The Kindergarten Toolbox

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.

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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...

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!

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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...

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 k...

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.

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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 independentl...

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 b...

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...

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,...

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 sharin...

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 ...

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 turnin...

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 podc...