Creative Kindergarten

172 - Are you still excited about picture books?

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 172 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on the decline in excitement around new picture books for educators! What do you thin...

171 - Updates to the Ontario Kindergarten Program Document

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 171 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I am so excited to talk about the announcement to update the Ontario Kindergarten Program! >...

170 - Developmental Milestone Checklists

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 170 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss developmental milestone checklists, and how educators can use them to support familie...

169 - Snow pants Weather

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

168 - Winter Holidays Reflection

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

167 - Answering Your Questions!

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 167 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer the questions I get asked most by kindergarten educators. Let’s talk free-choice cen...

166 - High-Frequency Words Lessons

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 166 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss the different lessons I incorporate into my high-frequency word instruction. From dec...

165 - Sight Words, High-Frequency Words, Irregular Words

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 165 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over the vocabulary surrounding the high-frequency words that we teach our students. What ...

164 - Explicit Instruction in a Play-Based Program with Kate

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 164 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss explicitly teaching foundational skills in a play-based learning program with Kate Wi...

163 - Outdoor Teaching and Learning with Maxine

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 163 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share an energizing conversation with Maxine about outdoor learning and creating a sense of p...

162 - Finding Your Passion in Different Roles Outside of the Classroom with Jamie

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

161 - Busting Neuromyths with Veronica from Mme_Doyle

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 161 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Veronica about different neuromyths that are popular in the education world. We dis...

160 - Using Visuals with Krista from MrsReidsRoom

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 11 Book Club - Conclusion

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 11 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, I reflect on the learning that I have done throughout the book, and how it has changed and enh...

159 - Using a Sound Wall

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 cla...

Ep. 10 Book Club - Writing Development Among English Learners

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 10 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 10 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I think back t...

158 - September Morning Routine

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

157 - Getting Ideas for Planning

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 9 Book Club - Spelling Development Among English Learners

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 9 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 9 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I discuss the di...

156 - Ontario Language Curriculum: What does this mean for kindergarten? (Part 2)

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 156 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look at the Ontario Grade 1 Language curriculum through the lens of kindergarten. What does i...

Ep. 8 Book Club - Reading Comprehension Among English Learners

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 8 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 8 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Since our kinder...

155 - Ontario Language Curriculum: What does this mean for kindergarten? (Part 1)

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 155 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I dive deep into the Ontario Kindergarten Program literacy frame to discuss the changes that nee...

Ep. 7 Book Club - Vocabulary Instruction Among English Learners

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 7 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 7 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Vocabulary has b...

154 - Professional Portfolio Update

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 154 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through my Professional Portfolio and update it with you. This document highlights my stre...

153 - Professional Development

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 6 Book Club - Reading Fluency Among English Learners

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 6 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 6 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I haven’t put ...

152 - Summer To-Do List

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 su...

Ep. 5 Book Club - Phonics Development Among English Learners

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 5 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 5 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I am so excited ...

Ep. 4 Book Club - Phonological Awareness Development Among English Learners

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 4 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 4 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. I reflect on my ...

151 - End-of-Year Clean-Up

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 fo...

Ep. 3 Book Club - Components of Literacy Instruction for English Learners

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 3 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 3 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Literacy instruc...

Ep. 2 Book Club - Language and Literacy Development

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 2 of Creative Kindergarten’s Book Club, we read and reflect on chapter 2 of Literacy Foundations for English Learners.  There are many...

150 - Reflections from the Year

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 1 Book Club - Introduction to the Literacy Foundations for English Learners

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Creative Kindergarten’s first episode of Book Club! I am so excited to embark on this amazing professional development with you and rea...

149 - Ideas for the Last Weeks of School

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 149 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over some of the fun things that I like to do at the end of the school year to keep studen...

148 - Making it to the End of the School Year

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 148 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give my tips and strategies for making it to the end of the school year with your mental heal...

147 - Alphabet Countdown to the End of the School Year

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 147 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over what I have done in the past for my Alphabet Countdown to the end of the school year....

146 - Supply Plans

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 146 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through the information that I leave for a supply educator in my handbook. What I think is...

145 - Educator and Part-Time Nurse

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 145 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the need to know basic first-aid, and how to calm a student down when they are hur...

144 - Fine Motor Skills

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 144 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on all the important fine motor work I have done with my students to ensure that they...

143 - Spring in Kindergarten

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 143 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I celebrate the arrival of spring! I love this time of the year with my students when we are ab...

142 - Earth Hour, Month, Day

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 142 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share my thoughts around teaching during Earth Hour, Month and Day. How can we ensure that ou...

141 - Problem-Solving Skills

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 141 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on my own practice when teaching problem-solving skills to my students. How can we expl...

140 - Pink Shirt Day

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 140 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss Pink Shirt Day and the implications it has for our practice all year. How can we teach ...

139 - Working Relationships in Kindergarten with Annabelle from Miss Perston

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 139 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Annabelle about how we can work to build effective and healthy partnerships with our ...

138 - Embedding Art Into Your Kindergarten Program with Sophia from Creative Kids Co.

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 138 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk with Sophia about introducing art materials and techniques with Sophia from Creative Kids ...

137 - Teaching Self-Regulation Skills with Avery and Alannah from Gentle Teachers

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 137 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss self-regulation skills with Avery and Alannah. We talk through strategies that we use a...

136 - Setting Up Routines and Expectations for Outdoor Learning with Lauren from Mentoring Nature Connections

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

first step to creating a successful outdoor program. Lauren gives us the tools and the confidence to bring the learning outside! > Find Lauren on I...

135 - Story Workshops with Marissa from Mme Marissa

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 135 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I have an amazing discussion with Marissa from Mme Marissa about Story Workshops. We talk through...

134 - Decodable Books

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 134 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss decodable texts! I go over how I use them in the classroom and where I have found decod...

133 - Literacy Scope and Sequence (Scarborough’s Reading Rope)

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 133 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over my literacy instruction and how I embed Scarborouh’s Reading Rope into my day. Listen...

132 - Alphabet Celebration

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 132 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share the activities that we did to celebrate learning the alphabet! We learned the basic conso...

131 - Christmas in Kindergarten

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 131 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share my thoughts and reflections on how Christmas is celebrated in kindergarten classrooms. Ho...

130 - Next Steps in Literacy Instruction

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 130 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look at what my next steps are in my literacy instruction for my students. I discuss what I am ...

129 - 3-Day Interactive Read Alouds

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 129 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about how I have incorporated a 3-day interactive read-aloud into my classroom routines. A...

128 - Finding Balance as an Educator with Kat from Je Me Demande

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 128 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I get inspired to go outside and find balance in my teaching life with Kat from Je Me Demande. We...

127 - Learning with Loose Parts with Sarah from Loose Parts of Kinder

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 127 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reaffirm my love of loose parts with Sarah from Loose Parts of Kinder. We discuss how to store,...

126 - Teaching in Community with Nicole and Sydney from Kind Kindies

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 126 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk communities and dramatic play with Sydney and Nicole from Kind Kindies. We had such a fun ...

125 - Parental Involvement and Music with Amy from 123 Petits Pas

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 125 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I have a fantastic conversation with Mme Amy from 123 Petits Pas. We discuss involving families i...

124 - Do we need follow-up activities?

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 124 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I work through my reflections on the follow-up activities that kindergarten educators love to do!...

123 - A Look Back on the First Weeks of School

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 123 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look back on the first week of school. What were some of the positives? What did we do? What ar...

122 - Set Up Provocations

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 122 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about setting up provocations for learning in my kindergarten class. How do I know what to...

121 - Advice for New Kindergarten Educators

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 121 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share my advice for new (or returning) kindergarten educators. I also read advice that other ed...

120 - Classroom Set-Up

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 120 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give my thoughts on setting up your classroom. As we start looking at the beginning of the scho...

119 - What My Day Looks Like

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 119 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I outline a schedule of my school day to give you ideas on how you  can structure it. I talk...

118 - Ideas for Back-to-School

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 118 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss what I do to get ready for back-to-school season. I give my tips and advice for the fir...

117 - What I Want to Start, Stop and Continue Next Year

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 117 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look back on last school year and think about what I want to start, stop or continue! What will...

116 - Professional Development Goals

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 116 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I think about the professional development goals I want to set for myself this year. I let you kn...

115 - Comparing Science of Reading Courses

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 115 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss the 3 Science of Reading courses that I have completed. I hope to give you a better und...

114 - Updating my Professional Portfolio

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 114 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go through the updates that I am making to my professional portfolio this year. Every summer, I...

113 - 3 Literacy Whole Group Activities

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 113 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share 3 literacy activities I’ve done with my students during whole group lessons. They were ...

112 - Outdoor Education Reflections

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 112 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I look back on a year of outdoor education. We spent this school year building our students’ se...

111 - Balanced Literacy Shift

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 111 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I delve into the latest updates from Lucy Calkins and my perspective as someone who has only very...

110 - Teach Coding Skills

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 110 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about the different coding activities that I do with my students. I give no tech ideas, ap...

109 - Shared Space

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 109 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give you my advice and perspective for educators that are working in a shared space. If you are...

108 - Alphabet Countdown

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 108 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I tell you how I easily plan for the end of the school year with a fun alphabet countdown. It mak...

107 - Earth Day

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 107 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give my honest thoughts and opinions on how Earth Day can be observed and taught in kindergarte...

106 - Documenting 101

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 106 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I delve into the world of documentation. I go into the why, what and how of documenting in the cl...

105 - My Literacy Instruction Routine

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 105 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over my current literacy instruction routine. I have been changing things up as the year has...

104 - Vocabulary Instruction

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 104 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I highlight some shifts I am making in my instruction to include quality vocabulary words. > S...

103 - Noticing and Naming Learning

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 103 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss how noticing and naming learning during play-based learning centers can impact your tea...

102 - Adult Expectations for Students

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 102 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on my practices in the kindergarten classroom around the expectations I set for student...

101 - Teaching Vowel Sounds

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 101 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I walk you through how I am teaching vowel sounds to my students. We have finished learning the a...

100 - Your Questions About Centers Answered!

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 100 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer the questions that I get asked the most about running kindergarten centers. I go through...

99 - Getting Students to Log In

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 99 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I interview Jenn from Books & Bytes about how she gets kindergarten students excited to log in...

98 - February Happenings

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 98 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about all the different events and observances that are happening in the month of February....

97 - Outdoor Learning Part 2

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 97 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share my ideas and learning around outdoor education! I give my thoughts about what it can look ...

96 - Goals for the new year

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 96 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss some of the professional goals I am setting for myself for this upcoming school year. To...

95 - Teaching Math

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 95 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I share resources on how to teach math in kindergarten. Episode 60: Math in Kindergarten: https://...

94 - Your Teaching Toolbox

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 94 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on classroom management and some of the teaching tools that I am using this year. Shop t...

93 - Dramatic Play

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 93 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I tell you about the dramatic play area in my classroom. I recently added 2 items to it that have ...

92 - Mental Health and Well-Being

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 92 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I discuss the importance of mental health for educators. I dive into how I take care of my own wel...

91 - Parent-Teacher Interviews

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 91 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I give my advice for conducting stress-free interviews. What I do to prepare, what I say (or don’...

90 - My Progress With Structured Literacy Instruction

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 90 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on my Structured Literacy Instruction. I talk about things that I am learning, what I ho...

89 - A Hard Reset

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 89 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about how we had to hit the reset button with our class. Setting up a foundation of expecta...

88 - Flow of the Day

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 88 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I go over what our school day schedule is like and what it looks like in comparison to the flow of...

87 - Oral Language Skills and Thanksgiving

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 87 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I reflect on two different topics that have come up in our classroom this past week. I discuss how...

86 - Orange Shirt Day

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 86 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about what I am planning for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in my kindergarten c...

85 - First Week of School

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 85 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I talk about my first week back to school and what I did with my students. I had a great time refl...

84 - Back to School Q&A

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 84 of the Creative Kindergarten Podcast, I answer questions about kindergarten back to school time! I talk about flow of the day assessment...