something positive to focus on during transitions while helping you spend less time repeating directions.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🎧 Check out last week's episode: Sing Your Way to Smoother Classroom RoutinesWant two more songs for your classroom? Go back and listen to last week's episode for simple songs that help teach voice levels and lining up.🎵 Make Transitions Easier with the Print and Play ClubPrint and Play Club members can take these ideas even further with a whole collection of classroom management songs in the PLAYlist, plus Classroom Routine Cheat Sheets with step-by-step support for teaching routines and expectations.👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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 students don't care! What matters is using music to help young learners remember expectations, stay engaged, and move through the day more smoothly. Plus, Alex teaches you two easy songs you can start using right away for voice levels and lining up.✨ You'll learn:Why songs are such a powerful tool for teaching routinesA simple song for teaching different classroom voice levelsHow to use singing and movement to make lining up easierWhy keeping students engaged during routines can reduce management struggles💡 Songs give students an easy way to remember what to do while making everyday classroom routines feel a whole lot more playful.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🎵 Classroom Management Songs & Routine Support in the Print and Play ClubPrint and Play Club members can find songs for routines, transitions, classroom supplies, and more inside the PLAYlist, complete with audio recordings from Alex and activities to use with students. Members also have access to Classroom Routine Cheat Sheets that break routines like lining up into simple, teachable steps.👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!🎥 The Kindergarten Connection on YouTubeLooking for even more classroom songs? Visit our YouTube channel to learn more songs you can use with your students.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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com

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 other's names while building classroom community and practicing early literacy and social skills.✨ You'll learn:How name games help build classroom communityFun ways to practice rhyming, syllables, and name recognitionHow to adapt name songs for young attention spans💡 Name games may feel simple, but they're an easy way to help students learn about their classmates while building important early learning skills.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:🍪 FREE Editable Pocket Chart Back to School Name Game - Grab the free cookie name game! Use the printable name cookies in a pocket chart or add them to a "cookie jar" for Alex's easier version of Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?🎵 FREE Name Chants and Songs for Circle Time - Print the song and chant sheets for Who Took the Cookie, Willoughby Wallaby Woo, and Hickety Pickety Bumblebee so you have them ready for circle time.🎒 Pre-K and Kindergarten Name Games & Activities - Make learning names fun with ready-to-use name games and activities that help students practice name recognition while getting to know their classmates and building classroom community.🍎 Print and Play ClubWant even more ways to practice names? Print and Play Club members can search Name Games to find pocket chart activities, centers, and other ready-to-use resources for helping students recognize and learn their classmates' names. Not a member yet? Click here to join the club!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/thekindergartenconnectionVisit us online: https://www.thekindgergartenconnection.comJoin us at https://www.printandplayclub.com