Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Most preschool classrooms need routines, not more rules.

When children aren’t doing what we expect, it’s tempting to add another rule:

Don’t run.

Don’t interrupt.

Don’t dump the toys.

Don’t leave that there.

But rules and routines have different jobs.

Rules establish the big boundaries of your classroom. Routines teach children what to actually do within those boundaries.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at why routines can make your preschool classroom calmer, more predictable, and more independent.

When a behavior keeps happening, ask if there is a rule that hasn’t been taught yet.

Topics Discussed:

• The difference between classroom rules and routines
• Why telling children what NOT to do isn’t always enough
• Why a routine needs to be taught and practiced
• How visuals can help preschoolers as they become more independent

Related Resources:

• Visual Procedure Cards
• The First Six Weeks Playbook
• Center Expectation Visuals *NEW!

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Classroom Management Isn’t About Finding the Perfect System—It’s About Having the Right Framework
• The Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

There is a big difference between telling children what to do and teaching them how to do it.

In preschool, we give directions all day:

“Clean up,”

“Wash your hands,”

“Choose a center,”

And when children don’t follow those directions, it’s easy to think, “But I already told you!”

The truth is, telling communicates an expectation.

Teaching gives children the skills to meet it.

In this episode, we are talking about the difference between telling and teaching.

Plus, check out the new Center Expectation Visuals resource linked below!

Topics Discussed:

• Why simple directions aren't always simple for preschoolers
• How classroom routines and behaviors need to be explicitly taught
• The question to ask when you find yourself constantly correcting
• Why teaching, reteaching, and practicing are necessary for independence
• How investing time in teaching routines now can reduce repeated corrections later

Related Resources:

• Visual Procedure Cards
• The First Six Weeks Playbook
• Center Expectation Visuals *NEW!

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• How to Teach Classroom Procedures
• The Preschool Classroom Mistakes That Create Chaos Later

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

One of the biggest classroom management mistakes isn't having expectations. It's assuming children learned them because we explained them once.

In this episode, we're talking about the difference between telling and teaching. Preschoolers don't automatically know how to line up, clean up, walk in the hallway, or participate during circle time. These are skills that must be intentionally taught through modeling, practice, coaching, and repetition.

If you find yourself repeating the same directions all day, it may not be a listening problem. It may be a teaching opportunity.

Topics Discussed:

• Why explaining a classroom expectation isn't the same as teaching it
• The preschool mindset that changes how you approach behavior
• Why reminders alone don't help children master new skills
• How intentional instruction can reduce repeated corrections and build independence

Related Resources:

• The First Six Weeks Playbook
• Webinar: Stop Repeating Yourself All Day

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• I Open Centers on Day One—But I Don't Expect Independence
• The Preschool Framework I Use Every Year

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

What classroom management system do you use?

It's one of the questions I hear most often from preschool teachers. The answer may surprise you:

I don't rely on one classroom management system.

I rely on a framework:

Build It. Teach It. Reinforce It.

In this episode, we're breaking down why so many classroom management strategies fall apart and what teachers can do instead to create systems that actually work.

Topics Discussed:

• How to create an environment that answers children's questions before they need to ask
• Why we can't expect children to know how to "do school" without intentionally teaching skills
• How successful classroom management happens through repetition and support
• Why teachers feel stuck when it comes to classroom management

Related Resources:

• The First Six Weeks Playbook + Bundle
• Stop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Registration

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Why Planning Classroom Management Before Day 1 Makes All the Difference

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

One 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 learning
• Why expecting independence too soon leads to frustration
• The skills children need before they can successfully work in centers
• How to teach routines while children are actively playing
• Why repetition and practice create lasting independence

Related Resources:

• Preschool Centers Guide (free)
• First Six Weeks Playbook + Bundle
• Stop Repeating Yourself All Day Training Sign Up

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Why "Just Go Play" Doesn't Work: Explicitly Teaching Center Skills
• Preschool Centers: Free Choice or Rotation?
• 5 Reasons Why Assigning Centers Can Backfire

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

Every 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 school
• The five classroom routines that create independence all year long
• How fewer centers and fewer materials often lead to better learning
• What independence really looks like in a preschool classroom
• Why the first month should focus on routines, relationships, and confidence before academics

Related Resources:

• Classroom Management Bundle

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)
• Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes Sense
• How to Teach Classroom Procedures

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

The 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 school
• The difference between telling children what to do and actually teaching a skill
• Why opening every center and material right away can create unnecessary chaos
• How independence develops through intentional instruction and practice
• Why many behavior challenges are actually teaching opportunities

Related Resources:

• Procedure Card Visuals
• Visual Schedule Cards
• Rules & Expectations
• Transition Time Toolkit

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)
• Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes Sense
• How to Teach Classroom Procedures

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

Leave a Reply

You 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 important
• Why hanging a visual schedule is not enough
• How to teach children to use the schedule
• Why updating the schedule matters
• Ways to reduce transition anxiety

Related Resources:

• Visual Schedule Cards

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• Why You Should Be Using a Visual Schedule

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

The 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 preschoolers
• What young children actually need to keep skills fresh over break
• How play-based family activities build math, literacy, and fine motor skills
• Done for you take-home activities

Related Resources:

• Family Learning Kits

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

If 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 work
• What to assess at the beginning, middle, and end of the year
• The “Storybook Method” for structuring assessment periods
• Why re-assessment is the missing piece most teachers skip
• How to use assessment data to actually guide instruction

Related Resources:

• Assessment and Portfolio Resources

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

What 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 Play
• Why engagement is naturally higher in play-based centers
• How to set up your dramatic play area with intention

Related Resources:

• Dramatic Play Bundle

Related Blogposts and Episodes:

• The Importance of Changing out Play Centers

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

Spring 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 learning
• Simple ways to update your centers without extra prep
• Why a plants theme is the easiest way to bring spring into your classroom

Related Resources:

• Spring Resources that are done for you!

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

What 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 preschool
• Why spring is the perfect time for science
• Centers vs. STEM Challenges
• The thinking skills hiding in spring science
• How to make spring science simple

Related Resources:

• Science Centers + STEM Challenges Bundle

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

In 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 line
• The difference between naming and true recognition
• The four stages of preschool skill development
• The framework and how it supports differentiation
• Simple ways to get started

Related Resources:

• Skill-Based File Folder Games

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to scaffold name writing in a preschool classroom where readiness levels vary widely (because they always do).

Let's discuss what the true progression of name writing looks like, how to structure a routine that supports mixed abilities, and what to do when a child simply isn’t ready yet.

Because name writing isn’t a race. It’s a scaffolded skill and every child develops at their own pace.

Topics Discussed:

• Why readiness for name writing varies so much
• The developmental foundations required before name writing
• What scaffolding name writing actually looks like
• How to build a name writing routine that works for everyone
• What to do when a child isn't ready

Related Resources:

• Name Learning Bundle

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.”

Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away.

Topics Discussed:

• Why friendship drama increases as the year goes on
• What friendship skills actually are
• How to teach friendhip skills
• Why mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instruction
• One simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week

Related Resources:

• Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

January is long and your kids have way too much energy.

In this episode, let's talk winter themes like arctic animals and hibernation.

When you use play-based, intentional centers, winter becomes a time for deep engagement, meaningful learning, and calmer classrooms.

Topics Discussed:

• Why winter themes work so well in January
• The problem with relying only on “cute crafts”
• How to turn arctic animals and hibernation into skill -rich center work
• Practical winter center ideas you can use

Related Resources:

• Science Centers: Winter
• Science Centers: Hibernation
• Winter Writing Invitations
• Winter Dramatic Play Center
• Hunt the Room Winter

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

It feels like the perfect time for a little circle time check-in.

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been working well, what I’ve adjusted along the way, and the incredible growth I’ve seen in my students since August.

If you’re a teacher looking to make Circle Time more engaging, flexible, and responsive to your students’ needs, this episode will give you practical ideas and reassurance that evolving your routines is a good thing.

Topics Discussed:

• How circle time looked in August vs how it looks now
• What's working well mid-year
• What we've changed along the way
• The social, emotional, and academic growth that has come with circle time
• The resource that I use to help make circle time a success

Related Resources:

• Pre-K Circle Time Visuals
• Two & Three Year Olds Circle Time Visuals

Related Episodes:

• Podcast: The First Few Weeks of Circle Time

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

In this episode, we’re talking about how to turn story time into an interactive literacy experience without adding more to your prep list. I’m sharing simple ways to dig deeper into books, what happens when you re-read with purpose, and how I use Interactive Read-Aloud units to keep everything organized and joyful.

Topics Discussed:

• Why read-alouds are such an essential literacy tool in preschool
• What makes a read-aloud interactive
• How to structure a full week of learning around one book
• Why re-reading builds comprehension, confidence, and a love of books

Related Resources:

• Interactive Read Aloud Literacy Units

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/

In this episode, we are diving into Writing Invitations! We want children to be excited about writing, which means we need a playful, child-led approach without pressure, prompts, or frustration. Learn what Writing Invitations are, why they work, and how to use them to make your writing center a place kids actually want to visit.

Topics Discussed:

• What Writing Invitations are (and what they aren't)
• How to set up Writing Invitations
• Real examples of Writing Invitations
• Why Writing Invitations support emergent writing, creativity, and confidence
• How to shift expectations and honor scribbles, symbols, and early marks as real writing
• Common pitfalls to avoid (like comparison and overcorrecting)

Related Resources:

• Writing Invitations
• Fine Motor Build a Skill: do this before name writing!
• Name Writing Notebooks

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

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: https://www.lovelycommotion.com/