Advertise on podcast: Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Most preschool classrooms need routines, not more rules. When children aren’t doing what we expect, it’s tempting to add another rule: Don’t run. Don’t interrupt. Don’t dump the toys. Don’t leave that there. But rules and routines have different jobs. Rules establish the big boundaries of your classroom. Routines teach children what to actually do within those boundaries. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at why routines can make your preschool classroom calmer, more predictable, and more independent. When a behavior keeps happening, ask if there is a rule that hasn’t been taught yet. Topics Discussed: The difference between classroom rules and routinesWhy telling children what NOT to do isn’t always enoughWhy a routine needs to be taught and practicedHow visuals can help preschoolers as they become more independent Related Resources: Visual Procedure CardsThe First Six Weeks PlaybookCenter Expectation Visuals *NEW! Related Blogposts/Episodes: Classroom Management Isn’t About Finding the Perfect System—It’s About Having the Right FrameworkThe Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later 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

There is a big difference between telling children what to do and teaching them how to do it. In preschool, we give directions all day: “Clean up,” “Wash your hands,” “Choose a center,” And when children don’t follow those directions, it’s easy to think, “But I already told you!” The truth is, telling communicates an expectation. Teaching gives children the skills to meet it. In this episode, we are talking about the difference between telling and teaching. Plus, check out the new Center Expectation Visuals resource linked below! Topics Discussed: Why simple directions aren't always simple for preschoolersHow classroom routines and behaviors need to be explicitly taughtThe question to ask when you find yourself constantly correctingWhy teaching, reteaching, and practicing are necessary for independenceHow investing time in teaching routines now can reduce repeated corrections later Related Resources: Visual Procedure CardsThe First Six Weeks PlaybookCenter Expectation Visuals *NEW! Related Blogposts/Episodes: How to Teach Classroom ProceduresThe Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later 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

One of the biggest classroom management mistakes isn't having expectations. It's assuming children learned them because we explained them once. In this episode, we're talking about the difference between telling and teaching. Preschoolers don't automatically know how to line up, clean up, walk in the hallway, or participate during circle time. These are skills that must be intentionally taught through modeling, practice, coaching, and repetition. If you find yourself repeating the same directions all day, it may not be a listening problem. It may be a teaching opportunity. Topics Discussed: Why explaining a classroom expectation isn't the same as teaching itThe preschool mindset that changes how you approach behaviorWhy reminders alone don't help children master new skillsHow intentional instruction can reduce repeated corrections and build independence Related Resources: The First Six Weeks PlaybookWebinar: Stop Repeating Yourself All Day Related Blogposts/Episodes: I Open Centers on Day One—But I Don't Expect IndependenceThe Preschool Framework I Use Every Year 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

What classroom management system do you use? It's one of the questions I hear most often from preschool teachers. The answer may surprise you: I don't rely on one classroom management system. I rely on a framework: Build It. Teach It. Reinforce It. In this episode, we're breaking down why so many classroom management strategies fall apart and what teachers can do instead to create systems that actually work. Topics Discussed: How to create an environment that answers children's questions before they need to askWhy we can't expect children to know how to "do school" without intentionally teaching skillsHow successful classroom management happens through repetition and supportWhy teachers feel stuck when it comes to classroom management Related Resources: The First Six Weeks Playbook + BundleStop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Registration Related Blogposts/Episodes: Why Planning Classroom Management Before Day 1 Makes All the Difference 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

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "When do you introduce centers?" Many teachers are surprised by my answer: I open centers on Day One. But there's an important difference. I don't expect children to be independent on Day One. In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistakes teachers make when introducing centers, why preschoolers struggle during those first few weeks, and how you can teach center routines in a way that builds confidence instead of chaos. Topics Discussed: Why keeping centers closed can actually slow down learningWhy expecting independence too soon leads to frustrationThe skills children need before they can successfully work in centersHow to teach routines while children are actively playingWhy repetition and practice create lasting independence Related Resources: Preschool Centers Guide (free)First Six Weeks Playbook + BundleStop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Sign Up Related Blogposts/Episodes: Why "Just Go Play" Doesn't Work: Explicitly Teaching Center SkillsPreschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation? 5 Reasons Why Assigning Centers Can Backfire 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

Every summer, preschool teachers make ambitious classroom prep lists: Cut everything out.Laminate everything.Organize every bin.Create every center. But once school begins, many of those tasks suddenly feel far less important than they seemed in June. Instead of preparing endless activities, you'll learn why preparing classroom systems is what truly sets the tone for a successful school year. A classroom that runs smoothly can teach far more than a classroom that's constantly managing chaos. Topics Discussed: Why systems matter more than activities during the first weeks of schoolThe five classroom routines that create independence all year longHow fewer centers and fewer materials often lead to better learningWhat independence really looks like in a preschool classroomWhy the first month should focus on routines, relationships, and confidence before academics Related Resources: Classroom Management Bundle Related Blogposts/Episodes: The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes SenseHow to Teach Classroom Procedures 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

The teachers running the smoothest classrooms aren't usually the ones with the cutest classrooms. They're the ones who spent the first few weeks intentionally teaching children how the classroom works. In this episode, we dive into five common mistakes teachers make at the beginning of the year that often lead to behavior challenges, difficult transitions, dependence on adults, and classroom chaos later on. Plus, what to focus on instead to build a classroom that runs smoothly all year long. Topics Discussed: Why teaching routines matters more than teaching academics during the first weeks of schoolThe difference between telling children what to do and actually teaching a skillWhy opening every center and material right away can create unnecessary chaosHow independence develops through intentional instruction and practiceWhy many behavior challenges are actually teaching opportunities Related Resources: Procedure Card VisualsVisual Schedule CardsRules & ExpectationsTransition Time Toolkit Related Blogposts/Episodes: The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes SenseHow to Teach Classroom Procedures 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 Leave a Reply

You spent the time laminating the cards. You hung the visual schedule perfectly on the wall. But then? The kids barely looked at it. In this episode, let's talk about the five biggest mistakes teachers make with visual schedules and explain how to turn your schedule from a classroom decoration into one of the most powerful tools in your day. The truth is, visual schedules do not work automatically. They have to be taught, referenced, updated, and used consistently if we want children to feel safe and confident using them. Topics Discussed: Why visual schedules are importantWhy hanging a visual schedule is not enoughHow to teach children to use the scheduleWhy updating the schedule mattersWays to reduce transition anxiety Related Resources: Visual Schedule Cards Related Blogposts/Episodes: Why You Should Be Using a Visual Schedule 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

The summer slide is real. But turning summer into “homework season” is not the answer. In this episode, we’re talking about a better way to support preschool learning at home through simple, play-based activities families will actually use. If you’ve ever sent home workbook packets only to wonder if they ever left the backpack, this conversation is for you... Because preschoolers learn best through play, connection, conversation, and hands-on experiences, not pages of busywork. Topics Discussed: Why traditional take-home packets don't work for preschoolersWhat young children actually need to keep skills fresh over breakHow play-based family activities build math, literacy, and fine motor skillsDone for you take-home activities Related Resources: Family Learning Kits 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

If assessment season makes you want to shut your laptop and disappear for a while… you’re not alone. In this episode, let me break down why traditional assessment methods feel so exhausting! But more importantly, let me give you a better way to do it. You’ll learn a simpler, more effective approach that saves time, reduces stress for your students, and gives you data you can actually use to guide your teaching. Topics Discussed: Why assessing everything at the beginning of the year doesn’t workWhat to assess at the beginning, middle, and end of the yearThe “Storybook Method” for structuring assessment periodsWhy re-assessment is the missing piece most teachers skipHow to use assessment data to actually guide instruction Related Resources: Assessment and Portfolio Resources 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

What if the loudest, most chaotic corner of your classroom is actually where the deepest learning is happening? In this episode, we’re rethinking dramatic play and breaking the myth that it’s “just pretending.” Because when you take a closer look, you’ll see children building language, social skills, literacy, and real-world understanding through play. If you’ve ever felt pressure to replace play with more structured academics, this episode will help you see why dramatic play deserves a permanent place in your classroom. Topics Discussed: Skill Building in Dramatic PlayWhy engagement is naturally higher in play-based centersHow to set up your dramatic play area with intention Related Resources: Dramatic Play Bundle Related Blogposts and Episodes: The Importance of Changing out Play 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

Spring brings a noticeable shift in energy and it can leave even the most well-run classrooms feeling a little chaotic. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full reset to fix it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to refresh your preschool classroom in simple, manageable ways that actually work - without adding more to your plate. Because the goal isn’t to start over. It’s to work smarter with what you already have. Topics Discussed: Why spring behavior shifts are normal (and not a sign something is “wrong”)Why “new but familiar” is the key to better learningSimple ways to update your centers without extra prepWhy a plants theme is the easiest way to bring spring into your classroom Related Resources: Spring Resources that are done for you! 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

What does science look like in a preschool classroom? It’s not worksheets. It’s a child running across the grass with a kite they built themselves! They built it, tested it and discovered that it works! In this episode, we’re talking about how to move beyond “cute” spring activities and into meaningful science that actually builds cognitive skills. Topics Discussed: What real science looks like in preschoolWhy spring is the perfect time for scienceCenters vs. STEM ChallengesThe thinking skills hiding in spring scienceHow to make spring science simple Related Resources: Science Centers + STEM Challenges Bundle 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 the common "recognition trap" in early childhood education and why stopping at identification can limit deeper learning. You’ll learn a simple four-stage framework you can use to guide children from basic familiarity with a concept all the way to meaningful application. Let's bring clarity and calmness back to your planning! Topics Discussed: Why recognition is the starting line, not the finish lineThe difference between naming and true recognitionThe four stages of preschool skill developmentThe framework and how it supports differentiationSimple ways to get started Related Resources: Skill-Based File Folder 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 this episode, we’re breaking down how to scaffold name writing in a preschool classroom where readiness levels vary widely (because they always do). Let's discuss what the true progression of name writing looks like, how to structure a routine that supports mixed abilities, and what to do when a child simply isn’t ready yet. Because name writing isn’t a race. It’s a scaffolded skill and every child develops at their own pace. Topics Discussed: Why readiness for name writing varies so muchThe developmental foundations required before name writingWhat scaffolding name writing actually looks likeHow to build a name writing routine that works for everyoneWhat to do when a child isn't ready Related Resources: Name Learning Bundle 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