Best Zeba McGibbon Podcasts (2024)

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44. 7 Activities for Your First Month of Kindergarten 15:53

2h ago15:53

15:53

In this episode, we discuss 7 vital activities for a successful kindergarten year. We highlight building a classroom community, introducing alphabet concepts, math exploration, social-emotional learning, preparing for guest teachers, and providing a First Month of Kindergarten Survival Kit. In this episode I share: Building Classroom Community Intr…

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43. Building Strong Classroom Management 16:32

7h ago16:32

16:32

Get rid of the clip charts and public behavior displays! We need to understand behavior as communication and advocate for a problem-solving approach. In this episode, we explore effective classroom management strategies, and highlight the inefficacy of quick-fix systems. It is important to invest time in proactive measures rather than implementing …

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42. Do’s and don’ts of Classroom Decor 17:52

7d ago17:52

17:52

In this episode, we discuss classroom decoration dos and don'ts from a kindergarten teacher's perspective. We want to create purposeful decor, avoiding overstimulation, and prioritizing student needs over personal aesthetics. Tips on cost-effective decoration and fostering student ownership are shared, encouraging a student-centered approach to cla…

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41. Back to Basics: Classroom Organization 18:37

19d ago18:37

18:37

This episode covers key insights on effective classroom organization for kindergarten teachers. I discuss the importance of using visual labels to aid student independence and emphasize font readability and supply organization based on traffic flow and subject areas. I also explore strategies for managing shared materials, stressing the separation …

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40. Drama Games in the Classroom with Sam from Pocketful of Drama 24:48

22d ago24:48

24:48

Join me on Kindergarten Cafe as I chat with Sam Marsden about the magic of drama games for young learners. We explore the benefits of imaginative play, the power of repetition, and how drama boosts empathy and confidence. Sam shares tips for hesitant teachers and introduces her book "Drama Games for Early Years." In this episode we share: Benefits …

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39. Using Seesaw for Improving Family Communication 13:51

1M ago13:51

13:51

In today's episode, we explore the benefits of using Seesaw as a communication tool among teachers, students, and families. I discussed how Seesaw facilitates the sharing of students' learning experiences with their families, promoting engagement and connection. By guiding the integration of Seesaw into the classroom, I highlighted the importance o…

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38. Bringing Cooperation Into the Classroom with Cara from Transforming the Toddler Years 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

In today’s episode, I have Cara from @core4parenting here to discuss the importance of the four C's in managing conflicts in the classroom and nurturing teacher-student relationships. We emphasize mutual respect, open communication, and honesty to build strong connections with students, encouraging collaborative problem-solving for impactful learni…

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37. Misconceptions of Early Childhood Educators 18:34

2M ago18:34

18:34

Today I want to talk about the misconceptions that people have about early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers. Specifically my biggest pet peeves when it comes to the responses I get from telling people I teach kindergarten. I wonder if we have the same responses. I'm so curious. Make sure you send me a DM after the episode @Kindergarten…

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36. Easy Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged in Lessons with Lindsay from Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode, I chat with my Instagram friend, Lindsay from Sweet ‘N’ Sauer Firsties about strategies for enhancing student participation. Lindsay is a first-grade teacher with a decade of experience, who emphasizes engaging all students in learning through techniques like giving think time before answers and incorporating movement activities. S…

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35. 10 Movement Breaks for the End of the Year 20:23

2M ago20:23

20:23

We have come to that time of year where attention spans are few and far between. Curriculum is wrapping up and we find extra time in our day with highly energized kiddos. In this episode I want to discuss the importance of movement breaks for engaging kindergarten students, especially towards the end of the school year. I provide you with various a…

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34. Easy Engagement Strategies 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, I share effective strategies for maintaining student engagement during lessons, particularly as the school year progresses. I provide practical tools and tips for teachers to use when students show signs of losing focus. You can enhance engagement by adjusting volume, speech speed, and incorporating interactive…

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33. Creating a Child - Centered Classroom with Holly from Research and Play 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode, I have my teacher friend, Holly, from Research and Play on the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. We explore the significance of purposeful classroom setup, focusing on child-centered approaches including the Reggio Emilia method. Holly stresses designing rather than decorating the classroom, using natural materials to stimulate learning. …

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32. Stress-Free End of the Year Tips 25:13

3M ago25:13

25:13

Join me in this episode for strategies on ending the school year stress-free. Keep students engaged with choices and themed days. I also provide many tips to help you prepare for the next year by decluttering and communicating with parents. Cherish moments with students and share this episode with fellow teachers for more tips. In this episode I sh…

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31. Strategies for Teaching English Learners 18:03

3M ago18:03

18:03

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, we explore the topic of supporting multilingual learners in the classroom. We highlight the importance of fostering strong relationships and creating a safe environment for these students. Strategies such as using gestures, visuals, and pair work are discussed to help newcomers feel included and com…

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30. Earth Day Magic in Kindergarten 14:36

3M ago14:36

14:36

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, I discuss the significance of Earth Day. I share how I incorporate Earth Day activities into my classroom to teach students about environmental awareness and taking action to care for the planet. From observing nature and cleaning up litter to planting and creating art projects with earth-friendly messages, I p…

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29. Loving Teaching While Using New Curriculum with Mona from Honest Math Chat 35:06

4M ago35:06

35:06

This week I have Mona from Honest Math Chat on to discuss navigating new math curriculums. Mona is a former math avoider, teacher & instructional coach in Chicago. Her passion for math came when she discovered how to engage every student in a subject she, too, disliked. Through intentionally changing her math class to help students BE mathematician…

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28. The Chick Life Cycle Unit is Pure Kindergarten Magic 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

Join us in this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, where we dive into the enchanting world of the Chick Life Cycle Unit, a magical experience for students and educators alike. We explore the journey of hatching chicks in the classroom, from sourcing eggs to nurturing the hatchlings. I share personal experiences and educational insights, guid…

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27. Child-Led Play and Learning with Melysa from PRE-K Spot Talks 31:30

4M ago31:30

31:30

In this episode, I chat with Melysa, a Pre-K teacher, discussing the essence of child-led teaching. Melissa shares insights on balancing play and curriculum, incorporating student interests into learning, and the magic of letting children explore and discover. She highlights the importance of fostering curiosity and independence, showcasing the bea…

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26. What to Do When a Child Cries All the Time 13:25

4M ago13:25

13:25

This episode is a sneak peek at a workshop I did on what to do when a child cries all the time. We explore effective strategies for supporting children who cry frequently and the importance of recognizing crying as a form of communication in children. I offer tips on how to respond calmly and empathetically. This portion of the workshop introduces …

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25. How to Teach Addition in Kindergarten 16:29

5M ago16:29

16:29

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, I go into the foundational aspects of teaching addition to kindergarteners. Emphasizing the progression from concrete objects to abstract representations, I want to stress the importance of utilizing diverse strategies like counting all, counting on, and drawing to foster understanding. We also disc…

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24. Using Writing Goals to Empower Young Writers 13:58

5M ago13:58

13:58

Today on the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, I explore the benefits of implementing writing goals to support young writers in kindergarten. Writing goals are instrumental in helping students focus on specific skills during the writing process, enabling them to track and improve their progress. These goals act as reminders for both students and teachers,…

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23. The Power of Dramatic Play in the Classroom 15:53

5M ago15:53

15:53

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, we discuss the importance of having a dramatic play center in the classroom. Dramatic play allows children to try on different roles, understand social situations, and promotes language development. It also integrates math and literacy, and encourages children to take ownership of their learning. We…

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22. Self-Regulation and Impulse Control in Kids 19:33

5M ago19:33

19:33

In this episode, we discuss teaching students self-regulation and impulse control strategies. We emphasize the importance of helping students recognize their body's needs and provide specific strategies for calming down or getting energized. Introducing engaging activities like the opposites game and the bubbles challenge to promote impulse control…

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21. Kindergarten Water Adventures 15:27

6M ago15:27

15:27

In this episode, I share ways to teach students about water through engaging activities. From the changing states of water, to conducting fun experiments on absorption, sinking/floating, and melting. These experiments encourage the students to make predictions and challenge their expectations. In this episode I share: Students' initial ideas and mi…

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20. Teaching Students to Persevere 13:40

6M ago13:40

13:40

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, we discuss teaching persistence to students by embracing challenges and reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth. I emphasize the importance of finding a balance between tasks that are too easy and too difficult, and I provide some recommended books and resources to promote a growth mindset an…

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19. Easy Block Area Ideas 17:01

6M ago17:01

17:01

Do you have a block area? I think classrooms are slowly getting rid of them because they need space for more academics, or they don't have time for play, but I have a whole chunk of the classroom designated for a block area. Hopefully this podcast episode will inspire you to find space for a block area, even if it's temporary. Think about all the b…

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18. Math Intervention for Kindergarten 16:13

6M ago16:13

16:13

Today I would love to talk to you about how to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to math intervention with our kindergarten students. This would also be relevant for kindergarten, first, and second grade. Math intervention is something that we definitely need to be always thinking about. We want to think about how best to support the needs of…

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17. Celebrating 100 Days of Learning 12:46

6M ago12:46

12:46

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, we explore the excitement of the 100th day of school. We discuss traditions, advocate for a growth mindset, and share activities like crafts, counting exercises, and imaginative projects with 100 items. I also reveal a huge pet peeve of mine, something that really, really bothers me. In this episode…

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16. How to Best Manage Centers as a Classroom Teacher: Part 2 of A Conversation With a First Year Teacher 25:02

7M ago25:02

25:02

This is part 2 of a conversation I had back in November with a first year kindergarten teacher during one of my coaching sessions. During this part of the conversations we talk all about how to manage centers as a classroom teacher. In this episode we cover: The structure of centers How I structure my reading, writing, and word work and make planni…

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15. Working Smarter, Not Harder in Kindergarten: A Conversation with a First Year Teacher 39:52

7M ago39:52

39:52

Back in November I had the pleasure of meeting with a first year kindergarten teacher, during one of my coaching sessions. Because I get so many questions regarding literacy, centers, writing…you name it, I felt it would be great to air this coaching session as an episode. I hope you find this conversation helpful with things you may struggle with …

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14. Post-Winter Break Expectations Reset 12:39

7M ago12:39

12:39

In this episode, we discuss the importance of refreshing expectations after the winter break. As teachers, we shouldn't assume that everything will be fine when students return to school, so it's crucial to proactively remind them about the classroom expectations to avoid behavior problems. I suggest starting the first day back by reviewing and rei…

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13. Exploring Number Relationships: Creative Activities for Kindergarten Math 17:05

8M ago17:05

17:05

In this episode of the Kindergarten Cafe podcast, we dive into the topic of understanding number relationships in math. It is crucial for students to grasp concepts such as number order, what numbers come before and after, and understanding what numbers are more or less. This foundational skill sets the stage for learning addition and subtraction. …

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12. The Magic of Teaching in December with Gingerbread and Winter Holidays 18:06

8M ago18:06

18:06

In this episode, we explore the magic of December in the classroom. We highlight the importance of inclusive learning about winter holidays, focusing on the gingerbread theme. We engage in reading, writing, and math activities centered around gingerbread, while celebrating holidays from around the world. Emphasizing diversity and encouraging studen…

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11. Empowering Educators with Effective Student Progress Tracking 20:39

8M ago20:39

20:39

Hey teacher friends, today we are talking about tracking student progress. This is a question that comes up a lot for teachers about the best ways to track student progress and I've got a lot of tips and tricks in here for you. I want to emphasize the need to assess students based on the skills they need to learn in kindergarten and ascertain their…

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10. Kindergarten Shape Adventures: Engaging Hands-On Learning 17:03

9M ago17:03

17:03

Hey teacher friends! In today's episode we are talking all about teaching shapes, specifically 2D shapes with students early on in the year. This is one of the first units that I do with my students, and it's something that a lot of them come in knowing a good amount about. We can take what they already know and extend it to some deeper understandi…

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9. Kindergarten Life Cycle Activities: Unlocking the Magic from Frogs to Flowers 16:30

9M ago16:30

16:30

In this episode of Kindergarten Cafe, we delve into the captivating world of life cycles in the kindergarten classroom. Life cycles are a fundamental aspect of teaching science to students, as they provide valuable insight into the changes and growth that occur in living organisms, as well as their basic survival requirements. Witnessing the marvel…

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8. Exploring Counting Math Centers in Kindergarten Classrooms 20:50

9M ago20:50

20:50

In this episode we are talking all about one of the really foundational math skills that kids learn in kindergarten, which is counting. Some kids who come to us totally already get this skill and know how to count up to 100 plus, and some kids struggle with it more than others. So we're going to break apart this big concept into all the components …

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7. Supporting Striving Writers 20:53

9M ago20:53

20:53

Today we are talking about how to support our beginning writers in kindergarten. Writing is the hardest time of day for many of our students, and that completely makes sense. Think about all the executive function skills that you need in writing. You need to be able to stop your impulses and sit still and plan out what you're going to write. Figure…

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6. Introducing Felipe the Feeling Frog 13:32

9M ago13:32

13:32

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you today on the Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. After years of hard work, I am proud to announce that I have written and published a series of 12 children's books! These books are part of the social-emotional curriculum that I provide on my website and on Teachers Pay Teachers. Each book in the seri…

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5. Supporting Kids Who Fight at Recess 16:43

10M ago16:43

16:43

Hey there, teacher friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast. Today, we're tackling a common issue that many of us face: supporting kids who struggle with recess. We all know that recess can be a challenging time of day for students. Unstructured time, lack of social interaction, and an over-reliance on technology ha…

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4. Embracing Fall and Fostering Observation Skills in Kids 15:49

10M ago15:49

15:49

In this episode, we explore using fall as a teaching tool in the classroom. Sharpening observational skills, we encourage students to observe fall objects, dissect them, and make accurate drawings. By fostering curiosity, engagement, and reflection, we create a dynamic learning environment that sparks a love for science and the world around us. Try…

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3. Tips for Difficult Parent-Teacher Conversations 18:48

10M ago18:48

18:48

Today we dive into the topic that can make any teacher feel a bit uneasy – those challenging conversations we have with parents. This episode explores both the good and the not-so-good experiences of difficult conversations and how we can learn from them. I share valuable insights and strategies to help alleviate the stress that comes with these co…

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2. Getting Ready for Parent-Teacher Conferences 19:46

10M ago19:46

19:46

With October in full swing, today's episode dives into the topic of parent-teacher conferences and how to make the most of them. I want to share my personal experience with preparing for conferences and how I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder. From highlighting students' strengths to setting development goals, I provide tips and tricks for nav…

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1. What makes kindergarten magical? 16:39

10M ago16:39

16:39

In this episode of The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast, join me, Zeba McGibbon, as I dive into the magic of kindergarten. Drawing from my 10 years of teaching experience, I want to explore the unique nature of this crucial grade and why it deserves more recognition. Despite the growing pressure to make kindergarten more academic, I want to advocate for a…

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Trailer: Welcome to The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast 3:44

12M ago3:44

3:44

Welcome to The Kindergarten Cafe Podcast with Zeba McGibbon! Are you an overworked or overwhelmed kindergarten teacher? Or maybe you're just a kindergarten teacher looking for fresh, new ideas. You are in the right place! The Kindergarten Cafe podcast will share weekly tips and tricks beginning October 5th to help you save time, work smarter (not h…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Zeba McGibbon Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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