The Kindergarten Toolbox

Should kindergarten students have classroom jobs?Classroom jobs have been a tradition in elementary classrooms for years, but are they actually teaching responsibility or creating more work for teachers?In this episode, I'm sharing why I stopped using traditional classroom jobs in my kindergarten classroom and switched to a simple Helper of the Day system instead. You'll hear how this change simplified my classroom management, eliminated job chart headaches, and still gave every student meaningful leadership opportunities.If you're preparing your kindergarten classroom for back-to-school and wondering whether classroom jobs are worth it, this episode will help you decide what works best for your students—and your sanity.Resources Mentioned:🔗 First Week of Kindergarten BlueprintShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-27-should-kindergarten-students-have-classroom-jobs/

Should kindergarten students have individual school supplies or community supplies?It's one of the biggest classroom setup decisions kindergarten teachers make before the school year begins. In this episode, we're breaking down the pros and cons of both systems and why the "right" answer depends more on your classroom management than the supplies themselves.I'll share why I chose individual toolboxes in my kindergarten classroom, how I used numbered supplies to teach responsibility and accountability, and why explicitly teaching students how to use their school tools is far more important than whether those tools are shared.If you're preparing your kindergarten classroom for back-to-school and wondering how to organize crayons, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and other classroom supplies, this episode will help you choose a system that works for both you and your students.Resources Mentioned:🖍️✏️ Free School Tools Worksheets🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/community-or-individual-supplies-for-kindergarten/

If you're planning for the first week of kindergarten and feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to teach, this episode is for you.One of the biggest mistakes kindergarten teachers make is trying to jump straight into academics before teaching students how to be students. Before children can successfully learn letters, numbers, and all the other skills on your curriculum map, they need to learn how to walk in line, use classroom materials, follow routines, and understand expectations.In this episode, I'm sharing what I actually focused on during the first week of kindergarten and why relationships, routines, and procedures matter so much more than academics during those first few days of school.You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how I taught school tools like crayons, pencils, glue sticks, and scissors one tool at a time so students could build independence while learning classroom expectations.If you're wondering what to teach during the first week of kindergarten, how to introduce school supplies, or how to set your classroom up for success from day one, this episode will give you a practical starting point.Resources Mentioned🖍️✏️ Free School Tools Worksheets🔗 First Week of Kindergarten Blueprint🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-to-teach-first-week-of-kindergarten/

Are you a new kindergarten teacher preparing for your first year in the classroom? Or maybe you're switching grade levels and wondering what makes kindergarten so different from every other grade?In this episode, I'm sharing my biggest piece of advice for new kindergarten teachers: assume they don't know how to do anything.From lining up and walking in the hallway to using the bathroom, sitting at the carpet, and using school supplies, kindergarten students need explicit instruction for routines, procedures, and expectations that older students often take for granted.I'll share stories from my own first year teaching kindergarten, the mistakes I made, and what I wish I had known before those five-year-olds walked through my classroom door.If you're preparing for the beginning of kindergarten, the first week of school, or your very first year as a kindergarten teacher, this episode will help you focus on what matters most: building relationships, teaching routines, and creating a classroom environment where students can succeed.In this episode, we discuss:My unexpected journey into teaching kindergarten Why new kindergarten teachers should assume students know nothingThe importance of explicitly teaching classroom routines and proceduresCommon beginning-of-kindergarten surprisesWhy relationships and routines matter more than academics at the start of the yearPreparing students to use school tools successfullyResources Mentioned:🔗 Free School Tools Worksheets🔗 First Week of Kindergarten BlueprintShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/new-kindergarten-teacher-episode-24/

Before school starts, there are five classroom management decisions every kindergarten teacher should make.Too often, we spend our back-to-school time organizing supplies, decorating bulletin boards, and planning lessons while putting off the classroom management planning that actually helps our year run smoothly. But students don't struggle because your classroom isn't decorated. They struggle when expectations aren't clear.I walk you through the five key pieces of a kindergarten classroom management plan: classroom rules, consequences, procedures and routines, positive behavior supports, and family communication. Whether you're a brand-new kindergarten teacher or looking to improve your classroom management this year, these simple decisions can help you start the school year with clear expectations and a plan you can actually stick with.You'll also learn why consistency matters more than complicated behavior systems and how to create a classroom management plan before students walk through the door.In this episode, we discuss:• Creating simple classroom rules for kindergarten• Planning classroom consequences ahead of time• Teaching procedures and routines effectively• Encouraging positive behavior and building classroom community• Creating a family communication plan• Building a kindergarten classroom management plan that worksLinks & Resources:🔗 Free Kindergarten Classroom Management Plan🔗 Last day to save on Kindergarten Behavior BlueprintShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/5-kindergarten-classroom-management-decisions/Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Do calm kindergarten classrooms have better-behaved students?Not always.In this episode, we're talking about the real secret to successful classroom management in kindergarten. It isn't a complicated behavior system or the latest classroom management trend. It's simple, predictable systems that help students know what to expect.We'll discuss why consistency matters so much in kindergarten, how routines create student independence, and why classroom management becomes exhausting when everything depends on the teacher.In this episode, you'll learn:Why calm classrooms aren't created by perfect studentsHow predictable routines improve student behaviorWhy simple classroom management systems work better than complicated onesHow to reduce constant reminders, interruptions, and redirectionThe key to creating a calmer, more manageable kindergarten classroomLinks & Resources:🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint🔗 Free Kindergarten Classroom Management PlanShow notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/the-real-secret-to-kindergarten-classroom-management/Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

When classroom management feels exhausting, the problem may not be your students or your behavior strategies. It may be that too much of your classroom depends on you constantly reminding, redirecting, and holding everything together all day long.In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most powerful kindergarten classroom management tools teachers often overlook: simple visual systems.From visual schedules and classroom routines to behavior supports and transition expectations, visual systems help kindergarten students understand what to do without relying on constant verbal reminders. And when students know what to expect, classrooms start to feel calmer, more predictable, and much less overwhelming for both teachers and students.In this episode, we’re chatting about: why classroom management feels exhausting when the teacher becomes the system  how visual supports increase student independence  why simple classroom management systems work better than complicated behavior programs  and the small shifts that can completely transform classroom management next school year If you’re tired of repeating yourself all day, constantly redirecting behavior, or feeling like your classroom only functions when you’re actively managing every moment, this episode will help you rethink kindergarten classroom management in a simpler, more sustainable way.Plus, I’m sharing how Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint helps teachers build calm, consistent classroom management systems that actually work with real five and six year olds.Links and Resources Mentioned:🔗 Kindergarten Behavior BlueprintShow notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/the-one-thing-every-kindergarten-classroom-needs-for-better-classroom-management/

Getting kindergarten students to stop talking can feel impossible sometimes.The blurting, interruptions, constant calling out, and nonstop classroom chatter can quickly make your classroom feel chaotic and exhausting. And after a while, it starts to feel like you’re spending your entire day repeating:“Raise your hand.”“Stop talking.”“Voice level zero.”In this episode of The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, we’re chatting about a simple classroom management strategy for reducing calling out and teaching appropriate classroom participation in kindergarten.You’ll learn:Why kindergarten students often struggle with calling out and interruptionsHow to teach classroom participation expectations step-by-stepWhy visual supports are so important for kindergarten classroom managementHow to use a simple whole-class behavior challenge without overcomplicating thingsWhy consistency matters more than complicated behavior systemsEasy ways to reduce classroom noise and improve student behavior during lessonsI’m also sharing how I used the Chatter Challenge — a simple visual classroom management tool designed to help kindergarten students practice raising their hands, listening, and participating appropriately during lessons.If your classroom has been extra chatty lately, this episode will give you practical, realistic classroom management ideas you can actually use with real five and six-year-olds.Links and Resources Mentioned:🔗 Chatter Challenge Resource🔗 Kindergarten Behavior BlueprintShow notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/how-to-stop-the-constant-calling-out-in-kindergarten/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review so more kindergarten teachers can find the show too!

If your kindergarten classroom feels louder, messier, and harder to manage right now, you are not alone. End-of-year behavior in kindergarten is real, and May can start to feel like pure survival mode for teachers.In this episode, we’re talking about the “May-cember” effect, why classroom behavior gets harder at the end of the school year, and realistic ways to make these last few weeks feel more manageable for both you and your students.We’ll chat about why it’s easy to focus only on negative behaviors, how to shift back toward connection and positive reinforcement, and simple ways to help your class finish the year strong without overhauling your entire classroom management system.Plus, I’m sharing easy end-of-year behavior supports, positive reinforcement ideas, and why simple incentive systems like Build-a-Reward charts can help reset the tone in your classroom.If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and counting down to summer break, this episode will help you feel more calm, more supported, and a little less alone.🔗🍩 Try our donut reward chart FREE🔗 Kindergarten Behavior BlueprintShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/end-of-year-behavior-kindergarten

Kindergarten classroom management shouldn’t feel this hard, but if you’re constantly repeating directions, managing every transition, and ending the day exhausted, you’re not alone.In this episode, we’re breaking down why classroom management still feels overwhelming even when you’re using routines, behavior strategies, and clear expectations.Here’s what’s actually happening:It’s not that you need more strategies. It’s that your classroom systems aren’t working together.When routines, visuals, and expectations aren’t connected, everything falls back on you. That’s when teaching starts to feel exhausting.We’ll talk about how to shift from managing behavior moment by moment to building simple, consistent systems that help your students work more independently so you can actually teach again.If your classroom feels chaotic or harder than it should, this episode will help you see what’s missing and what to do next.🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint🔗 Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-18-why-your-classroom-management-still-feels-hard/

In this episode of The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, Amy Murray breaks down the three essential components of effective kindergarten classroom management: clear expectations, visual supports, and consistent routines.If your classroom feels unpredictable, if you are constantly repeating directions, or if your behavior strategies are not sticking, this episode will help you understand what is missing and how to fix it with simple systems that actually work in a real kindergarten classroom.You will learn how clear expectations help students know exactly what to do, why visual supports reduce interruptions and increase independence, and how consistent routines create a calm, predictable classroom environment.This is not about adding more strategies. It is about putting the right pieces in place so your classroom management system can do the work for you.Plus, walk away with a simple, actionable step you can try tomorrow to start improving behavior and routines right away.Calmer days start with simple, consistent systems. 🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint🔗 Show Notes: kindergartentoolbox.com/kindergarten-classroom-management-system-3-things

In this episode of the Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, Amy Murray breaks down what a well-managed kindergarten classroom really looks like on a normal day. Not perfect. Not silent. But structured, predictable, and calm enough for real teaching to happen.You’ll hear what shifts when simple systems and clear expectations are in place, from smoother routines and transitions to more focused small groups and more independent writers. If you’re tired of constant interruptions, repeating directions, and ending the day mentally drained, this episode will help you see what’s possible.Plus, walk away with a simple way to improve one part of your day using visuals, routines, and consistency that actually work for real five and six year olds.Calmer days are possible. This is what it looks like.🔗 Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint🔗 Show notes: kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-16-what-does-kindergarten-classroom-management-actually-look-like-when-its-working

You try a behavior strategy… and it works.Your class is calmer. You’re finally able to teach.And then… it stops.If you feel like you’re constantly starting over with classroom management, this episode is for you.Let’s chat about why behavior strategies work at first—but don’t last—and what your classroom actually needs instead.Because it’s not that nothing works…You just haven’t been given something simple enough to stick with yet.Get step by step clasroom management systems the work inside Kindergarten Behavior Blueprint.Show notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-15-why-behavior-strategies-work-and-then-suddenly-stop/

Phonemic awareness in kindergarten does not always click with repetition alone. Many students need more support than fast-paced, verbal routines can provide.In this episode, we break down how to teach phonemic awareness using hands-on and visual activities that support skills like rhyming, syllables, and beginning, medial, and ending sounds so students truly understand and apply these foundational skills.🔗 Save on the Kindergarten ELA BundleShow notes:  www.kindergartentoolbox.com/phonemic-awareness-that-works-in-kindergarten

Alphabet principles and letter sounds are the foundation of literacy and a huge part of what we teach in kindergarten.  But what's the best way to introduce letters?In this episode, I explain how we introduce letters and sounds in the first 30 days of kindergarten and how you can use the tools to reinforce learning all year long.  The key is to set up predictable routines with activities that kindergarten students can actually do - no tiny pieces to lose, limit the cutting, etc. 🔗 Save on the Kindergarten ELA BundleShow notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-13-how-to-introduce-the-alphabet-in-kindergarten/

What consequences can you use in kindergarten if you aren't allowed to take away recess?  In this episode, we talk about natural consequences, and I share a classroom management secret weapon. Free Glow & Grow NotesKindergarten Behavior BlueprintShow Notes:  https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-12-behavior-consequences-to-try-in-kindergarten-without-taking-away-recess/

Teaching sentence writing in kindergarten is much easier when students understand what a sentence is so they can learn the basic conventions and check their own work using a simple checklist.In this episode, we talk about how to teach kindergarteners to write sentences with our 5-star sentences method.  You can teach beginning writers to independently write real sentences!🔗 Join Kindergarten Writing Toolbox🔗 Beginning Writers Bundle🔗 5-Star Sentence ResourceShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-11-writing-5-star-sentences-in-kindergarten

If your kindergarten students struggle with sentence writing, this episode is for you. Many students are asked to write sentences before they truly understand what a sentence is, which leads to frustration, random words, or a complete writing shutdown.In this episode, we break down how to teach sentence structure in kindergarten using naming part and telling part so students understand that a sentence is a group of words that tells us something. You’ll learn how to build a strong foundation before introducing independent sentence writing, setting your students up for success so they will become confident writers.Beginning Writers BundleShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-is-a-sentence-kindergarten/

Is your kindergarten behavior system not working anymore? If your classroom reward system or behavior chart has lost its effectiveness, this episode will help you reset with confidence.Learn what actually makes a kindergarten behavior system work, including picture-based visuals (not just text), focusing on one behavior at a time, using concrete progress tracking, and staying consistent so students stay motivated. These practical kindergarten classroom management strategies are simple enough to maintain and clear enough that any adult can walk in and understand your expectations.If you’re ready to simplify your reward system and build stronger classroom consistency, this episode is for you.Free Build-a-Reward ChartsKindergarten Management ToolboxShow Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/what-to-do-when-your-kindergarten-behavior-system-stops-working/

If your kindergarten small groups are constantly interrupted, this episode is for you. Learn how to reduce interruptions during centers by using visual schedules, picture directions, predictable routines, and simple behavior goals that build real independence.Discover how to help kindergarten students work independently so you can actually teach your small groups without nonstop questions and distractions.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/how-to-stop-constant-interruptions-during-small-groups/Resources Mentioned:Classroom Visuals BundleKindergarten Management Toolbox10-Frame Behavior Incentive Charts

If you feel like you’re constantly repeating directions and kindergarten students still aren’t listening, this episode is for you. In this episode, we break down why kindergarteners struggle to follow directions the first time and why it’s not about better wording or louder reminders.You’ll learn how using visuals, structure, and consistent routines helps kindergarten students listen, remember directions, and work more independently, leading to calmer classrooms and fewer interruptions.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-7-how-to-get-kindergarten-students-to-follow-directions-the-first-time-using-visuals-and-consistent-routines/Resources Mentioned:Classroom Visuals BundleCheck out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Tattling in kindergarten can feel nonstop and exhausting. In this episode, Amy breaks down why constant tattling isn’t just a behavior problem, but a trust and classroom culture issue. You’ll learn the difference between tattling and reporting, why ignoring tattles can actually make things worse, and simple, practical strategies to reduce tattling without shutting kids down. From positive behavior shifts to classroom systems that build trust and independence, this episode gives kindergarten teachers realistic tools to manage tattling in a healthy, effective way.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/reduce-tattling-in-kindergarten-without-ignoring-real-problems/Resources Mentioned:Glow & Grow Behavior NotesCheck out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If your kindergarten writing center looks great but your students freeze, wander, or constantly interrupt you, this episode is for you. In this episode, we unpack why kindergarteners struggle with independent writing tasks and how starting with simple skills like labeling can transform your writing center.You’ll learn how breaking writing into smaller, concrete steps builds confidence, increases independence, and helps kindergarten students move from freezing to actually writing, without frustration, chaos, or constant teacher support.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/why-kindergarteners-freeze-at-the-writing-center/Resources Mentioned:Kindergarten Writing Toolbox Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If planning the 100th day of kindergarten has you feeling overwhelmed and behind, this episode is for you. With Pinterest ideas and social media pressure everywhere, it is easy to feel like you need to do more to make the day special.In this episode, I’m sharing low-prep, low-stress ways to celebrate the 100th day of school that keep routines calm and kids successful. We cover simple activity ideas using materials you already have, easy writing and movement ideas, and a mindset shift that helps you celebrate without burnout.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/100th-day-of-school-in-kindergarten-without-stress-or-tons-of-prep/Resources Mentioned:100th day of School PrintablesFREE 100th Day HatCheck out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Picture this: you’re ready to start your kindergarten writing block, but before you’ve even handed out all the papers, you hear every student call out “I don’t know what to write about.” The stress and confusion that often swirl around writing blocks can leave even the most prepared teachers feeling exhausted. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by blank stares and reluctant writers, this episode is your go-to guide for turning hesitation into excitement.In this episode, I’m sharing effective strategies for overcoming the dreaded “I don’t know what to write” excuse in young writers. We dive into specific tools designed for kindergarten classrooms to help students get started and build independence in their writing. You’ll walk away with practical tips on structuring your writing time, supporting overwhelmed students, and setting up routines that foster confident, capable writers from the very first day.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-3-how-to-stop-the-i-dont-know-what-to-write-about-excuse/Resources Mentioned:The Kindergarten Writing ToolboxThe Kindergarten Management ToolboxCheck out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

If your classroom lineup feels more like a wrestling match than a calm transition, this episode is packed with practical solutions just for you. Kindergarten teachers everywhere know the chaos that happens when it’s time for students to line up, and establishing routines that actually work can feel overwhelming.Today, I’m sharing the simplest change that transformed my classroom’s lineup routine that took my class from pushing and shoving to calm and organized transitions. In this episode, we cover why young children need clear visual markers and structure, tips for making the system work (including how to make the “caboose” and “line leader” jobs special), and encouragement to practice routines from the very first day of school. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for fostering positive classroom behavior and smoother transitions that you can use today!Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-2-lining-up-without-chaos/Resources Mentioned:The Kindergarten Writing ToolboxThe Kindergarten Management ToolboxCheck out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Do you ever feel like your classroom sounds like a playground no matter how many times you ask your students to be quiet? If you find yourself constantly competing with the chatter of your kindergarten students, this episode is just for you. Today, we're diving into practical, easy to implement strategies to bring peace and order back to your classroom, all while supporting your students' needs.In this episode, I’m sharing my tried-and-true approaches for managing noise levels in early elementary settings. We’re diving into the power of using visuals, such as voice-level charts, to set clear expectations, and the importance of consistency in classroom management. We explore both classroom-wide and individual incentive systems, like Glow Notes and personalized sticker charts, to reward quiet behavior and motivate students. You'll also get practical tips for handling especially talkative students and creative solutions for managing transitions. This episode covers everything from establishing routines with visuals to implementing targeted support and incentives to create a calmer, more focused learning environment.Show Notes: https://kindergartentoolbox.com/episode-1-getting-kids-to-be-quiet-in-kindergarten/Resources Mentioned:The Kindergarten Management ToolboxGrab your FREE Glow NotesChatter Challenge Check out my website: https://teachingexceptionalkinders.com/Follow me on Instagram @teachingexceptionalkinders

Welcome to The Kindergarten Toolbox Podcast, your go-to guide for creating calmer classrooms and more confident writers in the wonderfully unique world of kindergarten.I’m Amy Murray — former kindergarten teacher, Type C “organized-in-piles” human, and vanilla-latte enthusiast. After years of helping teachers streamline their classroom routines with tips and tools that actually make sense for 5- and 6-year-olds, I created this podcast to support you with the practical strategies you’ve been craving.Each episode is short, actionable, and designed to help you:✔ simplify classroom management ✔ reduce behavior chaos with systems that stick ✔ teach writing in a way that meets beginning writers where they are ✔ build routines that make your day flow ✔ use visuals, tools, and expectations that really work in KWhether you’re a brand-new kindergarten teacher or a seasoned pro looking for clarity and calm, you’ll find step-by-step support to help you feel more confident and in control.Because kindergarten isn’t just the new first grade, it’s a world all its own, and you deserve tools that actually work.Hit follow so you never miss an episode…Here’s to calmer days and more confident writers!