How Preschool Teachers Do It
Episodes
378: How They View You with CIndy and Alison
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the How Preschool Teachers Do It Podcast, Cynthia and Alison discuss the stages through which children perceive their caregivers. J...
377: Purpose, Not Paperwork: Understanding Standards with Cindy and Alison
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you seen the standards that govern expectations for children's learning? Many people work with and raise young children without knowing the expec...
376: AI and Children's Toys with Cindy and Alison
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What's the difference between today's AI toys and talking toys from the past? Today's AI toys can learn from their interactions with children and adul...
375: Tech to Predict Tantrums with Cindy and Alison
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In a rare How Preschool Teachers Do It occurrence, Cindy and Alison disagree! In this episode, learn about the new tech being developed and decide how...
374: Let Them Eat Food with Cindy and Alison
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Children's basic needs must be met for them to be the best version of themselves. Join Cynthia and Alison for a discussion about what it looks like wh...
373: Two Truths and No Lies with Cindy and Alison
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the concept that two truths can coexist for children, their families, and their early educators simultane...
372: Clapping Games are Essential Learning with Cindy and Alison
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Clapping games are more than just a source of fun. Join Cynthia and Alison for a discussion about the skills built when we play clapping games and why...
371- Loss, Grief and Early Childhood with Cindy and Alison
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Note: The co-hosts of this podcast are not mental health professionals. If you or someone you love is struggling with loss and grief, please seek ...
370: Reframing Words Changes Actions with Cindy and Alison
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you say "centers," "houskeeping area," "show and tell," or other common early childhood words without thinking about whether they matter? What we s...
369: Early Lessons on Healthy Habits with Cindy and Alison
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are there lessons about taking care of yourself that you wish you had learned when you were younger? Did you understand why you were told to eat certa...
368: Nonsense Data with Cindy and Alison
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion of the abstract things we say to children and why that only provides them with "nonsense data."Check out our we...
367: The Unknown Sense of Interoceptive Awareness with Cindy and Alison
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know we actually have more than five senses? Interoceptive awareness is the ability to sense and interpret signals from within the body. Do yo...
366: Snake Oil in Early Ed with CIndy and Alison
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard about the salespeople long ago who would try to sell cures that did not work? Unfortunately, there are people who try to do the same th...
365: It's Not a Milestone with Cindy and Alison
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cynthia and Allison discuss that some activities we do are not essential milestones. Why do we do them? Do they still have value? Join us for a robust...
364: Sayings That Confuse Kids with Cynthia and Alison
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Adults use sayings to teach children life lessons, but do those sayings make sense to young children? Do the sayings even reflect real-life skills? Jo...
363: Infants and Toddlers and Trust with Cynthia and Alison
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Should we go to the crying child? What happens if we don't? Join Cynthia and Alison as they discuss Eric Erikson's theory of psychosocial development,...
362: What's In A Name with Cynthia and Alison
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you notice something different about our names in the title of this episode of the "How Preschool Teachers Do It" podcast? Join Cynthia and Alison ...
361: Rhyming and Alliteration with Cindy and Alison
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you rhymed with children and played the Name Game song together without knowing exactly why this is so important? In this episode of "How Prescho...
REWIND: Mixed Ages What Younger Kids Need to Know
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a Winter Break Rewind of the How Preschool Teachers Do It Podcast! Time travel back with us to episode 128 and find out what we discussed about s...
REWIND: The ABCs of Challenging Behavior with Cindy and Alison
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a Winter Break Rewind of the How Preschool Teachers Do It Podcast episode about the ABCs of Challenging Behavior. We are taking you all the way b...
360: Modern Packages, Fewer Skills with Cindy and Alison
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that the packages food and other products come in can build children's fine motor skills and independent abilities? What happens when the...
359: Today's Great Books with Cindy and Alison
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison discuss several children's books that did not exist when they were young but are valuable resources for teaching social-emotional ski...
358: Does Absence in Preschool Matter with Cindy and Alison
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison as they highlight the impacts of chronic absenteeism on children's development and learning, as well as strategies to combat thi...
357: Attend to the Aggressor with Cindy and Alison
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When children fight, everyone is struggling. We have been told for years to "attend to the victim," which is one piece of what is needed. The aggresso...
356: Feelings are Facts with Cindy and Alison
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has anyone ever said to you, "That's a feeling, not a fact." Exactly how dismissive does that feel? Of course it does, because your feelings and the e...
355: Through the Eyes of Each Child with Cindy and Alison
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No two children are alike, and no two children experience their early childhood program in the same way. Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss what th...
354: Infants, Toddlers and DAP with Cindy and Alison
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For years, we have done activities with infants and toddlers that were pushed down from what older children are ready to do. It is time we advocate fo...
353: Restore Reading with Cindy and Alison
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Research has revealed that there is a decline in parents reading to their children. Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss why this might be happening ...
352: Knowing or Accepting with Cindy and Alison
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing about something or someone is not the same as accepting them. Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss the distinction between having knowledge a...
351: Don't Be a Non-Responder with Cindy and Alison
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a responder or a non-responder? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the concept of responders and non-responders and how that impacts...
350: Guilt vs Shame with Cindy and Alison
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "How Preschool Teachers Do It," Cindy and Alison discuss the difference between guilt and shame, inspired by a quote from a TV show...
349: With Love with Cindy and Alison
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, we need to wait for a child's tantrum to end or for children to be ready to discuss their big feelings with us. The most important thing we...
348: Princess Lessons with Cindy and Alison
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Children love to pretend to be princesses (and princes). When they do, we are provided with teachable moments about the personalities and, perhaps, fl...
347: Expand Emotions Vocabularies with Cindy and Alison
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Children and adults use more than just the words on your emotions chart to describe how they are feeling. In this episode of "How Preschool Teachers D...
346: Trauma Diagnoses with Cindy and Alison
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that the type of ongoing trauma that children may experience is not its own diagnosis in the DSM-5? Join Cindy and Alison for their discussi...
345: When to Let Go with Cindy and Alison
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you thought about who should let go first when you interact with children? Who lets go of the hug or conversation? Join Cindy and Alison for a di...
344: Behavior Training Devices with Cindy and Alison
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's technological world, it is important to consider how using devices and apps impacts children's behavior and understanding of how the real w...
343: Are They Really Sensory Issues with Cindy and Alison
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, adults assume children are being stubborn, picky, and uncooperative when they actually may be responding to sensory input issues. Join Cind...
342: Here's The Magic Formula with Cindy and Alison
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At last, Cindy and Alison are ready to share the magic formula! Are you looking for a magic formula for addressing challenging behavior or for other c...
341: Acting As If with Cindy and Alison
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are human, so there are bound to be activities we enjoy doing with children more than others. We need to be careful not to send silent messages tha...
340: Tracking Your Wins with Cindy and Alison
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not every one of your accomplishments shows up on reports of children reaching milestones. Every day, there are quieter actions and interactions that ...
339: Curriculum Marketed to Families with Cindy and Alison
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just because they sell it and have marketing campaigns doesn't mean it's best for your children. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about what is ...
338: Generational Shifts Pt 2 with Cindy and Alison
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation with Cindy and Alison's millennial guest continues as they dive into the differences that technology has made in the lives of young c...
337: Generational Shifts Pt 1 with Cindy and Alison
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Instead of talking ABOUT millennials, in this episode, Cindy and Alison talk WITH a millennial. Join us for a discussion about what today's early lear...
336: Things We Don't Think Anymore with Cindy and Alison
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, information we think is true and have talked about for years turns out to not be so true. What do you think when a child "W" sits? What do ...
335: Are You Intentionable with Cindy and Alison
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In one of the best mashing of two words unintentionally, Cindy's colleague created a great, new word - Intentionable. Are you intentionable? Join Cind...
334: Theory of Mind with Cindy and Alison
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of Theory of Mind? Even if you haven't heard that phrase, you've likely seen it play out in your interactions with early learners. Cind...
333: What's Real Knowledge with Cindy and Alison
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don't let social media posts fool you into thinking memorization is real knowledge! Just because children can repeat what you say or do doesn't mean t...
332: This is Positive Guidance with Cindy and Alison
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most early educators and families know that positive guidance helps children learn about rules, boundaries, and expectations. Do you know the characte...
331: Documenting Vacations with Cindy and Alison
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the time of year when families plan their vacations. Let's encourage them to document vacations so their children can share their adventures with...
330: You Can Find Nature Everywhere with Cindy and Alison
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is so much young children can learn from being in nature and exploring all it offers. Luckily, nature can be found in every environment. Join Ci...
329: The Continuing Prevalence of Name Calling with Cindy and Alison
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The biter, the hitter, the runner, the climber...Why do some adults continue to label children this way? Would you do that to an adult? Join Cindy and...
328: Focusing Your Large Group with Cindy and Alison
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whenever you gather children for a large group experience, consider focusing the lesson moral development. In this episode, Cindy and Alison discuss w...
327: Spirit Tunnels in Preschool with Cindy and Alison
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you seen the viral spirit tunnel videos from the @JenniferHudsonShow ? What a great way to prepare her guests for a great interview... and fo...
326: Are The Wrong Children in Special Ed with Cindy and Alison
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some populations are underrepresented in special education classes, and others are overrepresented. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about being...
325: Why Kids Paint Themselves with Cindy and Alison
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have children who paint themselves instead of the paper? Do you remember covering your hand with @ElmersGlue and peeling it off? Join Cindy and...
324: Creating Brave Spaces with Cindy and Alison
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is a brave space, and why can that change how we perceive our early childhood settings? How can it help children meet the challenge of trying new...
323: Reducing Outdoor Stress with Cindy and Alison
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adults often think of recess or outdoor time as a fun time for all children. Some children, however, find the outdoor, free-play, slightly chaotic env...
322: Are Families Imposing On Other Families with Cindy and Alison
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has a family ever asked you to stop other families from allowing their children to watch particular TV shows? Has a parent ever asked you to tell othe...
321: Disorganized Attachments- Infants, Toddlers and Beyond with Cindy and Alison
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Secure, nurturing attachments are essential from the time children are infants and as they get older. In this episode, Cindy and Alison talk about the...
320: Make Teaching Topics Verbs with Cindy and Alison
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about the fact that most early childhood teaching topics are nouns? Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss how using verbs for te...
319: Not Everyone Wants the Spotlight with Cindy and Alison
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being good with your own company or solitude is beneficial to everyone, including young children. Some children want the spotlight and others do not. ...
318: Screen Time and Other Limits with Cindy and Alison
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It can be challenging to set screen time limits, but it is worth it! Cindy and Alison talk about the life lessons that come from teaching children tha...
317: Family Child Care Is Early Education, Too with Cindy and Alison
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Family Child Care providers are early educators! Join Cindy and Alison to learn more about these nurturing home settings and what a quality family chi...
316: Feelings: Permission Granted! with Cindy and Alison
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In prior generations, many children were taught to hide their feelings. We aren't going to do that anymore! In this episode, Cindy and Alison talk abo...
315: Infant and Toddlers Read Alouds with Cindy and Alison
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Picture books and naming objects is important for teaching vocabulary, but there is so much more we can do when we read aloud with infants and toddler...
314: Ask Them What They Need with Cindy and Alison
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When children are upset or in need in any way, we should avoid assuming how we can help. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about assuming nothing...
313: The Stuff That Is Disappearing with Cindy and Alison
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's children don't see coins, paper money, stamps, and other items or experiences that were part of our childhoods. Everyone is swiping, tapping, ...
312: The Confusion with Sharing and Turn Taking with Cindy and Alison
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharing and taking turns are two different actions, and one comes before the other. Join Cindy and Alison to examine these skills and ensure you are t...
311: Play Predicts Your Future with Cindy and Alison
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think about how you played as a child. Do you see connections to who you are today? For some people, it may be obvious. For others, it may not be as a...
310: Yes, They Can Say No with Cindy and Alison
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it wise to tell children not to say no to teachers or families? For generations, saying no to adults was seen as disrespectful. Cindy and Alison di...
309: The Dolls are the Children with Cindy and Alison
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Doll play may be more symbolic than you think! Cindy and Alison discuss how children use playing with dolls to figure out not only others but also the...
308: Visually Connect Ideas with Hexagons with Cindy and Alison
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Children benefit from visuals of all types, and making connections between ideas is no different. Using paper in the shape of hexagons, we can make a ...
307: Talking About Nursery Rhymes with Cindy and Alison
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nursery rhymes are fun for children to learn and have life lessons that we can introduce to children. Cindy and Alison have a great time reciting nurs...
306: Guiding Behavior While Respecting Cultures with Cindy and Alison
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we talk with children about their behavior, it is important to remember that different families and cultures may have their own values, prioritie...
305: Children Plan for Play with Cindy and Alison
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If we use morning large group time to allow children to plan their time during free play, will they build more skills and allow us to better understan...
304: Provocations vs Instructions in Early Education with Cindy and Alison
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Provocations challenge children to explore their interests in a deeper, meaningful, and self-directed way. Join Cindy and Alison to learn the differen...
303: What is Cooking with Kids with Cindy and Alison
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need a kitchen to cook with young children. Cooking activities should be done with early learners all the time! They build many skills, and ...
302: Sibling Rivalry and Individuality with Cindy and Alison
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sibling rivalry is common and part of typical development for many children. Join Cindy and Alison to learn one of the main reasons for sibling rivalr...
301: Separate Training is Not Always Equal with Cindy and Alison
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are reasons why early childhood staff members may be attending training with different facilitators or on different days. The same is true for f...
300: 300 Episodes- A Surprise to Us All with Cindy and Alison
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison discuss the inspiration behind the episodes in the podcast and how that can remind us all of the amazing early childhood education an...
299: Bring the Joy Back to Reading with Cindy and Alison
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is evidence that children are not reading and not enjoying reading as much as in the past. You may think this is due to technology, not it is no...
298: Yes, You Need Research-Based Standards with Cindy and Alison
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It can be challenging to shift our mindsets from relying on our experience with young children to relying on research-based standards and objectives. ...
297: Least Restrictive Family Involvement with Cindy and Alison
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should schools and early childhood programs have requirements for families that can limit their involvement in their children's early education experi...
296: What Does All That Stand For? The ABCs of ECE with Cindy and Alison
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No one loves initials or acronyms more that people who work in early childhood education. CITE, NAEYC, ABC, LRE, and a whole list of others can confus...
295: The Impact of Ignoring with Cindy and Alison
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For generations, adults thought ignoring behaviors was the way to teach children and change their behavior. That might work in the short term, but wha...
294: What ARE Sensory Experiences with Cindy and Alison
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Sensory" is a hot and sometimes misused word when products are marketed to families and early childhood programs. Join Cindy and Alison as they discu...
293: The Dress Up and Spirit Day Nightmare with Cindy and Alison
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dress Up and Spirit Days can be stressful for everyone involved. There has to be a better way to have community-building events! Join Cindy and Alison...
292: Trying to Force Families in with Cindy and Alison
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is your early childhood program trying to force families to attend events and meetings in person? Is this responsive to the needs of families? Join Ci...
291: Don't Call It Best Practice with Cindy and Alison
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we declare something to be "best practice," are we saying there is no other way to meet quality benchmarks? Join Cindy and Alison to consider tha...
290: Compliance vs Social-Emotional Development with Cindy and Alison
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about adults' goals when they deal with challenging behavior. Are they looking for compliance? Can we teach soc...
289: Forced Buddies with Cindy and Alison
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you imagine being forced to interact with people you don't like? It happens to children! Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about whether or n...
288: Where Are The Infant Toddler Credentials with Cindy and Alison
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The most rapid brain development takes place between birth and two years old; yet, infant-toddler staff may not have access to credentials to earn deg...
287: The Good Child with Cindy and Alison
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is labeling someone as "the good child" always good for them? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the impact of this seemingly good label we ...
286: It's a Character Takeover with Cindy and Alison
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Early childhood classrooms should have visuals of diversity among human beings. Join us for a discussion about a common trend of using cartoon charact...
285: The Ditch- Quotes from the Field Pt 2 with Cindy and Alison
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss another great quote from an early childhood education professional like you! This discussion focuses on a ditch ...
284: What You Give - Quotes from the Field Pt 1 with Cindy and Alison
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the best quotes come from early childhood education professionals working daily with educators, children, and families. Join Cindy and Alison ...
283: Indoor Activities in the Great Outdoors with Cindy and Alison
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's almost summer! It is time to think about bringing the same activities we do indoors to the outdoors. Cindy and Alison discuss the possibilities f...
282: Is Touch the Most Important Sense with Cindy and Alison
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If a child doesn't touch something, can they truly know it? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about touch and if it is, in fact, the most importa...
281: How to Motivate Young Children with Cindy and Alison
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Children need external motivation but we want them to also be internally or intrinsically motivated. Cindy and Alison discuss what children need to kn...