Episodes

In this episode, we continue our phonics journey by introducing consonant blends paired with short vowels. After reviewing CVC words and digraphs the last two weeks, we dive into how blends work, why they matter, and how to teach them effectively. You'll walk away with three engaging classroom activities—Blend & Match Cards, Scoot & Blend, and Blends Bingo—that make learning blends fun and memorable for your students. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kinderg...

In this episode of The Education Connection, we continue our phonics journey by building on last week’s CVC word practice and diving into digraphs — ch, sh, th, wh, ph, and ck. You'll learn how to teach these essential sound chunks alongside short vowels using fun, simple activities that keep young readers engaged. Whether you’re introducing digraphs for the first time or reinforcing them with hands-on practice, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow. ...

In this episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into the first steps in teaching reading — from mastering letter sounds to blending CVC words. Whether you're teaching kindergarten, first grade, or supporting early readers in any setting, these foundational skills matter more than ever. We’ll talk about: Why fluency with letters and short vowels is essential How to assess what your students truly know What CVC blending really looks like Practical, low-prep activities you can use to...

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin reflects on her early teaching years and the powerful shift that happened when she truly understood the importance of phonics and phonemic awareness. But more importantly — she reminds us that decoding skills alone aren’t enough. If we only teach students to tap out words but never give them time to read meaningful books, we risk creating readers who can decode… but not understand. Robin shares how she structures her small groups using decodabl...

Are you getting ready to launch literacy centers in your classroom? In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing exactly how I introduce literacy centers during the first weeks of school. I walk you through the four stations I will start with, how I model expectations, and what my students will experience during our very first day of rotating through centers—spoiler alert: we keep it short and sweet! You’ll hear how I teach routines for Heggerty, decodable reading, computer time, an...

Planning for a substitute teacher can feel overwhelming, but with the right sub plans, your classroom can run smoothly even when you’re out. In this episode of The Education Connection, I share practical tips for writing effective substitute teacher plans, organizing emergency sub folders, and leaving extra activities like coloring sheets, read-aloud books, and time-filler activities. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, these classroom management strategies will help you create str...

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares practical, everyday ways teachers can use ChatGPT to save time and spark ideas in the classroom. From creating schedules and organizing classroom spaces, to drafting polished parent letters, generating writing prompts, and even recovering lost game directions—this tool is becoming a teacher’s secret helper. Robin also explains how ChatGPT works, addresses common fears about using AI in education, and offers encouragement for usin...

The first week of school sets the tone for your entire year — and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 📎In this episode, we’ll talk about the two most important goals for your very first day: knowing exactly how every student is getting home and making each child feel loved and cared for. 👉🏻I’ll walk you through simple ways to build your classroom community from Day 1, including creating a mission statement with your students, using visuals to introduce the daily schedule, and crafting a classro...

In this episode of The Education Connection, we're diving into simple, powerful attention-getters and classroom management tools that set the tone for a calm, focused classroom—without raising your voice or losing your mind. From classic clap-backs to the magical "Mystery Student" game, these strategies are perfect for the first days of school and beyond. You'll walk away with 7 easy-to-implement ideas, including fun ways to manage transitions, end-of-day cleanup hacks (hello, mystery object!),...

In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm walking you through exactly how I structure and teach my procedures on the very first day of school — and why it matters so much for the rest of the year. From unpacking supplies and reading expectations to lunchroom behavior and packing up to go home, I’m sharing it all. 🗓️ First Day of School Schedule: 8:00 AM – Greet students & decorate name tags 8:30 AM – Independent coloring & begin putting away supplies 9:00 AM – Teach rug expectations &...

Back-to-School Reset: A Fresh Start for Teachers and Parents In this episode, we're turning the page from summer to school with a practical and encouraging conversation about how to reset for the new year. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or both—this episode is your gentle nudge to breathe, refocus, and move forward with clarity. We’ll reflect briefly on the 4-part Reset Series we just wrapped up and talk about what it means to truly feel ready—mentally, emotionally, and practically—for the...

Spiritual Rest: Reconnecting with God in Everyday Moments Description: In the final episode of our 4-part rest series, we’re talking about the kind of rest that truly restores: spiritual rest. This isn’t about naps or time off—it’s about slowing down enough to reconnect with God. Whether through nature, devotionals, quiet reflection, or even church community (yes, even when it’s complicated), spiritual rest invites us back to our source of peace and purpose. In this episode, I’ll share ways to ...

🎙️ Episode Title: Finding Emotional Rest — Exhale the Feelings You’ve Been Carrying Description: Even during summer break, the weight of the school year lingers—and those "July Scaries" creep in as a new year approaches. In this third episode of our Rest Series, we're talking about emotional rest: what it is, why it matters, and how to find it even when your heart feels full of everything you didn’t have time to process during the year. I’ll share signs of emotional fatigue and offer four gentl...

Rest & Restore – Week 2: Mental Rest That Lets Your Mind Exhale ☀️🧠✍️ Your body may be on summer break... but is your brain? In this week’s episode of the Rest & Restore Summer Mini-Series, we’re talking about mental rest—the kind that lets your thoughts settle, your shoulders drop, and your mind finally exhale. If your teacher brain is still swirling with ideas, plans, and what-ifs, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through 5 practical ways to quiet the mental noise, including: A 5-minute “br...

Rest & Restore – Week 1: Physical Rest That Actually Restores ☁️🪴💤 You made it to summer… but why are you still so tired? 😩☀️ In this first episode of the Rest & Restore mini-series, we’re talking about physical rest — and what it really means to recharge your body without turning into a total couch potato 🛋️🍿. From gentle routines 🕯️☕ to guilt-free naps 😴 and cozy corners outside 🌸🪑, I’m sharing five simple ways I’m learning to rest with intention — and how I’m leaning on God’s st...

In this episode of The Education Connection, I share an honest look at what it feels like to hit summer break and still feel completely drained—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Three days in, and the rest hasn’t kicked in yet. Sound familiar? We’ll talk about: Why post-year exhaustion is deeper than just being “tired” Simple, soul-filling ways to rest without guilt A quick devotional from Matthew 11:28 to remind us we’re not meant to carry it all And how Mel Robbins’ 5-Second R...

🎙️ New Episode: 4 Days to Go — Ending the Year with Fun Games & Heart It’s the final countdown! 🗓️ Only four days left for me, and if you’re running on fumes, this one’s for you, teacher friend. 💛 Let’s wrap up the year with laughter, love, and a few no-prep games that’ll keep kids happy (and you sane). ✨ Plus, I’m sharing a word of encouragement straight from Galatians 6:9 to help you finish strong — heart full, not burnt out. ✅ Inside this episode: ☑️ Low-prep classroom games 🎨 ☑️ Crow...

How to Help Your First Grader Make the Leap to 2nd Grade 📚 Is your child or class moving from 1st to 2nd grade? In this episode, we're breaking down the big academic jumps in both math ➕ and language arts ✏️ —from place value and problem solving to reading stamina and paragraph writing. You'll get clear insight into what changes, why it matters, and how to support learning over the summer 🌞. Whether you're a teacher wrapping up the year or a parent prepping for a confident start, this one...

When It’s OK to Pause: The Power of Rest for Teachers In this gentle and honest episode of The Education Connection , we’re giving teachers something they rarely get — permission to rest. If you’ve ever felt guilty for calling in sick, struggled to slow down, or pushed through exhaustion because "your students need you," this episode is for you. We explore the unspoken pressure educators feel to keep going no matter what, and why it’s not only okay, but necessary , to honor your body and m...

🎙️Preventing the Summer Slide 📚 Summer is a time for fun and relaxation — but it’s also important to keep those young minds active! In today’s episode, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to prevent the "summer slide" and keep kids learning all summer long. ✨ Whether you're a teacher, a homeschooling parent, or just looking for easy activities to boost skills at home, you’ll find fresh ideas, printable resources, and motivating tips you can start using right away. 👓 Need stylish, affordable gl...

🎧 Small Groups vs. Whole Group Instruction: What’s Best for Elementary Students? 📌 In today’s episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about debates in elementary education: Should we teach in small groups or stick to whole group instruction? With the rise of the Science of Reading and a shift away from traditional Guided Reading, many educators are wondering what’s truly best for students—especially when it comes to equity, engagement, and effectiveness. We...

Anxiety is showing up more and more in our classrooms—but what does it actually look like, and how can teachers respond in ways that truly help? In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m diving into what anxiety can look like in students (hint: it’s not always what you think) and sharing three practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away to support anxious learners. No therapy degree required—just heart, awareness, and a few easy tools that fit into your day. Whether y...

🎉 Big News! 🎉 I have two exciting updates to share with you! 🛍️ 1. My New Store is LIVE! I'm thrilled to announce that the FirstGradeLoves.com store is officially open! If you’re looking for fun, engaging, and easy-to-use resources for your first graders, I’ve got you covered. ✂️📚✏️ ✅ Digital downloads ✅ Classroom-tested materials ✅ Designed with love for busy teachers like you! Check it out here ➡️ FirstGradeLoves.com 🎧 2. I'm Now Part of the Education Podcast Network! I'm honored to be a ...

✅ Helping Kids Master Sight Words—The Fun Way! 🎉 📖 Sight words are the foundation of strong reading skills, but memorizing them doesn’t have to be boring! In this episode, I’m sharing fun, hands-on activities to help kids recognize sight words quickly and confidently. 🎯 From hopscotch games to flashlight word hunts, these strategies keep learning engaging and interactive! 🏡 Perfect for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, and tutors looking for simple, low-prep activities! 🔗 Want more ideas? Chec...