Advertise on podcast: Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.” Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away. Topics Discussed: Why friendship drama increases as the year goes onWhat friendship skills actually areHow to teach friendhip skillsWhy mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instructionOne simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week Related Resources: Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

January is long and your kids have way too much energy. In this episode, let's talk winter themes like arctic animals and hibernation. When you use play-based, intentional centers, winter becomes a time for deep engagement, meaningful learning, and calmer classrooms. Topics Discussed: Why winter themes work so well in JanuaryThe problem with relying only on “cute crafts”How to turn arctic animals and hibernation into skill -rich center workPractical winter center ideas you can use Related Resources: Science Centers: WinterScience Centers: HibernationWinter Writing InvitationsWinter Dramatic Play CenterHunt the Room Winter Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

It feels like the perfect time for a little circle time check-in. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been working well, what I’ve adjusted along the way, and the incredible growth I’ve seen in my students since August. If you’re a teacher looking to make Circle Time more engaging, flexible, and responsive to your students’ needs, this episode will give you practical ideas and reassurance that evolving your routines is a good thing. Topics Discussed: How circle time looked in August vs how it looks nowWhat's working well mid-yearWhat we've changed along the wayThe social, emotional, and academic growth that has come with circle timeThe resource that I use to help make circle time a success Related Resources: Pre-K Circle Time VisualsTwo & Three Year Olds Circle Time Visuals Related Episodes: Podcast: The First Few Weeks of Circle Time Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In this episode, we’re talking about how to turn story time into an interactive literacy experience without adding more to your prep list. I’m sharing simple ways to dig deeper into books, what happens when you re-read with purpose, and how I use Interactive Read-Aloud units to keep everything organized and joyful. Topics Discussed: Why read-alouds are such an essential literacy tool in preschoolWhat makes a read-aloud interactiveHow to structure a full week of learning around one bookWhy re-reading builds comprehension, confidence, and a love of books Related Resources: Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Units Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In this episode, we are diving into Writing Invitations! We want children to be excited about writing, which means we need a playful, child-led approach without pressure, prompts, or frustration. Learn what Writing Invitations are, why they work, and how to use them to make your writing center a place kids actually want to visit. Topics Discussed: What Writing Invitations are (and what they aren't)How to set up Writing InvitationsReal examples of Writing InvitationsWhy Writing Invitations support emergent writing, creativity, and confidenceHow to shift expectations and honor scribbles, symbols, and early marks as real writingCommon pitfalls to avoid (like comparison and overcorrecting) Related Resources: Writing InvitationsFine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!Name Writing Notebooks Related Blogposts/Episodes: How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

Teaching preschoolers to write their names is about so much more than putting letters on paper. In this episode, we’re unpacking what really comes before name writing: the recognition, the fine motor readiness and the meaningful play that make writing feel exciting instead of frustrating. Listen in as I give you practical strategies to support your students at every stage - from recognizing their name in print to confidently building and eventually writing it. Topics Discussed: Recognition before formation.Before writing, we build - becoming familiar with their names.Hands-on beats pencil-down - strengthing fine motor skills and building letter memory.Are their hands even ready? - Pre-writing skillsWhat happens if we rush? Related Resources: Name Recognition ToolkitFine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing! Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s often misunderstood in early childhood education: the difference between handwriting and writing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve very different skills and understanding that difference can change the way you support your preschoolers. Topics Discussed: What handwriting and writingreallymeanWhy mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectationsHow each skill develops (spoiler: not at the same pace!)Simple ways to support both - without overwhelming young learners Related Resources: Fine Motor Build a SkillName Writing NotebooksWriting Invitations for the Writing CenterShared and Interactive Writing Related Blogposts/Episodes: How to Use Writing Invitations in PreschoolThings to do Before Teaching Name WritingWhat is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool?Stop! Don't Hand that Preschooler a Pencil Yet! Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

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 Simple Related Resources: Classroom Jobs ResourcePre-K Circle Time Resource Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

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 Blogpost Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

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 Blogpost Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

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 1 Related Resources: Two and Three Year Old Circle Time VisualsPre-K Circle Time VisualsVisual Schedule Blogpost Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

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 sanity Related Resources: Procedure VisualsMovement or calming promptsA visual scheduleA calm-down areaAnd wait-time games Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In today's episode we’re talking about the most overlooked, chaos-causing part of the preschool day: transitions. Those sneaky little in-betweens that can make or break your whole routine. If transitions feel like a daily disaster, I’ve got ideas to help you bring back the calm! Tune in! Topics Discussed: Why transitions are so tricky.Signs your transitions might be causing stress.What smooth transitions actually look like. Related Resources: Preschool Transition ToolkitFree Schedule Workbook + Visual Schedule CardsPreschool Procedure Cards Related Blogposts/Episodes: Blogpost: Building a Preschool Schedule that Works Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the updates that have been made to the Two & Three Year Old Curriculum! What if lesson planning did not have to be complicated? What if everything was done for you so that you could concentrate on the 100's of other things preschool teachers have going on? You want to deliver developmentally appropriate, meaningful, and manageable lessons every single day - let me help you! Tune in and I'll give you all of the details! Topics Discussed: Why I created this curriculum (and why I updated it).What's new inside the curriculum. Plus, the bonus features!Why this update matters for you. Related Resources: Early Learning Standards for Two and Three Year Olds by LCPRTwo and Three Year Old Pacing GuideFree Lesson Plan: All About Me Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how to build a preschool schedule that works for you—not against you. Because a great schedule isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the secret sauce that makes your day smoother, your students calmer, and your teaching time way more effective. Tune in! Topics Discussed: Why your daily schedule matters.4 big schedule mistakes and how to avoid them.How to build a schedule that actually works for you.How and why to use visuals. Related Resources: Create the Perfect Preschool Schedule Workbook + Visual Schedule Cards Related Blogposts/Episodes: Blogpost: Visual Schedules for PreschoolBlogpost: How Long to Schedule Centers Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast 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