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

Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to discuss literacy, Tier 1 instruction, phonics, and teaching strategies to boost engagement and student success

In this powerful episode, Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to unpack what effective literacy instruction really looks like in today’s classrooms. From foundational skills and phonics to student engagement and classroom environment, Jake shares actionable tips and heartfelt stories from his journey in education.

Jake talks about his move from Ohio to Wisconsin, his experience on the Kelly Clarkson Show, and the importance of supporting and coaching new teachers. He sheds light on what tier one instruction should include and why direct instruction is a game-changer for student success.

🎓 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to strike the balance between engagement and motivation

• Why phoneme awareness is essential for early reading

• Smart classroom strategies for effective teaching

• Ways to support and coach new teachers

• How intentional planning and the right environment boost student success

• What Jake believes every teacher needs to hear right now

Whether you're just starting your teaching journey or mentoring others, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about the challenges and triumphs of teaching literacy today.

Learn more about Jake:

Jake is an Ohio native who began his teaching career in Milwaukee, WI in 2015. Having specialized in literacy instruction, Jake built a following on social media for his engaging and rhythmic phonics lessons and evidence-based structured literacy lessons, even landing him on The Kelly Clarkson Show in January 2024. Throughout his career, Jake has taught PreK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades and has recently stepped into the role of Foundational Literacy Director for a choice school in Milwaukee, WI. In his role, Jake supports a team of elementary teachers in their implementation of the science of reading. In addition, Jake co-teaches an online Science of Reading Course for Elevate Your Classroom. In his spare time, Jake presents nationally for conferences such as Plain Talk, IL ASCD, Elevate Your Classroom, and he consults with schools across the nation that are seeking to amp up their engagement and rigor in elementary literacy instruction. He is thrilled to be a guest on today's podcast!

You can find Jake on:

• https://www.engagewithjake.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/jake_daggett
• https://www.tiktok.com/@jake_daggett

Katie Blue shares transitional kindergarten tips, morning tubs, dollar store ideas, and her book Yanni the Yeti in this inspiring episode for teachers.

In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills welcome special guest Katie Blue, an inspiring educator and author, to talk about all things teaching, transitional kindergarten, and creating a classroom full of joy and learning.

Katie shares her go-to classroom strategies for boosting fine motor skills, encouraging problem-solving, and setting clear expectations through play-based learning and morning tubs. She also dives into how she uses dollar store ideas to create engaging, budget-friendly activities that make a big impact without breaking the bank.

🎒 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The power of transitional kindergarten and its unique role in early childhood education

• How to use morning tubs to start the day with meaningful play and skill-building

• Simple, low-cost ways to enhance your teaching using dollar store finds

• Effective classroom management tips that help create consistency and calm

• The importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing classroom environment

• A sneak peek at Katie’s inspiring children’s book, Yanni the Yeti and the Power of Yet, and how it promotes a growth mindset

Katie also shares her experience speaking at educational conferences and how she continues to inspire teachers to bring creativity into the classroom every single day.

This episode is full of educational insights, creative ideas, and heartwarming moments that will leave you energized and ready to try something new!

You can find Katie:

• ⁠https://www.instagram.com/katieblueedu/⁠

You can find her book on Amazon:⁠Yani the Yeti: and the Power of Yet by Katie Mense

In this special 100th episode, I’m joined by guest speaker Angela Griffith, a passionate reading specialist and ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative) Interventionist, to explore what structured literacy looks like in action—especially for students who struggle with reading.

Angela shares her journey with the Alabama Reading Initiative and how her role supports effective reading intervention, phonics instruction, and teaching strategies that align with the science of reading. She breaks down the importance of Tier 1 instruction, explains why multisensory instruction matters, and offers real classroom examples from her work with kindergarten learners and beyond.

We also unpack:

• What it really means to support students with dyslexia

• How Certified Academic Language Therapists play a role in intervention

• The power of teaching mouth positions in phonics lessons

• Why phonological awareness must come before decoding

• Insights into letters training and the Daily Alphabet routine

• Angela’s future goals for strengthening reading skills across the tiers of instruction

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or someone interested in teaching dyslexia and structured literacy, this episode is filled with educational insights you won’t want to miss.

✅ Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with literacy tips, practical strategies, and expert guidance on building strong foundations in reading and education.

Learn more about Angela:

Angela is an educator, author, and lifelong learner behind The Daily Alphabet. I’m here to help you create positive learning experiences in your classroom by bringing you research-based strategies and resources.

www.thedailyalphabet.com

Follow Angela on:

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok

Deedee and Adam are back and excited to chat about all things education with amazing teachers and friends. Join them in their weekly discussions as they dive into trending topics, latest news, and whatever else comes up!

• Adam and Deedee recount multiple attempts to kickstart their podcast after a long break.

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• • They outline plans to feature teachers, counselors, and administrators who make a difference.

    
    

  • A teacher tip about how to create a whisper phone with your hand that Deedee learned from a conference attendee.

  
  

Deedee and Adam chat about teachers that had an impact on them.

They share heartfelt stories about the teachers who left a lasting impact on our lives. Join us as we delve into the inspiring world of education, reminiscing about the dedicated individuals who shaped our early years.

We'll explore the profound influence these teachers had on our journeys, discussing the teaching methods that made learning engaging and unforgettable. From innovative activities to memorable classroom moments, we'll paint a vivid picture of the educators who made a difference.

Get ready for a conversation filled with anecdotes, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for those unsung heroes in education. Tune in to discover how the passion of these teachers ignited a spark within us, shaping the way we view learning and the impact it can have on young minds.

This podcast episode is not just a trip down memory lane, but a celebration of the incredible educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. Join Deedee and Adam as we pay tribute to those special teachers who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students.