Get to know Mrs. Mitten
Hi, I’m Shannon Mitten, though most people in the preschool world know me as Mrs. Mitten. I am a Preschool Instructional Coach and Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist who believes deeply in the power of play, relationships, and joyful learning.
For more than a decade, I have worked in early childhood classrooms, helping teachers create environments where children feel safe, curious, and capable. My coaching approach is built on trust, reflection, and connection. I believe that when teachers feel supported, children thrive.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of launching and expanding high-quality preschool programs, training educators in best practices, and partnering with families to strengthen the home-school connection. My work focuses on helping teachers understand the “why” behind what we do in early childhood and turning that understanding into meaningful, playful practice.
Outside of school, I’m a mom of two, a baker at heart, and a youth soccer coach for my son’s team. Whether I’m kneading sourdough, coaching on the field, or designing a new family workshop, I bring the same energy to everything I do, curiosity, care, and a belief that growth comes through play.
Why The Preschool Playbook
I started The Preschool Playbook as a way to share what I’ve learned, celebrate the incredible work of early educators, and create a space where teachers can feel seen, heard, and inspired. Each episode and resource is designed to help you bring more joy, connection, and purpose into your classroom.
If you’re ready to rediscover the magic in teaching and embrace play as the heart of learning, you’re in the right place.
The Preschool Playbook with Mrs. Mitten
Welcome to The Preschool Playbook, a podcast that celebrates the art and heart of teaching through play. Join Mrs. Mitten each week for real classroom stories, practical coaching strategies, and joyful ideas you can take straight to your students.
Every episode is like a page from your personal playbook — full of encouragement, reflection, and inspiration to help you see the power of play in every moment.
☕ Pour a cup of coffee, grab your favorite pen, and let’s add a few new plays to your teaching game plan.
🎧 Episodes drop weekly, with quick “TPOT Tip Tuesday” segments designed to give you bite-sized coaching inspiration you can use right away.
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Opening Kickoff — Welcome to The Preschool Playbook
Every good play starts with a plan. In this opening episode, Mrs. Mitten shares how The Preschool Playbook began and what inspired her to create a space where early childhood educators can learn, reflect, and grow together.
Every good play starts with a plan. In this opening episode, Mrs. Mitten shares how The Preschool Playbook began and what inspired her to create a space where early childhood educators can learn, reflect, and grow together.
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The Power of Play
Play is the foundation of everything we do in preschool. This episode explores why play matters, what it teaches, and how teachers can weave curiosity and creativity into every moment of the day.
Play is the foundation of everything we do in preschool. This episode explores why play matters, what it teaches, and how teachers can weave curiosity and creativity into every moment of the day.
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Emotional Regulation — Playing It Cool
Big feelings can take over little bodies. Join Mrs. Mitten as she breaks down simple, effective strategies to help children identify their emotions, use their tools, and find calm through connection and play.
Big feelings can take over little bodies. Join Mrs. Mitten as she breaks down simple, effective strategies to help children identify their emotions, use their tools, and find calm through connection and play.
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Coaching Conversations — Building Your Team
Coaching is more than feedback; it’s teamwork. Learn how to create open, reflective coaching conversations that build trust, encourage growth, and strengthen your classroom community.
Coaching is more than feedback; it’s teamwork. Learn how to create open, reflective coaching conversations that build trust, encourage growth, and strengthen your classroom community.
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FAQs
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The Preschool Playbook is a podcast and resource hub for early childhood educators who believe in the power of play. Each episode shares real classroom stories, practical strategies, and coaching insights to help teachers bring more joy, confidence, and connection to their work.
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I’m Shannon Mitten, a Preschool Instructional Coach, Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist, and mom of two. I’ve spent my career helping teachers and families understand what developmentally appropriate, play-based learning really looks like in action.
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The Preschool Playbook is for anyone working with young children — teachers, instructional aides, coaches, administrators, or even families who want to better understand early learning. The goal is to support everyone who helps children grow through play.
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New episodes are released weekly, including a TPOT Tip Tuesday feature that offers short, actionable coaching ideas you can use right away.
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Absolutely! Please share freely. The Preschool Playbook was designed to be a supportive, accessible resource for early learning communities everywhere.
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Yes. In addition to the podcast, I offer coaching, consultation, and customized professional development sessions for schools and early childhood programs. You can use the contact form to learn more or schedule a conversation.
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You can reach me through the contact form on this site or by emailing thepreschoolplaybookpod@gmail.com. You can also follow along on Instagram at @ThePreschoolPlaybook for updates, classroom inspiration, and TPOT Tip Tuesday posts.