Podcast
Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Hosted by Ashley Rives · EN
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.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I Open Centers on Day One - But I Don't Expect Independence
2w ago00:13:59Tap to summarizeOne 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 independenceRelated Resources:Preschool Centers Guide (free)First Six Weeks Playbook + BundleStop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Sign UpRelated Blogposts/Episodes:Why "Just Go Play" Doesn't Work: Explicitly Teaching Center SkillsPreschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation? 5 Reasons Why Assigning Centers Can BackfireConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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What Actually Matters Before the School Year Starts
4w ago00:28:05Tap to summarizeEvery 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 academicsRelated Resources:Classroom Management BundleRelated 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 ProceduresConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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The Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later
Jun 1200:23:34Tap to summarizeThe 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 opportunitiesRelated Resources:Procedure Card VisualsVisual Schedule CardsRules & ExpectationsTransition Time ToolkitRelated 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 ProceduresConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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.comLeave a Reply
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5 Ways Teachers Are Using Visual Schedules Wrong (And What to Do Instead)
May 2700:17:15Tap to summarizeYou 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 anxietyRelated Resources:Visual Schedule CardsRelated Blogposts/Episodes:Why You Should Be Using a Visual ScheduleConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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What to Send Home This Summer (That Kids Will Actually Use)
May 1300:14:17Tap to summarizeThe 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 KitsConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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How to Make Assessments Feel Less Overwhelming (Without Skipping Them)
Apr 2900:14:38Tap to summarizeIf 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 instructionRelated Resources:Assessment and Portfolio ResourcesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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What Kids Are Actually Learning in Dramatic Play
Apr 1500:17:10Tap to summarizeWhat 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 intentionRelated Resources:Dramatic Play BundleRelated Blogposts and Episodes:The Importance of Changing out Play CentersConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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Small Spring Shifts, Big Classroom Energy
Apr 100:13:15Tap to summarizeSpring 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 classroomRelated Resources:Spring Resources that are done for you!Connect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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The Science of Spring: More Than Cute Crafts
Mar 1800:19:50Tap to summarizeWhat 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 simpleRelated Resources:Science Centers + STEM Challenges BundleConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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From Recognition to Application: A Better Way to Teach Preschool Skills
Mar 600:19:11Tap to summarizeIn 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 startedRelated Resources:Skill-Based File Folder GamesConnect with AshleyFollow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook GroupMore About the Lovely Preschool Teachers PodcastAre 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
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