In episode 170 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss developmental milestone checklists, and how educators can use them to support families and caregivers.  > Looksee checklists: https://lookseechecklist.com/en/  > CDC Developmental Milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2mo.html  > ELECT document: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/excerpts-from-elect-022363  > Bright Futures Well-Child Visit Handouts: https://publications.aap.org/patiented/pages/Well-Child-Visit-Handouts  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 169 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give you my best strategies for making it through the winter months and snowsuits! How can you feel less stressed and help your students be succesful? Listen to this week’s episode to find out! To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 168 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I engage in a moment of self-reflective practice and give my views on celebrating holidays this winter season! I discuss centering Christmas, Elf on the Shelf and more! To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 167 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer the questions I get asked most by kindergarten educators. Let’s talk free-choice centers, transitions, and vocabulary instruction! > Join me for Camp K3’s Snow Day: https://camp-kinder-snow-day.teachery.co/ck3-snow-day?a=emDLf7QR  > Free Choice Centers blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/free-choice-centers-kindergarten/  > 3-Day Read-Aloud blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-read-alouds/  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 166 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss the different lessons I incorporate into my high-frequency word instruction. From decoding practice to teaching various spelling rules - you can easily differentiate and enhance your lessons! > Phonics Tips of the Week: https://www.instagram.com/creativekindergartenblogontpt/guide/phonics-tips-of-the-week/17983051547157967/   To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 165 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over the vocabulary surrounding the high-frequency words that we teach our students. What do all these words mean and how do we teach our students to read them? Listen to find out! > The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists: https://amzn.to/3FMWDH4  > Heart Word Method: https://www.reallygreatreading.com/heart-word-magic  > Sight Word Mini Books: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Sight-Word-Mini-Books-for-Sight-Word-Practice-BUNDLE-7457198  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 164 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss explicitly teaching foundational skills in a play-based learning program with Kate Winn. We cover phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, content knowledge, writing and more!  > Find Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katethismomloves/ > Find Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisMomLoves  > Find Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thismomloves  > ONlit website: https://onlit.org/  > 7 Mighty Moves Book Study: https://onlit.org/event/seven-mighty-moves-books-club-session-1/2023-09-30/  > Reading Road Trip podcast: https://reading-roadmap.castos.com/  > Anita Archer Vocabulary Instruction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr7yRYegjb8  > Bringing Words to Life book: https://amzn.to/45EicVw  > Text Talk with chapter books: http://thismomloves.ca/2022/06/chapter-book-read-alouds-for-kindergarten.html  > CKLA Units: https://www.coreknowledge.org/curriculum/download-curriculum/b  > Writing Revolution book: https://amzn.to/3reYIYx  > The Syntax Project: https://thesyntaxproject2022.squarespace.com/thegrammarproject  > The Ladder of Reading: https://dyslexiaida.org/ladder-of-reading-infographic-structured-literacy-helps-all-students/  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 163 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share an energizing conversation with Maxine about outdoor learning and creating a sense of place for students. We discuss the how of teaching and learning in the natural environment, and give strategies and advice on how to start! > Find Maxine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theteachingtaurus/  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 162 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I chat with Jamie about how to find different roles in education that you can take on outside of the classroom. We share tips and advice about the different ways we have been able to connect with other educators and how that has impacted our careers. > Find Jamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.teaching.learner/ > Find Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-philip-9a29a22b/  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 161 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Veronica about different neuromyths that are popular in the education world. We discuss learning styles, dyslexia, how much of our brain we use, and so much more.  > Find Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mme_doyle/   > Dispelling the Myth: Training in Education or Neuroscience Decreases but Does Not Eliminate Beliefs in Neuromyths article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01314/full  > Teaching to Diversity by Jennifer Katz: https://amzn.to/45q9pWM > Sometimes Reading is Hard by Robin Bright: https://amzn.to/3YCdfK3  > Building Brains Together: https://www.buildingbrains.ca/ > Building Brains free online courses: https://www.buildingbrains.ca/courses > Brain Story free course: https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/training/ To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 160 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Krista about using visuals in the classroom to support students. We go through the what, where, how and who of using visuals so that you can feel comfortable using them in your classroom! > Find Krista on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsreidsroom/  > Krista’s TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrsreidsroom  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 159 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer all of your questions about setting up and using a sound wall in your kindergarten classroom. I go over the why, when, how and what of sound walls! > Create a Sound Wall blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/sound-wall/  > Sound Wall Posters and Headers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Phonics-Posters-and-Word-Wall-or-Sound-Wall-Headings-7021171  > Reading Rockets Sound Wall article: https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness/articles/transitioning-word-walls-sound-walls    To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 158 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over my September morning routine. The activities and songs I do, the routines I teach and everything else that goes into planning my morning meeting. > Morning Meeting Ideas blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/morning-meeting/  > Good Morning Train song: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjC-un4j1V0/  > First Letter of Your Name song: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ciw9SIrDuCV/    To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 157 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the different ways that I find ideas when I am planning activities and centers for my students. Coming up with new learning experiences can seem overwhelming, but there are lots of ways we can make it easier. > Creative Kindergarten’s Monthly Idea List #1: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creative-Kindergartens-Monthly-Idea-List-with-Centers-and-Provocations-8254303  > Creative Kindergarten’s Monthly Idea List #2: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creative-Kindergartens-Monthly-Idea-List-2-with-Centers-and-Provocations-9802308    To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 156 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look at the Ontario Grade 1 Language curriculum through the lens of kindergarten. What does it change about our program? What does it mean for whole and small group instruction? What are my thoughts on the changes? Listen to find out! > Ontario Language Curriculum, Grade 1: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-language/grades/grade-1/home > Part 1 of the Ontario Language Curriculum podcast episode: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/ontario-language-curriculum-what-does-this-mean-for-kindergarten-part-1-ep-155/  > Language Foundations Continuum: https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/fbd574c4-da36-0066-a0c5-849ffb2de96e/40b5962e-3559-4e59-ba47-0b26f689b0e0/Foundations%20Continuum_2023.pdf  > Heggerty phonemic awareness assessment: https://heggerty.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Form-A-Kindergarten-Phonemic-Awareness-2021.pdf  > Next STEPs in Literacy Instruction book: https://amzn.to/3O2Ja1n > 3-Day read-alouds blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-read-alouds/   To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 155 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I dive deep into the Ontario Kindergarten Program literacy frame to discuss the changes that need to be made. I reflect on which steps you can take to align your lessons to a structured literacy approach and how we can ensure we are following the science of reading. > Ontario Language Curriculum, Grade 1: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-language/grades/grade-1/home > Comparing Science of Reading Courses podcast episode: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/comparing-science-of-reading-courses-ep-115/  > Phonics Routine blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-phonics/ > 3-Day Read-Alouds blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-read-alouds/ > Oral Language Skills podcast episode: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/oral-language-skills-and-thanksgiving-ep-87/ > UFLI phonics scope and sequence: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UFLI-Scope2.pdf > Heggerty Phonological Awareness scope and sequence: https://heggerty.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-Kindergarten-Curriculum_Scope-And-Sequence.pdf > Free 10-Part Video Series: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/ontario-kindergarten-program/   To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 154 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through my Professional Portfolio and update it with you. This document highlights my strengths as an educator and is a useful tool in my professional career. > Professional Portfolio blog post: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/my-professional-portfolio/  > Professional Portfolio podcast episodes: Episode 33: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/professional-portfolio-ep-33/  Episode 74: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/updates-to-my-professional-portfolio-ep-74/  Episode 114: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/updating-my-professional-portfolio-ep-114/ > Canva tutorial: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/free-nature-number-printable/    To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 153 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the professional development that I have done this past year and what I am looking forward to accomplishing this upcoming year. > 3-Day Read-Alouds Scholar’s Choice Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/266/5vpx0f0n  > Sign up for Camp Kinder: https://bit.ly/CKCK23  > Comparing Science of Reading Courses podcast episode: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/comparing-science-of-reading-courses-ep-115/  > Free 10-Part video series: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/ontario-kindergarten-program/  > Canadian Geographic Education Summer Conference: Professional Development | Canadian Geographic Education (cangeoeducation.ca)   To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 152 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I am preparing for my summer break by organizing and reflecting. I want to set myself up for success and recharge over the next two months, so I do some things that help me with that! > 3-Day Read-Alouds Scholar’s Choice Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/266/5vpx0f0n  > Sign up for Camp Kinder: https://bit.ly/CKcampkinder23  > Professional Portfolio: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/my-professional-portfolio/  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 151 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about how I clean up the classroom for the end of the school year! It’s almost time for summer break, and I am ready to pack up for summer break. What does this look like for me? I’ll let you know in this week’s episode! > 3-Day Read-Alouds Scholar’s Choice Webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/266/5vpx0f0n  > Sign up for Camp Kinder: https://bit.ly/CKcampkinder23  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com

In episode 150 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look back on this school year and reflect on how my programming has grown and changed. A core part of my practice is ensuring that I am constantly evolving and tailoring my classroom to fit the needs of my students. How did I do that this past year? Listen to find out! > 3-Day Read-Alouds: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/kindergarten-read-alouds/  > Heart Word method: https://www.reallygreatreading.com/heart-word-magic  > Problem-Solving Task Cards: https://creativekindergartenblog.com/ep-141-problem-solving-skills/  > Mitten State Teacher’s Interventions on the Go: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonological-and-Phonemic-Awareness-NO-prep-Interventions-and-Activities-6919830  To join in on the conversation with me, you can find me on: Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creative-Kindergarten Instagram: @creativekindergartenblogontpt Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekindergartenbyamanda Blog: creativekindergartenblog.com