Digital Download FAQs at Preschool Vibes

Hey there,
School or corporate networks can sometimes block certain sites. Try switching to a personal device or different browser, and clear your cache/cookies. If that doesn’t help, please let us know.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Payments can fail due to zip code mismatches or Apple Pay issues. The charge usually shows as pending and is automatically refunded when the transaction doesn’t complete. Updating your payment details or trying a different card often resolves this.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
If you’re on a school network or device, security filters might block your transaction. We recommend switching to a personal device or network and trying again. Let us know if you still need help.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
We currently don’t accept purchase orders unless payment is made online with a credit card. We’re unable to manually process orders, but we do accept major credit cards and Apple Pay on our website.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Simply go to our site’s “Sign In” page and select “Forgot Password?” You’ll receive an email with a password reset link—be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
You can find our Amazon Storefront here: Amazon Storefront. Feel free to browse our recommended products and favorite finds!

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
We understand mistakes happen. We can refund your most recent duplicate purchase, please fill out a Contact Form detailing which items and orders were a duplicate. They need to be under the same account.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Sometimes school or work networks block digital downloads. Also, check if popup blockers or strict browser settings are interfering. Switching to a personal device or a different browser often fixes the issue.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Your download email might be in your spam or junk folder. If you used Apple Pay, the confirmation may have gone to your linked iCloud address. Please double-check your inboxes. If you still can’t find it, let us know.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
You’ll need to extract the contents of the ZIP file before using them:

• Windows: Right-click and select “Extract All.”

• Mac: Double-click the ZIP file.

• Mobile: You may need a dedicated ZIP file manager app.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
If your PDF is inside a ZIP file, unzip it first. Then, open it with a dedicated PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat). Word can’t properly handle PDFs and might cause errors.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
You’ll need a dedicated PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat. Right-click your PDF file, select “Open with,” and then choose “Adobe Acrobat Reader.” If you don’t have it, download it first from Adobe’s website.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
No worries! Just click the expired link in your original email to trigger a new one. If you still don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder. Reach out if you need more help.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
This could be due to browser security settings or a firewall. Try disabling popup blockers, using another browser, or checking your device’s security software. If it’s still giving you trouble, let us know.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
It’s possible but can be tricky, especially for ZIP files. We recommend a computer for a smoother experience. If you must use a phone or tablet, you might need a ZIP manager app to extract the files.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Open the template in Google Sheets, then go to “File” → “Make a Copy.” You can edit text, rows, and columns as needed. Formatting tools for fonts, colors, and cell borders are in the toolbar.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
In Canva, create or log in to an account. Upload the file via the “Uploads” section, then drag it onto your canvas. From there, you can edit text, add elements, and change colors before downloading your new design.

Note: Some resources require Canva Pro. (Noted in the product description) If you’re a teacher, you may be eligible for a free Canva Pro subscription—visit Canva’s website for details.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Open the PowerPoint file and click on any text box or image to edit. You can change fonts, colors, and layouts. Use “Design” for themes and “Insert” for images. Remember to save a copy of your work.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
If you’re seeing a PDF open in Word, download Adobe Acrobat (free). Right-click the PDF and select “Open with” → “Adobe Acrobat Reader.” This ensures the file displays correctly.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Some products simply aren’t designed to be edited. We’re unable to offer custom changes to these files at this time, but we appreciate your feedback for future updates.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
We primarily teach pre-K for 3–5-year-olds and use the Creative Curriculum (required by our district), along with Handwriting Without Tears and Orton Gillingham. We also created our own learning targets based on Ohio standards, which guide our resource development.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
We don’t currently offer lesson plans, but we hope to provide them in the future. Stay tuned for updates on our website or social media channels!

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Right now, we only have “We Can” statements for Ohio, and those resources aren’t editable. However, teachers from other states often adapt them to their local standards. We’ll consider expanding if possible.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
Our products are exclusively available on our own website to ensure we can provide the best service and value. Feel free to explore what we offer at Preschool Vibes—let us know if you have any questions!

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
I keep my assessment process straightforward and efficient with a few key strategies:

1. Classroom Assessment Checklist
   
   

   • I list all 22 students on one page.

   • As I record individual assessment results, I can quickly scan across a row to see one child’s progress or down a column to see the whole class’s performance.

2. Individual Assessments & Portfolios
   
   

   • Each child’s individual assessment materials go into their student portfolio.

   • The master checklist lives on a clipboard on my desk so I can reference it at a glance.

3. Color-Coded & Folded Pages
   
   

   • For fall assessments, I use a green marker and fold the paper so only the fall section is visible.

   • This prevents confusion and helps me stay focused on the relevant season’s data.

4. Teacher Tool Binder
   
   

   • I laminate my “teacher tool” pages (one-sided) and store them in a binder.

   • These pages are in the same order as my assessment, making it easy to flip through while testing.

5. Manipulatives for Counting
   
   

   • I use a uniform manipulative, ideally all one color and not connectable, so students focus on the skill rather than the toy.

   • Having these ready ensures I can quickly assess counting without searching for materials.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I keep a visual schedule right on my whiteboard so my students always know what to expect. It creates a comforting routine and helps them transition smoothly between activities. I also send a simple one-page outline of our daily schedule home to parents, so they’re aware of their child’s routine at preschool.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I always start with the standard before I pick a theme or book. Here’s how I break it down:

1. Monthly “We Can” Statements
   
   

   • I convert my state standards into simple, kid-friendly “We Can” statements, organized month by month. Each month might have 10–15 standards.

2. Choose a Standard First
   
   

   • I look at which standard I want to focus on that day. For instance, “We can recognize people and animals that are from the same family.”

3. Find a Book to Match
   
   

   • After picking the standard, I find a book that supports it. For example, Are You My Mother? fits perfectly for talking about animal families.

4. Plan the Activity
   
   

   • I’ll give each student an animal on a stick and have them walk around to find its matching “mother.” It’s hands-on, interactive, and ties directly back to the standard.

5. State the Learning Goal
   
   

   • I make sure to tell students what they’re learning—“We can recognize people and animals that are from the same family.” This keeps them focused and aware of our goal.

6. Lesson Frequency
   
   

   • My class meets four half-days per week, so I have one main lesson per day, roughly 16 lessons a month. I ensure each standard gets addressed at least once during that period, sometimes more if needed.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
When I know someone’s coming to observe my preschool classroom, I often plan an interactive read-aloud and an engaging activity tied to a specific standard. Here are two examples:

Example 1: Gingerbread Theme

1. Book & Interactive Read-Aloud
   
   

   • Read a gingerbread-themed story (The Gingerbread Man or similar).

   • Ask open-ended questions instead of simple yes/no (e.g., “Has anyone ever tricked you? Tell us about it.”).

2. Poem or Rhyme
   
   

   • Display a short rhyme or chant, such as “Run, run as fast as you can…”

   • Add actions or letter-hunting (e.g., circling all the “R” letters) to keep kids involved.

3. Position Words Activity
   
   

   • Each child has a gingerbread cookie, and you show a card with “above,” “below,” “behind,” etc.

   • The child places the cookie accordingly, which lets you quickly see who grasps each word.

   • Finally, they place the gingerbread in their mouth (checking for allergies first).

4. WOW Word
   
   

   • Introduce a “WOW” vocabulary word that appears in the story (e.g., “devious”), explaining how the fox is lying or tricking the gingerbread man.

Example 2: Snow & Science Theme

1. Book & Concept
   
   

   • Read Sadie and the Snowman, discussing how the snowman melts and how ice can be saved for another day.

2. Problem-Solving Activity
   
   

   • Freeze letters or numbers inside a block of ice. Pretend you needed those for a lesson but now they’re stuck!

   • Have children brainstorm ways to free them (hammer, hot water, blow dryer, etc.).

   • Cross out unsafe or impossible ideas, then try safe methods—like holding the ice in their warm hands or pouring hot water on it.

3. Sorting Quick Check
   
   

   • Once the ice is melted and the letters/numbers are free, do a quick sort between letters and numbers. This is a bonus skill check; the main objective was problem-solving.

These lessons demonstrate interactive reading, critical thinking, and hands-on learning—key elements in a great observation.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Each week, one child is our Star of the Week. We make a special book for them where classmates draw the star and write their name. At the start of the year, I provide lots of support:

• Name at the Top: I pre-write almost all of the Star’s name except the first letter, which the child attempts themselves.

• Tracing for Classmates: Each classmate traces the Star’s name (dotted lines), then draws a picture.

• Progress Over Time: By year’s end, students can independently write more letters—and the difference is remarkable!

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I notice it’s time for a change when some students wander around aimlessly or start acting out—it often means they’re bored or need something fresh. I wasn’t quite ready to begin my Five Senses unit, but with our county fair happening, I switched things up to a farm theme to keep the kids engaged. Here’s a quick look at what I did:

• Writing Center: After finishing “Mat Man,” I added black paper, a heart punch, and glitter crayons for drawing, plus a step-by-step pig drawing activity.

• Magnet Center & Block Area: Kept the popular Magna Tiles, swapped out the regular blocks for cardboard brick blocks, and added a train set.

• Letter Table: Since we hadn’t started a specific letter yet, I laid out lines and curves for them to build letters.

• Kitchen → Farmer’s Market: Introduced purses, wallets, fruits, veggies, and baskets for shopping play.

• Bins & Synergize Center: Brought in new storage bins from our shared room and set up magnetic puzzles for collaborative play.

• Library & Science Centers: Updated the book selection to farm-related titles and kept our I-Spy bottle plus science specimens for hands-on exploration.

• Messy Table: Didn’t switch this time since it was recently refreshed with plastic pellets and scoops.

• Art & Scissor Skills: Practiced cutting out Mat Man’s body parts to talk about how we all have the same basic body parts, which leads into discussions about the five senses.

Refreshing the room keeps students excited and significantly improves behavior.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Here’s a rundown of what we covered:

• Monday: Learned about Mat Man by reading a book, assembling him on the carpet while singing his song, and then drawing him on whiteboards.

• Tuesday: Introduced Handwriting Without Tears language (big lines, little lines, big curves, little curves) through a pre-writing activity focused on “big lines.”

• Wednesday: Practiced proper pencil grip, rebuilt Mat Man, and had students draw him for their portfolios.

• Thursday: Demonstrated Play-Doh use and gave a scissor lesson, teaching “thumbs up, dude” (thumb always on top) for proper cutting technique.

• Centers: Listed at the bottom of the plan, these offered various free-choice activities that tied into the week’s skills.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
For our open house, families get a scavenger hunt list so they can explore our classroom while completing simple tasks. Here’s how it works:

1. Name Tag Station
   
   

   • Families locate a spot labeled “Name Tag” and make sure their child’s name is spelled correctly.

   • Children wear these name tags throughout the event.

2. Meet the Teacher & Open House Packet
   
   

   • I stand at the back of the room with a communication folder (full of classroom info) for each child.

   • Each child also takes home a free book.

3. Photo Station
   
   

   • My classroom aide snaps each child’s photo while they wear their name tag.

   • I use these pictures later to learn names quickly.

4. Bathroom Practice
   
   

   • We have an attached bathroom where kids practice flushing (our toilets are automatic) and washing their hands.

5. Block Center
   
   

   • Families find the blocks and build a quick tower. It’s a fun way to try out the center without an overwhelming mess.

6. Writing Center
   
   

   • There are simple coloring pages ready for children to color a quick picture.

7. Kitchen Center
   
   

   • Kids can “cook” or pretend to serve meals. This introduces them to dramatic play.

8. Find Your Cubby
   
   

   • Each child locates the cubby labeled with their name, so they know where to store belongings on the first day.

9. Birthday Graph
   
   

   • We have a chart listing all birthdays. Families check to confirm their child’s birthday is in the correct place.

10. Library Center
    
    

• Children pick a book to “read” by flipping through pictures or retelling a familiar story.

Some centers—like our Synergize Center, Painting Easel, and Messy Table—stay closed during open house to avoid a massive cleanup. The scavenger hunt provides a clear path for families, ensuring they see the essential parts of our room without overwhelming them.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I use free choice play for my center time because it’s so important for preschoolers to decide where and with whom they play. Setting a clear routine from day one is the key:

1. Name Tag System
   
   

   • Each student has a name tag with a Velcro dot.

   • Centers have a set number of spots (e.g., four at the Play-Doh table). If a center is full, the child can wait or choose another center.

   • When they move to a new center, they must first clean up their previous area, take their name tag, and place it at the new center.

2. Teacher & Assistant Roles
   
   

   • During center time, I’m often running small groups, and my assistant may be leading an art activity. We both keep an eye on the room, stepping in only if someone forgets to clean up or if there’s a conflict.

   • In general, kids handle their centers independently.

3. Encouraging Variety
   
   

   • If a child only goes to one center every day, I’ll prompt them to try something new at the start. After a set time (like a quick timer), they can switch back if they choose.

   • This gentle nudge prevents them from missing out on other activities, but they still get freedom of choice.

4. End-of-Center Routine
   
   

   • I call “Freeze, hands up!” to get everyone’s attention.

   • They put away all materials, remove their name tags, and then help a friend clean up if needed.

By month’s end, kids typically know exactly what to do. It’s a balance of giving them freedom to explore and keeping just enough structure to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I used to stress over small groups—worrying about meeting with every child frequently and covering everything perfectly. Then I realized preschoolers need me constantly, and it’s okay if I don’t get to small groups as often as I’d like. Here’s my approach:

• Frequency & Duration: With 22 students attending four half days a week, each child is typically called to my table once or twice per week for about 5–10 minutes at a time.

• Assessment-Based Goals: I give each child two personal goals based on their preschool assessments. For example, if some still need to master colors, I’ll gather them for a quick color game.

• One-on-One Practice: Sometimes I pull kids individually for name writing or other specific skills they need.

• Standards by Month: I break down my state standards month by month. Then I focus on the most important ones each month. For example, in January, we practice number recognition and one-to-one counting; in April, it might be rhyming.

This way, small groups remain flexible, goal-oriented, and far less stressful.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
We follow the Orton Gillingham letter order when introducing letters and sounds. This approach groups letters in a way that’s more effective for early learners rather than going purely alphabetical.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team.

Hey there,
I used to think small groups were my weakest area, but I’ve found a system that works. Here’s how:

1. Realistic Expectations
   
   

   • My students attend four half days each week, with an hour of center time each day. Initially, I thought I should spend that entire hour on small groups, but preschoolers need constant support in all areas. It’s just not feasible to sit for the full hour.

2. Short & Focused Sessions
   
   

   • Now, I spend about 20 minutes of our hour-long center time on small groups. Each child comes to me once or maybe twice a week for about 10 minutes at a time. This feels manageable and still lets me address other classroom needs.

3. Free Choice Centers
   
   

   • I have around 18 centers available, each labeled with a spot for name tags. When it’s time for a small group, I call over the children I need—they remove their name tags from their current center and join me. Once we’re done, they head back or choose another center.

4. Grouping Students
   
   

   • Groups vary based on assessment data, skill needs, and monthly standards.

   • Sometimes it’s a small group of students working on the same goal (e.g., colors).

   • Other times it’s 1:1 practice for name writing.

   • Typically, groups range from 1–4 students, but occasionally up to five.

5. What We Work On
   
   

   • Assessment Goals: Each child has 2–3 individual goals from my assessment checklist. If they’re behind on something (e.g., colors, name writing), I target those skills in small group.

   • Monthly Standards: I’ve broken down standards by month and focus on the most important ones (e.g., numbers, letters, rhyming). I’ll create simple games or quick activities around those standards.

6. Tracking Progress
   
   

   • I use one assessment checklist all year, marking updated scores next to the previous ones. After the first round, I highlight 2–3 goals for each child. If they haven’t met those goals by winter assessments, I circle them in red to indicate continued focus.

This approach has lifted the pressure. I get at least one meaningful small group session with each child weekly, and they still have plenty of free choice time to explore and play.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
To keep things simple and foster immediate play, I set up my classroom with only the basics on Day One. Here’s a quick overview:

• Classroom Tree: It starts bare. I have students paint green paper, cut out leaves, and add them to the tree over time.

• Centers & Materials:

  • Light Table near the entrance.

  • Play-Doh Center and Block Center ready with basic supplies.

  • Writing Center has simple coloring pages and stickers for now—no glue or scissors yet.

  • Easel isn’t available at first; I wait until painting skills are introduced.

• Messy Table & Art:

  • Kinetic sand is in the messy table.

  • Weighing farm animals, exploring magnets, and taking pictures in our science area.

  • Art table is prepped with just a few basics until we introduce painting and gluing routines.

• Library Center: Filled with a few favorite books to start.

• Circle/Carpet Area: Includes our star chart, calendar, problem-solving visuals, birthday graph, and question of the day.

• Synergize Center: Two students can team up to complete a puzzle—just a simple collaborative activity.

• Teacher Prep & Storage:

  • Books for each theme are organized behind my desk.

  • My (sometimes messy) teacher desk is nearby for quick access.

• Tables & Activities:

  • We have bins, trays, and puzzles available for table time.

  • A drip pan with alien tape acts as a magnetic board (our “magneter center”).

• Dramatic Play:

  • Starts as a basic kitchen setup.

  • Limited materials to help children learn cleanup routines without being overwhelmed.

• Additional Details:

  • Each student has a cubby along the back wall.

  • A bathroom is conveniently attached to the classroom.

  • I’m still prepping name tags and first-letter activities, like dot gluing and hole punching, to teach proper gluing skills.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I start with the Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and convert them into monthly “We Can” statements. This lets me see which objectives I need to cover each month. Then I build themes—like Five Senses, Fall, Food & Exercise, Gingerbread, Christmas, and Winter—around those standards.

1. Focus on a Standard First: Pick the standard, then plan a thematic activity to fulfill it.

2. Example: In October, we cover measuring by having kids lie on the carpet to see how many pumpkins tall they are.

3. Consistency: This approach ensures the themes are always tied to learning objectives while keeping lessons engaging.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Here’s a snapshot of how our half-day preschool schedule flows:

1. Arrival & Question of the Day
   
   

   • Students come in, answer a question (e.g., “Do you like apples or bananas?”), and then choose a quiet activity such as puzzles, bins, or reading in the library center.

2. Morning Meeting & Recess
   
   

   • We gather at the carpet for a short meeting (announcements, weather, etc.).

   • Everyone visits the restroom, then heads to recess. If the weather’s bad (like Ohio winters!), we use the gym instead of the playground.

3. Whole Group Lesson
   
   

   • This is our main interactive lesson of the day, typically 20–30 minutes.

   • I base it on the standards we’re currently focusing on.

4. Snack Time
   
   

   • Parents send in one snack and juice for the month.

   • Students ask to be excused when finished and then move to center time.

5. Center Time (Free Choice)
   
   

   • Students grab their name tags and pick the center they want to play in.

   • This is a student-led, free choice period where I might pull small groups if needed.

6. Books & Songs Before Dismissal
   
   

   • We wrap up the day with story time and a song or two, then it’s time to go home.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
My lesson plans are pretty minimal since I’ve been teaching for 15 years and know what works for my class. Here’s a quick overview:

• Binder of Plans: I keep a binder on my desk with all my lesson plans. It’s mostly bullet points and reminders because I already have the routines in mind.

• First Week: The first week or so is very simple—short lessons, lots of free play, and a focus on routines. For example, I might read Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, teach a handwashing video, practice names, and focus on basic classroom procedures.

• Key Skills: By the second week, I’m introducing skills like proper glue usage (“Just a dot, not a lot”) and watercolor painting routines (“Water, paint, paper, water, paint, paper”).

• Classroom Rules & Routines: Each day, I highlight one of our classroom rules—being kind, how to stay safe, etc. Kids can’t handle long lessons at this stage, so quick demos and reminders work best.

• Centers: I keep them very basic at the start, so they can jump right in without much extra instruction.

• Daily/Weekly Notes: At the bottom of my plans, I list books, songs, bins/trays, and any reflections or future ideas, including language and literacy focuses. This keeps me organized and ensures I’ve covered the essentials.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I like to get a head start on name songs in July because it takes time, and once school starts, there’s so much else to manage. Here’s how I do it:

• Name Song Template: I keep an editable template listing songs for different name lengths (2–11 letters). I plug in each student’s name and choose the corresponding melody. This helps me stay organized and have each child’s song ready before the year begins.
  
  

• Star of the Week: I wait to introduce each name song until that child’s “Star of the Week.” Parents sign up for a specific week, and on Monday, I teach their child’s name song to the class. We sing it during all transitions from Monday to Thursday, so everyone really memorizes it.
  
  

• Star of the Week Activities: Students bring in a poster about themselves (or I help them make one if they don’t bring it in). We also create a Star of the Week book, where classmates draw the featured child and write why they’re special. This makes the week extra meaningful and ties in perfectly with learning their name song.
  
  

• Memorization Through Music: Focusing on one name song per week prevents confusion and encourages the whole class to learn spelling patterns musically. By the end of the year, many students can spell each other’s names just by recalling the songs.
  
  

• Practical Setup: I hang a printed list of the name songs by my chair so I can reference them quickly. If someone asks about their song outside of Star Week, I’ll sing it for them, but we don’t officially teach it to the entire class until their turn. It keeps things fun, manageable, and highly effective.
  
  

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Here’s an overview of our daily schedule, highlighting each step from arrival to dismissal:

1. Arrival & Sign-In
   
   

   • Students walk in and do a quick “high five letter review.”

   • They hang up coats and backpacks, then answer the Question of the Day (e.g., “Would you rather eat apples or bananas?”).

2. Table Time
   
   

   • While waiting for everyone to arrive, kids can pick from quiet activities like puzzles, whiteboards, books, or even sit on the carpet.

3. Morning Meeting
   
   

   • We discuss announcements, do calendar and weather, and talk about the results of our Question of the Day.

   • This can be brief or more in-depth, depending on what’s happening (e.g., patterns, counting, syllables).

4. Large Group Lesson
   
   

   • Before we start, I often turn on a song and encourage movement to get the wiggles out.

   • Lessons here focus on specific standards—like measuring how many pumpkins tall each friend is, teaching a letter of the week, or working on shape patterns.

   • This time usually lasts about 15–20 minutes at the start of the year, and up to 30 by year’s end.

5. Recess
   
   

   • We head outside for about 30 minutes of gross motor play.

6. Snack Time
   
   

   • Students choose between two snack options and get half a cup of juice before switching to water.

   • Once they’re finished, they ask to be excused and move to center time.

7. Center Time (Free Choice)
   
   

   • Each child takes their name tag and places it at a center they want to play in (e.g., Light Table, Play-Doh, Dramatic Play, Blocks).

   • If the center is full, they can wait or find another spot.

   • Centers last about an hour, and I may set a timer if there’s a popular station with a line (like a drive-thru).

   • I’m usually running small groups or monitoring, but children handle most of their play independently.

8. Clean Up & Closing
   
   

   • After an hour, I call “Freeze, hands up!” and everyone cleans up their area, returns name tags, and joins me on the carpet.

   • We read a few books (chosen by the class or me) and sing a song selected by our leader of the day. Then it’s time to pack up and head home.

To help students follow along, I keep a visual schedule posted so they always know what’s next.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I used to have a pocket chart and rotate jobs, but it was overwhelming to manage in a preschool setting—kids would often forget their tasks, and I’d have to constantly remind them. Instead, I switched to having a Leader of the Day:

• Each child’s name is on a stick. I pull one name per day, and that student serves as the line leader, weather helper, calendar helper, and so on.

• They also turn lights on/off, choose the song of the day, and do any other special tasks that come up.

This approach simplifies everything and still gives each child a chance to take on a leadership role without the chaos of multiple daily or weekly jobs.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
At the beginning of the year, I keep my classroom setup very simple, so my preschoolers can jump right in without being overwhelmed. Here’s a quick overview:

• Classroom Tree: Bare at first so students can paint green paper, cut out leaves, and attach them as a group project.

• Centers:

  • Light Table near the entrance.

  • Play-Doh Center.

  • Block Center with just enough blocks to keep it manageable.

  • Writing Center with only coloring pages and stickers—no glue or scissors yet, since we teach those skills later.

  • Messy Table filled with kinetic sand or other hands-on materials.

  • Science Center with simple activities like weighing farm animals, taking pictures, and exploring magnets.

  • Library Center stocked with a few favorite books to start.

  • Carpet Area for lessons, star chart, calendar, problem-solving visuals, birthday graph, and question of the day.

  • Synergize Center where two students work together on puzzles or cooperative tasks.

• Books & Themes: Behind my desk, I store themed books to swap out every few weeks.

• Table Time: Trays, bins, and puzzles are available so students can ease into a routine without too many complicated materials.

• Magnet Center: A simple drip pan from the store taped to the wall with “alien tape,” perfect for magnetic letters and shapes.

• Dramatic Play: Basic kitchen setup to start, with minimal props so kids can learn to clean up effectively.

• Additional Features:

  • Each student has a cubby along the back wall and there’s a drying rack nearby for artwork.

  • We’re lucky to have an attached bathroom, making transitions easier.

  • I use a “pocket talk” device for my four ELL students—a quick way to communicate simple messages in their home languages.

  • Early projects include name tags, first-letter work, and a “dot, not a lot” lesson on proper glue usage.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I avoid overcrowding the block center by limiting the materials. Too many options can overwhelm kids and make cleanup tougher. Right now, my students love combining Duplo Legos with a dollhouse and toy bugs—it keeps them engaged and focused on creative play without scattering countless items all over the floor.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Dramatic play in my classroom changes all year long. It starts as a simple kitchen at the beginning, but I rotate it to other themes like a dentist office, school, train station, or pumpkin patch. By January, my students are usually ready for the kitchen again, so I’ll bring back baby dolls, toy food, and cleaning items, switching them out every week or two for variety. I keep it as long as it stays popular—if there’s a constant line, I’ll use 5-minute sand timers (from Lakeshore Learning) to ensure everyone gets a turn. When the buzz dies down, I know it’s time for a new theme.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
In our program, four preschool classrooms share two main storage areas. Here’s how we make it work:

• Bin Centers: Every 2–3 weeks, we rotate our bin activities. We collect the used bins and swap them for fresh ones from the shared space.

• Small Supplies: Items like puzzles, costumes, games, manipulatives, and magnet center materials are kept together for quick grabs. We label and categorize them to stay organized.

• Dramatic Play & Blocks: Larger items (like props and block sets) have a separate storage area.

• Sensory Table Storage: We store sand, rice, beans, and corn in bins up top, while our messy table toys and tools are kept below.

• Art Cabinet: Construction paper, card stock, paint, and other basic art supplies live here so anyone can restock easily.

• Additional Storage:

  • Big furniture items (high chairs, puppet stage, broom sets) have a dedicated spot.

  • One block cabinet holds extra blocks; we try to keep it organized despite heavy use.

  • A “random cabinet” houses shape punchers, glue, baggies, and more.

  • Another section is for dramatic play items, extra blocks, and smaller odds and ends.

  • An old book cart is repurposed for small manipulatives, making them accessible without taking up floor space.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
Ohio recently condensed its early learning standards, going from a long list to something much simpler—about 25% of what we used to have. Overall, I see this as a positive change, though it means reworking my usual planning methods. Here’s why:

• Freedom in Planning: With fewer, more streamlined standards, I’m not tied down to checking off a huge list. Many old standards got combined into one broader goal, which makes everything feel more manageable.

• Month-by-Month Breakdown: I still map the standards to each month, sometimes repeating them in different months if needed. This helps ensure I cover everything thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed.

• Embedded Skills: Certain everyday preschool experiences naturally address many standards—things like social interactions or routine tasks. I keep these “embedded” skills separate, so I don’t force them into strict lesson plans. They just happen organically throughout the year.

I’m excited to see how this new approach works out in practice, even though it’s a shift from my old routine.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team

Hey there,
I skip the traditional “first-day jitters” style books because they can be a bit dry. Instead, I choose fun, engaging reads that get kids laughing and participating right away. My two biggest hits are:

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: Children have to keep telling the pigeon “No!” so they feel actively involved in the story.

• The Book with No Pictures: Despite (or because of) having no pictures, it’s incredibly silly and interactive, which shows kids that reading can be hilarious and exciting.

Thanks – Preschool Vibes Support Team