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.
How to Say “No” to Preschoolers Without Meltdowns
Friends, I have a question for you: Do you ever dread saying no to your students because you’re worried they might have a full on meltdown? I get you, I’ve been there too. Trying to say no to a child without having them throw a temper tantrum is a […]
What to Do When Your Students Wander Around the Classroom and Dump Toys
If you’ve ever wondered why your students wander around the classroom and just… dump their toys on the floor, then you’re not alone! Let’s face it, we’ve all had children in our classrooms wandering aimlessly from center to center pulling tubs of toys off the shelves without ever playing […]
What to Do When All Your Preschoolers Want to Go to the Same Center
If you’ve ever taught young children (and my bet is you have, since you’re listening to this podcast) then you’ve probably had your fair share of daily fires to put out. I feel you, I’ve been there too. It’s no secret that the daily life of an early childhood […]
Preschool Literacy Skills: What to Teach First?
Teaching young children literacy skills can be tricky. They’re such an important skill that it can become downright intimidating to teach them to your students. Which comes first? Letter names? Or letter sounds? The answers to those questions are tricky. Figuring out where to start can give even the […]
The 10 Best Winter Activities for Your Preschool Classroom
Does this sound familiar to you? While everyone else is out singing carols and decking the halls, you are barely keeping your head above water, because you’re trying to do all that plus prep all of your lessons and activities for the first week back after winter break. Just thinking […]
Managing a Temper Tantrum in the Preschool Classroom
Let me ask you this question. Have you ever had a child in your classroom get upset when they didn’t get their own way? If your answer is “yes” (and I’m sure it is), then this episode is for you! Why is that? Simply because in it, I’ll be discussing […]
Amazon Favs for Your Preschool Learning Centers
If you’re anything like me, then you love a good deal (and truth is, who doesn’t?) Which is why this is such an exciting time of the year. As someone who looooves a good deal, Cyber Monday is one of my favorite ways to find good deals on new materials […]
How to Help Bored Children Cope in the Preschool Classroom
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty certain hearing a student say “I’m boooooored!!” is every preschool teacher’s nightmare. I’ve been through this before, as have you, I’m sure. And, because of that, I know you can imagine the panic in every teacher’s head when those cursed words […]
How to Get Your Preschool Students Excited About Your Less Popular Classroom Centers
Imagine with me: You’ve got your preschool classroom all set up. The centers are stocked and ready to be used, full of materials you’ve purchased or made yourself. Everything is the best it could be, and you just can’t wait for your students to use and enjoy every single […]
12 Creative Thanksgiving Ideas To Spice Up Your Classroom This November
Curriculum themes and activities for fall and Thanksgiving for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten; November Preschool Themes; Pre-K fall activities.
Preschool Thanksgiving Activities: 4 Steps Towards Inclusivity
Whether you love pumpkin pie and turkey, or you dread family get-togethers, one thing’s for sure, Thanksgiving is almost here! What does this mean for early childhood teachers like you and me? Well simply… Thanksgiving activities and the dreaded extra work that comes with them. Being a preschool teacher […]
Keeping Restless Preschoolers Engaged With Fall Songs, Books, and Games
Are you still struggling to get your little ones to stay engaged with you in the classroom? Or maybe you’re wondering how you’re ever going to teach them anything at this pace? Well then, I’ve got the solution for you! Today, I’ll be sharing with you the best preschool activities […]
Set Up Your Preschool Classroom Art Area
Art center set-up ideas and pictures for your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom. How to create an inviting art center to support creativity. How to organize and store your art center supplies.
Process Art vs. Product Art: Which Is Better for Your Preschool Students?
Every pre-k teacher knows it, making art is a big part of preschool. It’s a great way for the children to be creative, enrich their imagination, and develop their fine motor skills in a fun and enjoyable manner. However, making sure your students are creating the right kind of art […]
Preschool Centers: To Combine or Not to Combine?
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of educational preschool centers you’re supposed to have in your preschool classroom, then you’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves facing a dilemma when setting up centers in our classroom: Should we have a separate area for each center? Or can […]
The Best (and Worst) Alphabet Activities for the Beginning of the Year
The beginning of the year is always tricky. There is so much to take care of, things to set up, new students to meet, etc… All of this stuff can be pretty stressful, but I’m here to make it just a little bit easier on you. Friends, today, we’re […]
My Top 4 Preschool Transition Tips for a Successful School Year
There are some things that will make or break you as a teacher, and transitions are right there at the top of the list for early childhood teachers. Every single day is full of transitions in preschool, so having a surefire list of tips that’ll help you make them […]
Preschool Procedures and Routines Checklist for the First Day of School
The new school year is here, and this means that, like every year, it’s now time for teaching all those important routines and procedures! You see, the life of a preschool teacher is not easy (no matter what some people might tell you). We have quite a few things to […]
36 Must-Read Interactive Books for Preschool Storytime
36 must-read interactive books for an engaging preschool storytime. The best fun and engaging interactive picture books to encourage student participation in preschool or pre-k.
Preschool Book Review: Black Boy, Black Boy, a Joyful Black History Picture Book
Want to add more diverse picture books to your classroom this year? Discover Black Boy, Black Boy, a beautifully illustrated children’s book with an uplifting message for all young children. This is the perfect picture book if you’re looking for inspirational stories that will resonate with all the students in […]