When students struggle with intense emotions or challenging behaviors, how we respond can shape the relationship we build with them. But what if the most effective response isn't correcting the behavior, but understanding the human being behind it? In this episode, I talk with Steve McMahon, an educator and behavior intervention specialist who helps schools respond to intense behaviors through connection, mindset, and de-escalation. Steve shares stories from his work with students and school le

Making Pictures in Our Minds: Teaching Visualization in First Grade | Writing About Reading Series What do popcorn, a good book, and a little imagination have in common? They're all part of one of my favorite reading comprehension lessons! 🍿📚 In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm sharing how I teach visualization in my first-grade classroom by turning our read-aloud into a little movie-theater experience! With popcorn bags, a movie-film anchor chart, and a surprise illustration rev

Walking in Vancouver - myPITA Fall 2026 - FAAF 279 In this 279th episode, I share my reflections from Oct 18-23, 2026. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below: >>> bit.ly/E279FreshAirAtFivePlaylist <<< 18th: Aspire To Lead E400 “Celebrating 400 Episodes: Leadership Lessons with Todd Nesloney and Dr. Sarah Johnson” 19th: Teach Lab with Justin Reich E104 “Introducing "The Advisory" with Andrew Frishman” 20th: Check This Out E169 “Updates Upon Upd

The beginning of a new school year often brings excitement, fresh energy, and momentum. But as September and October roll around, that initial enthusiasm can start to fade, leaving school leaders feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why everything suddenly feels harder. In this special preview episode, I share clips from my Flip the Fall Dip 2026 series, exploring the highs and lows of school culture and the emotional energy that shapes our experience as leaders. I discuss why the shif

How to Teach Questioning in First Grade | Writing About Reading Series Are your first graders full of questions? Let's put that natural curiosity to work during reading! In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson from First Grade Love shares simple, practical ways to teach questioning as a reading comprehension strategy in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Discover how to help students ask meaningful questions before, during, and after reading—and how to turn those qu

In this episode of The Education Connection, we're wrapping up our three-part series on making connections with text-to-world connections! Discover simple ways to help first graders connect what they're reading to the world around them through seasons, holidays, community events, and everyday experiences. I'll share picture book recommendations, a simple anchor chart idea, and practical ways to turn reading connections into meaningful drawing and writing activities. Remember, if they can say