Elevating Early Childhood Podcast
Are you ready to teach better, save time, live more? I’m Vanessa Levin and here on Elevating Early Childhood, we believe in leveling the playing field and bridging the gap between the world of preschool, pre-k, and K-12 education.
Navigating Emotions: Making Sense of Anxiety in the Preschool Classroom
Discover practical skills and strategies to manage preschool anxiety in the classroom.
Social-Emotional Learning: Practical Steps to Cultivate Calm in Preschool
Explore some easy mindfulness strategies and how to set up a calming area with intention.
How to Teach Handwriting Skills in Preschool
Are you looking for information about how to teach handwriting to your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten students? Then you’re in the right place! There are many “great debates” in the field of early childhood and handwriting is right up there at the very top of the list. Here you’ll find […]
Managing Big Emotions in Preschoolers: Social Emotional Learning Tips for Teachers
All preschoolers have big emotions. But these days it can seem like the emotions are bigger and preschoolers are less able to manage them. How can you support little learners with big social emotional needs?
The Science of Play and Academic Success in Preschool
Everybody is talking about the Science of Reading – but what about the Science of Play? Why isn’t the early childhood world abuzz about this?
What Does It Mean to Be “Kindergarten Ready”?
What should preschool teachers focus on to prepare kids for kindergarten? Kindergarten-ready kids are those who have begun to develop executive function skills and social-emotional understanding.
Building Relationships with Challenging Families
Building relationships with challenging families may seem impossible. But when approached with empathy and understanding, it changes
Fine Motor Journals: 3 Reasons You Don’t Need Them
What are fine motor journals and do you need them? Learn the difference between real writing and handwriting – and more!
What to Do About Biting in Preschool?
What to do about biting in preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten. How to deal with kids who bite at home or in the preschool classroom.
My Step-By-Step Process to Improve Cleanup Transitions in the Preschool Classroom
Do transitions in your classroom have you at the end of your rope? Does it feel like you’re trying to herd kittens during arrival, dismissal, or cleanup time? Then I have two things to tell you: You’re not alone. I can help! You see, transitions are something that all early […]
My 5-Step Solution to a Loud Classroom
Friends, I have a question for you: Are the students in your classroom too loud? If so, then welcome to the club no one wants to join (yes, I have jokes). I can relate to students who have trouble keeping their outside voices where they belong, outside. And principals who […]
How to Use ASL in the Early Childhood Classroom
Friends, I have a question for you: Could your students use a little extra help paying attention during circle time? Are they constantly interrupting you? Or maybe they’re struggling to learn important academic skills? All right, that was more than one question, but you get the gist! Children have short […]
Playdough Center
Do your kids love playing with play dough in your classroom or at home? Here are some of my best tips for setting up and organizing your playdough center in your preschool or pre-k classroom. I have also added my favorite playdough recipe and tools to enhance student engagement in […]
The Top 3 Pitfalls to Avoid If You Want to Ace Your Formal Observation
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a teacher more than a formal observation. You’re exhausted from all the hours you spent creating the perfect lesson plans. You’re waiting anxiously with a dry mouth and sweaty palms for your principal to walk through the door. And there’s this sound […]
How to Create the Perfect Morning Routine for Your Preschool Classroom
Use morning work boxes to create a simple morning routine for your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom. Perfect for back to school!
What to Do When Parents Don’t Want Their Child to Participate in Holiday Activities
Friends, I have a question for you: Have you ever had a parent request that their child not participate in holiday activities in your classroom? If you’ve taught for any length of time, chances are you’ve encountered this issue before. But what can you do about it? And how […]
Bullying in the Preschool Classroom: What to Do When a Parent Tells You Their Child Is Getting Bullied
In the last two episodes, Dan St. Romain and I sat down and discussed everything from how to teach your students to become more independent to how to get them not to interrupt you during small group time. Today, he and I will be tackling another hot topic: What […]
How to Help Your Preschool Students Become More Independent
Let’s face it, teaching young children to be more independent isn’t easy. In fact, it’s one of those tasks that takes a lot of patience, hard work, and intention planning. But today’s your lucky day, because the brilliant Dan St. Romain is here to help break it all down […]
How to Reduce Interruptions During Small Group Time
It’s no secret that small group time can be challenging, even for the most seasoned early childhood teachers. Why is that? Simply because it’s not always easy to manage the other students while working with small groups, which means the possibilities for interruption can be… infinite. But what can […]
How to Redirect Students in the Preschool Classroom
Many early childhood teachers feel like a broken record. They’re always saying “no” and “no hitting” and “use your words,” etc… If you’ve been teaching preschool for a while, then you know that every day can be like a battlefield (full of cute children, yes, but a battlefield nonetheless). Our […]
