Keri Brown shares K–5 math strategies using manipulatives to boost student engagement, classroom management, and deep learning in early math education.

In this engaging episode of The Classroom Collaborative Podcast, I’m joined by southern teacher and educator Keri Brown from Enchanted Kindergarten to explore the powerful role of math manipulatives in K–5 classrooms. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or working as an interventionist, this episode is packed with practical teaching strategies to elevate math education through student exploration and hands-on learning.

Keri shares her favorite takeaways from the book Mastering Math Manipulatives by Sarah Delano Moore and Kimberly R. Rby, plus how she brings concrete learning and pictorial learning into her daily math instruction. You'll hear how she manages classroom expectations, keeps manipulatives organized, and increases student engagement—even after the challenges of pandemic-era teaching.

🔢 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to introduce and use math manipulatives effectively from kindergarten through second grade

• The connection between manipulatives and deep math understanding

• Classroom-tested tips for classroom management and material organization

• How Keri’s early childhood education background shapes her approach

• The importance of professional development and attending educational conferences like the Educator Summit

If you're ready to make math more meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired with fresh, easy-to-implement ideas that make a big difference in how students learn.

More About Keri:

Keri is a K-2 interventionist, national speaker, author and curriculum creator from Alabama. With over 17 years in education, she previously taught both kindergarten and 1st grade. She’s all about mixing hands-on activities with research based ideas. Thriving to be a lifelong learner, she is always on the lookout for fresh ways to engage her students and help fellow educators. She shares her teaching ideas and what she’s learned along the way through her platform, Enchanted Kinder Garden.

Email:

keri@enchantedkindergarden.com

Blog:

https://www.enchantedkindergarden.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enchantedkindergarden

Shannon Cunningham shares practical ways to use AI in education, including ChatGPT, STEAM tools, and classroom strategies to support teachers and student engagement.

In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills chat with Shannon Cunningham, an instructional coach from North Texas, to explore how AI in education is reshaping the way teachers approach primary education.

Shannon shares her real-world experiences using tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI to support teacher collaboration, streamline classroom tasks, and improve student engagement. With a focus on educational innovation and empathy, she highlights the importance of combining tech tools with human insight for powerful teaching results.

🤖 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI for lesson planning, parental communication, and behavior intervention

• Tips for customizing AI for personalized classroom needs

• The role of educational technology in supporting teacher support and collaboration

• Creative uses of AI for STEAM activities, social stories, and resource generation

• How to maintain empathy in teaching while integrating new tech tools

• Real classroom examples of how AI can solve everyday classroom challenges

Whether you’re new to AI in education or ready to level up your teaching experience, this episode is full of actionable strategies and educational insights you can start using right away.

About Shannon:

Shannon Cunningham is an award-winning educator, instructional coach, and presenter based in North Texas. With experience in classrooms across Arizona, Nebraska, and Texas, she brings a broad perspective to her work in education. Shannon holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. She is certified to teach PreK–6th grade and English as a Second Language. With a passion for teaching both students and teachers, Shannon’s goal is for classrooms to be a place where students can grow and thrive academically and emotionally.

Email:

PrimaryShannonigans@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PrimaryShannonigans

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryShannonigans/

Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@primaryshannonigans

TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Primary-Shannonigans

Blog: www.PrimaryShannonigans.com

LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein shares playful learning tips, classroom strategies, and relationship-building ideas for early childhood education in this inspiring episode.

In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson welcome LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein—the vibrant educator behind Wolkis Wonderland—to share her best tips for boosting student engagement, building a classroom family, and creating real connections in early childhood education.

LeAnna brings her signature energy and wisdom to this conversation, offering powerful classroom strategies that support playful learning, positive behavior, and strong teacher-student relationships. You’ll also hear how she uses her innovative "solution suitcase" to teach young learners how to solve problems with empathy and creativity.

🪄 What You’ll Learn:

• How to foster deep student connections through relationship-building

• Techniques that make learning exciting and meaningful for early learners

• Practical ideas for behavior management that actually work

• Tips on forming classroom partnerships that encourage collaboration

• Why positivity in education is essential—and how LeAnna shares it through teacher support and community building

This episode is full of educational insights, uplifting stories, and proven tools that can help any teacher bring a little more magic into their classroom.

Learn more about our good friend, LeAnna!

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein is an energetic and passionate Kindergarten Teacher from Arizona with over 26 years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree from NAU, an Early Childhood Endorsement and achieved the rigorous advanced credentials of National Board Certification.

While teaching in her award-winning classroom, The “Wolkis Wonderland,” she designs mini hands-on center based stations that are brought to life with novel realia.

As a Nationally Recognized Presenter, LeAnna empowers educators to create cooperative learning environments utilizing music, movement & manipulatives that foster 100% student engagement.

Watch how she promotes exploration and encourages her Classroom Family to develop their imagination by following along inside LeAnna’s magical experiences on:

Instagram: @wolkiswonderland

Twitter: @WolkisWonders

TikTok: @wolkiswonderland