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Kindergarten Kept Simple — Education for Kids
Kindergarten Kept Simple

Welcome to the wonderful world of kindergarten…. kept simple! I’m Mariah, the creator of A Playful Purpose: Learning for Littles Inc. Kindergarten specialist turned curriculum writer. Mom, wannabe baker and lover of early 2000s Disney Channel (hello, Lizzie McGuire and HSM). Enthusiast of ponytails, pancakes and helping Canadian kindergarten teachers stress less by simplifying their planning and re-igniting their love of play-based learning. Here to help you take back your weekends and love teaching on week days. If you are a kindergarten educator spending too much time planning and feeling a little (or a lot) burnt out and you’re ready to feel excited about teaching again, and you’re looking for French and English play-based resources, simple but engaging activities and ideas, support and real connection and systems and routines that really work….then you’re in the right place! Kindergarten Kept Simple is all about helping YOU re-ignite your love for early learning by removing the stress of searching for resources and planning for play-based learning. By implementing simple systems, reliable routines and not re-inventing the wheel, you can leave work at the bell and leave your prep to prep time. Sound too good to be true? I thought so too. But after years feeling burnt out and on the brink of stress leave, I finally realized that teaching didn’t have to be like this. Now that you’re here, I’ll show you the way.Each episode will be an easy listen that will hopefully inspire you and brighten your day. From interviews with people who amaze me to learning about early years education, this podcast is perfect for anyone with littles in their life. And with that it’s time to dive right in! Let’s get this party started. Welcome to Kindergarten Kept Simple.

Copyright: © 2023 Kindergarten Kept Simple

Latest Episodes:

Mastering the Art of Running Effective Team Meetings with Katie Crichton May 15, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever feel like a meeting should have just been an email? You're not alone! On this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple, we're joined by Katie Crichton, a team lead and kindergarten teacher in Guelph, Ontario. Whether you're a team lead or not, Katie's tips will help you communicate more effectively with your direct teaching team and become a leader in your school community. Katie shares her top tips on how to run an effective team meeting, from having a plan and knowing your audience to being mindful of time and staying on track.

Katie's Tips on How to Run an Effective Team Meeting:

Have a plan and co-create the meeting's agenda with your team.Know your audience and focus on mentorship or streamlining tasks accordingly.Be mindful of time and offer to talk to team members one-on-one after the meeting.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about running an effective team meeting with Katie!

Want to learn more from Katie? Join her at Camp Kinder this summer to learn how to rock your teacher performance appraisal! Her session will cover how to achieve each competency, what to do with your next steps identified, and how to pre-teach and prepare your students for your evaluation.

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Katie here:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kt_in_kinder/

Demystifying Effective Guardian Communication in the Classroom May 01, 2023

Show notes

Effective communication with parents and guardians can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! Jasmine from First Grade Frenchies joins us on this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple to debunk some of the myths and misconceptions about effective communication with parents and guardians. Jasmine is an Ontario educator who takes pride in establishing strong and respectful relationships with the guardians of her students.

Jasmine's Three Myths About Effective Guardian Communication:

Myth 1: Guardian communication needs to be constant and highly involved

Oversharing every detail of the day-to-day activities can be overwhelming and difficult to sustain over time. Instead, share important updates and highlight standout activities in your classroom. As the professional, trust your own judgment and don't feel the need to seek validation or feedback from parents and guardians constantly.

Myth 2: No news is good news

Don't limit your communication with parents and guardians to only moments of crisis or concern. Sharing positive updates, such as a little note to let parents know their child is working hard and succeeding at school, can go a long way in establishing positive and open relationships. This also helps ensure that the lines of communication are already open if any concerns do arise in the future.

Myth 3: Guardians are constantly criticizing our methods

It's natural to feel insecure about one's teaching methods, but it's important to remember that guardians are ultimately on your team. Most parents simply want to know that their child is safe, learning, and well-cared for.

Join Jasmine at Camp Kinder this summer to learn more about creating strong relationships with the guardians of your students. Her session will cover:

Feasible ways to establish strong relationshipsSteps to achieve strong and open relationships with parents and guardiansHow to address concerns with guardians and avoid conflictCommon FAQs related to guardian relationships

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Jasmine here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstgradefrenchies/
Blog: https://www.firstgradefrenchies.com/
TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/First-Grade-Frenchies-8532

The Wonder Wagon: Tips for Effortlessly Incorporating Outdoor Learning Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

As educators, we know how important it is to create dynamic and engaging learning opportunities for our students. And when it comes to outdoor learning, using a wonder wagon can be a game-changer! In this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple, we talk with Kat from Je Me Demande about her experience using a wonder wagon in her outdoor learning program and why it's so important to keep things simple.

Kat, one of the first educators to truly embrace outdoor learning and the use of a wonder wagon, shares her number one tip based on years of experience. Whether you go out daily or once a week, using a wonder wagon can make your life so much easier! It's perfect for last-minute inspiration, keeping track of materials, and helping students become more independent in their learning.

So, what's the most important thing to remember for your wonder wagon? According to Kat, it's all about simplicity. By removing hurdles and obstacles to our planning, we're significantly more likely to actually follow through. Kat's must-have staple wonder wagon items include clipboards, writing utensils, bug catches, magnifying glasses, and math measurement materials.

Listen in on this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple to hear more about how to effortlessly incorporate outdoor learning with a wonder wagon.

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Kat here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/je_me_demande/
TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Je-Me-Demande

Embracing Inclusion and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Insights from Zara, Kindergarten Teacher Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

As educators, we all want to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment for our students. But what does it mean to truly embrace inclusion and cultural responsiveness? In this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple, we talk with Zara, a kindergarten teacher in York region, about her experience growing up Muslim in the Canadian school system and how this has shaped her approach to teaching.

Zara remembers feeling like she never quite fit in or felt comfortable sharing her own experiences and preferences with her peers and teachers. She was often embarrassed and wanted to hide aspects of her life, such as her music taste, diet, and clothing. Zara also faced blatant racism from some teachers, who put her on the spot and asked her to explain why 9/11 happened in front of the class.

Now, as an educator, Zara is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for her students, where they can feel affirmed and celebrated for who they are. She consciously plans her program in kindergarten with this goal in mind and uses her experiences as a guide to inform her teaching.

Catch Zara at Camp Kinder this summer, where she'll be leading a session on culturally responsive pedagogy in kindergarten. She'll share her insights on how to deconstruct the Eurocentric curriculum, affirm the identities of students in your class, and implement strategies and anecdotes that work from her own classroom.

Catch Zara at Camp Kinder this summer for her session about culturally responsive pedagogy in kindergarten. Her session can’t be missed! Tune in to her workshop to learn about:

>> Deconstructing the Eurocentric curriculum

>> Affirming the identities of students in your class

>> Strategies and anecdotes that work from her own classroom
Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Zara on instagram here

Embracing Movement and Dance in the Classroom: Tips and Tricks with Nicole from Harmony Dance Company Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

Teaching dance and movement can be intimidating for many educators, but it doesn't have to be! In fact, incorporating rhythm, dance, and movement into your daily routine can be fun, engaging, and extremely beneficial for your students. In this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple, we talk with Nicole, an Ottawa kindergarten teacher and founder of Harmony Dance Company, about her top tips for bringing movement and dance into your classroom.

Nicole's philosophy is all about creating a safe and inclusive space for students to explore their bodies and express themselves through movement. From freeze dance to teaching socio-emotional skills through movement, Nicole shares her insights on how to make dance a fun and accessible part of your classroom routine.

Nicole's Top Tips to Incorporate More Movement into the Classroom:

Play freeze dance to teach body awareness and safety, and introduce new vocabulary.
Use dance to teach socio-emotional skills and promote self-expression.
Model dance and movement yourself, and encourage your students to follow along.

By incorporating movement and dance into your classroom, you can build confidence, promote self-expression, and create a positive and energizing environment for your students. Nicole recommends adding movement to your schedule every single day in kindergarten, and even starting your day with a few minutes of dance to wake everyone up and create a strong, positive start to the day.

Want to learn more about incorporating movement and dance into your classroom? Join Nicole at Camp Kinder this summer, where she'll share even more ideas and strategies for bringing rhythm, movement, and dance to your students.

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Nicole:

Dance with Harmony Dance Company here

Harmony Dance Company on IG

Creating an Effective Classroom Environment: Tips and Tricks with Amanda from Creative Kindergarten Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

The classroom environment is one of the most important, but often overlooked, factors that can drastically change the way your classroom runs. But this doesn’t mean that we need to be spending 100s of dollars on baskets and mood lighting and picture perfect centres to establish a more effective classroom environment. It’s all about figuring out what works for your students, your routine and YOU as an educator.

Today we are joined by Amanda from Creative Kindergarten who is sharing her top 3 ways to create a more effective classroom environment! With just a few small changes to how you see your role and your priorities, you can change up how you use the vertical and horizontal spaces in your room to truly create a more effective classroom environment easily and quickly!

Amanda’s Tips for a More Effective Classroom Environment:

>> Use your bulletin boards to display student work. Students love to see themselves represented in their own space! Hang up their art or photos of their creations and watch how they actively engage with and refer to the space rather than having the display fade into the background and be ignored.

>> Display photos of your students at work. They will be drawn in and use the opportunity to reflect, consolidate and re-engage with the topics and work shown in the photos! This is a rich opportunity to increase their sense of belonging and investment in their own learning.

>> Have as many materials accessible to students as possible. Scissors, markers, pencils, math manipulatives, loose parts- everything your students need can be at their fingertips to encourage them to be autonomous and independent! Start small with this and be very explicit in your instruction and in your expectations.

Learn more in this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple with special guest Amanda!

Want to learn more about creating an effective classroom environment? You’re in luck! Amanda will be joining us for the second time at Camp Kinder in July 2023. Her session will focus on:

> What resources to have available to students

> How to re-think the classroom environment so it truly works for you and your students

> Creating an environment that is accessible and welcoming

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Amanda here:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/creativekindergartenblogontpt/

TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten

Blog: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/creativekindergarten

Exploring the Magic of Story Workshop Using Loose Parts with Marissa Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

Looking to integrate more play and creativity into your classroom? If so, you might want to check out story workshop using loose parts! It's a fantastic way to encourage your students to explore their imagination and express their ideas in fun and meaningful ways, regardless of their age or skill level.

To help you get started, we invited Marissa, a passionate French Immersion teacher and loose parts expert, to share her story workshop cart and tips for building a successful loose parts program in your school.

With over 70 bins of loose parts and a variety of backgrounds, Marissa's story workshop cart has become a popular and practical resource for her students and colleagues. By using clear stackable bins and a sign-up system, Marissa ensures that her students have easy access to the materials they need and are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

To create your own story workshop cart using loose parts, Marissa suggests starting small and building your collection over time. You can also pilot the project in your own classroom first and use your success stories to persuade your school, district, or parent council to invest in more loose parts for your students.

According to Marissa, "Everything is a loose part. It's anything small that can be manipulated and can be explored." So, whether you're using shells, buttons, sticks, or legos, you can encourage your students to think creatively and engage with the world around them in a new and exciting way.

To learn more about story workshop using loose parts and Marissa's tips on using loose parts on a budget, check out this episode of Kindergarten Simple. Plus, don't miss the chance to join Marissa at Camp Kinder this summer and attend her masterclass on loose parts. You'll learn all about storage, where to buy loose parts, how to get started, and other creative ways to use loose parts in your classroom

Learn more about Camp Kinder and get on the waitlist for early bird pricing here: campkinder.ca

Connect with Marissa:

Blog: https://www.mmemarissa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmemarissa

TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mme-Marissa

Tips to transform from a grumpy snowman to a winter play enthusiast Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

I think we can all pretty much agree it's easy to get outside with our kindergarten students when it's 18 degrees, blue skies and sunny. Everyone loves a beautiful day spent outside! But the truth is the value of outdoor learning remains the same year-round… regardless of the temperature or the colour of the skies.
And while bundling up in wet snow pants and covering your face with a scarf so tightly that your best friend wouldn't even recognize you isn't something I especially look forward to, I do have tips to transform from a grumpy snowman to a winter play enthusiast!

Need a refresher (or need to remind your parents why playing outside in the winter still happens even when its -10)? Here are a few of my go-to talking points:

>> Outdoor learning gives us an appreciation for ALL seasons and develops our resilience for when conditions aren't picture perfect

>> We need space to move, jump, run, yell and explore all our gross motor skills

>> We can breathe more deeply and energize our bodies when we are outside

>> Taking a break from our learning space helps us focus and turn our minds on when we return

>> Developing our curiosity for the natural world is an important part of our development as global citizens and scientists

I know it's easier said than done when the sky is grey, the winds are howling and a big part of you wants to just stay inside and extend playtime. So, here are some of my tips to transform from a grumpy snowman to a winter play enthusiast:
>>> Dress warmly (duh?). You'd be surprised HOW much of a difference it makes when you yourself are appropriately dressed for the outdoors. Kindergarten is not a fashion show. Put on your thickest socks, warmest boots, snow pants, sweater, scarf, coat- everything. This models to our littles that we need to protect our bodies and will help you actually enjoy being outside.

>>> Spice up your play area. Do you have access to the field at your school? The side lawn? Play in new areas to help keep everyone moving and exploring. You might even find some areas have better shelter from the wind!

>>> Have some “go-to” ideas for your friends who will approach you and say they are cold. Bring some magnifying glasses, scavenger hunt cards or toy animals outside with you for impromptu activities. Often “I am cold” really means “I am bored”.

>>> Speaking of being cold! Remind your families you'll be going outside. Remind them again. Ask for too small mittens and hats to be sent in as extras for other students if they have any lying around and use the lost and found to add extra layers to your students who aren't prepared for the weather if need be.
Alright. You in? Well, I have 15 winter play ideas for you! Stay warm, engaged and inspired with this set of Winter Play Ideas that will have you suiting up and heading outside with your class faster than you can say "pass the hot chocolate".
This resource contains 15 play ideas that require minimal supplies and little to no planning. Simply pick the idea you want for the day and away you go. No more wondering "what are we going to do today" before your outdoor learning block or dreading another day standing around in the cold of your yard.

Your littles are sure to love these Winter Play Ideas. Click here to grab it and let's get outside!!
Love this episode? You'll also love:
-Getting Admin on board with Outdoor Learning
-Outdoor Learning Made Easy: How To Create

Report card writing tips for stress-free kindergarten COLs Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

I know it's not the most… fun… topic, but I have to say something because it's that time. Communication of Learning time. And as much as I would like to pretend this time of year doesn't exist, it does. So I am coming to you with report card writing tips for stress-free kindergarten COLs.
Not an Ontario educator? COL stands for Communication of Learning and it's essentially up to 4 pages of written commentary per student in your class divided into the four frames of the Ontario FDK program.
They are asset based, observation driven and supposed to include quotes and anecdotes for each frame. If this sounds like a lot to you, that's because IT IS!

And this is exactly why I wanted to share my report card writing tips for stress-free kindergarten COLs.
To start things off, I want you to remember that writing 100% unique and brand new comments for every single student in your class is not the goal, nor is it reasonable or a good use of your capacity.

And with that I bring you:
MARIAH'S REPORT CARD WRITING TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE KINDERGARTEN COLs!
>> Use skeleton comments BUT have very specific examples and anecdotes for every single student so you can ensure they are accurate and personal
>> Make this ^ easier by having an idea for the comment you want to write, and then sitting down for an entire play-block (or two) and collecting evidence to fill in that blank. You'll be surprised how many solid examples you can find when you have a specific focus and are actively looking.
>> Go through your documentation at least a week before you sit to write your reports. Notice which students you are lacking data from and focus on collecting some that week.
>> Don't reinvent the wheel for each student. Pick a way of phrasing the expectations you are focusing on for that frame and use it over and over. You will personalize using concrete examples, not changing your verbiage for the expectation and introduction for no reason.
>> Have your students describe themselves to you. You can make this a circle activity! I love using this for belonging and contributing. You can then use their own words in their comment, and add your own. Simply change up the adjectives and you have a lovely, warm personal note for every student in your class.
Seriously, these tips changed the game for me when I realized I didn't want to spend 40+ hours writing reports every term. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how I sped up my report card writing process so significantly and stopped using MULTIPLE weekends to write my reports each term.

And I can help you even more! My comment builder is my best selling product on TpT and educators LOVE using it to help make their report writing significantly easier and faster. This product was created to help you start a solid framework for your reports in no-time at all.
You will get:

A non-editable PDF of 50 pages containing skeleton comment builders for Ontario Kindergarten Report Card Comments!
You will notice that there are blanks in this document where you will fill in specific examples that further support your comments for each student.
Thorough and thoughtful COL comments include specific anecdotal evidence, so, the best practice would be to include at least one concrete example in each frame.
It also contains advice and information on how to document throughout the year in order to prep for and support report writing.

Let's get your reports done and off your list!

Quick and easy math talks with kinders Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

How do you feel about planning for math for your kindergarten class? I'll level with you: math phobia is REAL and a lot of adults have insecurities when it comes to teaching math to our littles. But it doesn't have to be this way! Let's shift our mindset so we can create little learners who love math and are ready to take on all the challenges that come hand in hand with more advanced math concepts over the years by using quick and easy math talks with kinders.

New to math talks?
It can sound a little daunting and hard to plan for, especially if you have a little math anxiety, but they were actually my favourite kind of circle to lead in kindergarten! Quick and easy math talks with kinders are essentially any time you let your littles take the lead after introducing a new concept or idea. You let them think it out, reflect and share their thoughts. I like to record these ideas on a chart paper with some sort of visual symbol to help us remember what we've talked about.

Math talks can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like and the best part is they do not require prep. Sure, you might have to grab a few random items, but really that's all there is to it.

Here are some ideas for my favourite and super simple math talks:

🔣 Use the website “which one doesn't belong” and pick a picture to show your class. Project it onto the screen as talk about which of the 4 choices is different than the others and why!

🔣 Put a group of objects (rubber ducks were always my go to- easy to see, easy to grab) in the middle of the carpet and count them out. Have everyone close their eyes and then change the number by removing or adding ducks. Count them out together and model how to write number sentences.

🔣 Place a group of objects closer and farther apart, then compare different groups of objects with the same quantity. Notice that they are the same even if one group takes up more space.

🔣 Pick a number and have it be the focus of the day. Practice representing it using symbols, words, fingers, drawings etc.

Listen in to this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple for all the details on how I run my quick and easy math talks for kinders so that you are ready to jump in and try it for yourself!

Love this but want even more detail and even less work for you? You're in luck! I planned your math talks for you.

Inside my flagship program Kinder Planned ✔️ there are weekly math lessons written out for you AND they come with consolidation student work for your littles to complete after your talk. This is key for making sure everyone learned something, and to help with your assessment.

Kinder Planned ✔️ includes a different lesson for whole group instruction, in the way of daily workshops, for each day of the month. It's based on this schedule:

Monday - Writing

Tuesday - Math

Wednesday - STEM

Thursday - Gross or Fine Motor

Friday - Art
I'd love to welcome you into the program and take planning for math (and everything else) OFF YOUR PLATE for the rest of the year. Click here to join Kinder Planned ✔️.
Want to try it out first? I got you! Click here for two weeks of sample plans so you can see for yourself just how amazing this program is first hand.

Ps. You can learn all about using weekly workshops to consistently support students in this episode of Kindergarten Kept Simple
Have a question about Kinder Planned, Math Talks or just about anything else? Let's chat! Send me an email at mariah@aplayfulpurpose.com

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