What does it really mean when we ask first graders to write about the events in a story? Before students can write about what happened, they need to understand plot, identify important events, and put those events in sequence. In this episode of The Education Connection, we continue the Writing About Reading series with Story Events, Part 1: Understanding Plot and Sequencing. We’ll talk about the difference between plot and sequencing and how to scaffold instruction from sequencing pictures to

Summer Week 2: Pacific Voices, Renovations and Gardens - FAAF 271 In this 271st episode, I share my reflections from August 3-7, 2026. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below: >>> bit.ly/E271FreshAirAtFivePlaylist <<< 4th: EdTech Bites E302 “Beginning Of The Year Keynote: Stop October Burnout With This 3-Step Check” 7th: Angela Watson’s Truth For Teachers E353 “Think out loud: teaching the hidden skills of planning and prioritizing”; The Inspire

Special education enrollment in the United States has reached record highs, but what's really driving the increase? Is it better diagnosis, changing academic expectations, broader legal protections, or something else entirely? (NOTE: If you don't want to hear about Jen's wild concert adventure and why her voice sounds like a 70-year-old smoker, bypass our banter and skip to the 6:50 time stamp) In Episode 2 of our special education series, we move beyond the history of IDEA and examine what's h

Meet Principal Joey Horn from Lincoln Elementary in Princeton, IL. Joey and I connected years ago at IPA- Illinois Principals Association. Joey is a leader, husband, father, and one who is passionate about bringing positive energy to his family, school, and community. He'll join us LIVE on the #ELB podcast on Thursday, 8/6 at 4:15 EST. Join us!Follow Joey @joeydean_ and on X @Joey_Horn_Joey is also a strong user & believer in IXL. This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is us

Understanding student behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation can transform the way schools support students, teachers, and families. When we move beyond labels and look at what a child’s behavior may be communicating, we create opportunities for connection, learning, and growth. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading expert in nervous system regulation and author of The Dysregulated Kid®, about how regulation impacts learning, behavior, and mental heal

Do you ever feel like you're spending more time correcting behavior than actually teaching? I've been there. In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm taking a short break from my Writing About Reading series to talk about something that's on every teacher's mind this time of year...classroom procedures. After 20 years in the classroom, I've learned that classroom management doesn't begin with consequences. It begins with intentionally teaching procedures. I'll share the simple three-ste