Episodes

30
March 23, 2025

Preparing for First Grade Academics-Spring and Summer Practice

First grade is a big step, and making sure your child is academically ready can set them up for success! 🎉In this episode, we’ll focus on key reading and math skills that every first grader needs, including: ✔️phonics, ✔️fluency, ✔️comprehension, ✔️vocabulary, ✔️number sense, ✔️addition, subtraction, and patterns. I’ll share simple, no-prep activities that parents and teachers can use right away to build these foundational skills. Plus, we’re celebrating a milestone—this is my 30th episo...
March 16, 2025

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: Academic Essential Skills for a Strong Start

Is your child ready for kindergarten? This Academic Kindergarten Readiness Checklist will help you track essential skills to ensure a smooth transition into school. Designed for parents and teachers, this checklist focuses on foundational learning areas every kindergartener should practice before starting school. ✅ Recognizes Basic Shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.) ✅ Identifies Letters & Sounds (uppercase & lowercase recognition, letter sounds) ✅ Writes Their Name (first name...
28
March 11, 2025

The Screen Time Effect on Little Readers

In this episode, we explore the growing concern of screen time and its impact on early childhood reading development. Research shows that excessive screen exposure can affect attention span, reduce time spent on interactive reading, and even alter brain development in young children. We break down how screen time influences comprehension, and a child’s ability to focus on books. Key points include: 📱 How screen time affects brain development and literacy skills 📖 The importance of interactive...
27
March 3, 2025

Reading Every Day: The #1 Way to Prepare Kids for School Success

Want to give your child the best start for the next school year? The secret is simple—daily reading! Whether you're a parent wondering how to encourage your child to read more or a teacher looking for ways to build a strong reading routine at home and in the classroom, this episode of The Education Connection has you covered! Join Robin Wilson as she shares practical tips for parents and teachers on how to make reading a daily habit. Learn why just 20 minutes of reading a day can expose kids to...
26
Feb. 28, 2025

Ready for Second Grade: Skills, Checklists & Success Strategies

Is your child ready for second grade? In this podcast, veteran first-grade teacher Robin Wilson breaks down the essential second-grade skills checklist, helping you understand exactly what a second grader needs to know. From reading comprehension and math fluency to writing skills and social development, I cover everything to ensure a smooth transition from first to second grade. Whether you're a parent looking for simple ways to support learning at home or a teacher preparing students for succe...
25
Feb. 17, 2025

Get Ready for First Grade-Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition

Are you preparing for first grade—whether as a teacher, homeschool parent, or private school educator? In this episode of The Education Connection, veteran first-grade teacher Robin Wilson shares practical tips to help students transition smoothly into first grade. With over 32 years of experience in the classroom and a top-ranked Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store, Robin breaks down key strategies for building strong routines, fostering independence, and setting the stage for a successful schoo...
24
Feb. 10, 2025

Get Ready for Kindergarten: Essential Skills for a Strong Start

Is your little one getting ready for kindergarten? In this episode of The Education Connection, we dive into essential kindergarten readiness skills every child needs before starting school. As a veteran first-grade teacher and experienced curriculum creator, I’ll share expert tips on early literacy, number sense, fine motor development, and social-emotional skills. Plus, I’ll provide simple, engaging activities parents and teachers can use to build confidence and independence in young learners...
23
Feb. 3, 2025

Social Success without the Stress: A Guide to Homeschool Friendship

In today's episode, I am giving 10 tips to guide you to homeschool socialization and friendships. You can find me on the following social platforms. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
1
Jan. 27, 2025

Homeschooling Without the Chaos: Simplify Your Day with These Tips

Homeschooling without the chaos! Listen for all the tips! Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
21
Jan. 19, 2025

Comprehension Strategy #7: Fix It (Make it Make Sense!)

I am diving in to the last of the 7 Comprehension Strategies. This one is the Fix It Strategy, which is a combination of all the strategies to make the story make sense. Please connect with me on all my social platforms. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
20
Jan. 12, 2025

Comprehension Strategy #6: Synthesizing! How to Change your Mind

This episode breaks down the seemingly difficult comprehension strategy of syntheiszing. Once you listen, you will see how easy it is to teach. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
19
Jan. 4, 2025

Comprehension Strategy #5: Inferencing, It's easier than you think!

I am so excited to share today's podcast about inferencing! This reading comprehension strategy will help you teach students how to think about what they are reading! Show notes Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
18
Dec. 29, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #4: Visualization

This week I am talking about the comprehension strategy of visualization. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
17
Dec. 21, 2024

Wishing you and your Family a very Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas to you and your Family. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
16
Dec. 15, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #3: Questioning

This week, I will dive into the questioning strategy! I’m so glad you stopped by to listen today. I hope these tips and activities inspire you to dive into teaching questioning with enthusiasm. Have a great week of teaching questioning! Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
15
Dec. 8, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #2 Connections (Part 3) Text to World

Today we will dive into Text to World Connections. This is the final part for connections, part 3. If you missed the last two episodes, you may want to go back to listen to those. These are easy ways to teach your kids comprehension strategies of connections. Next week I will dive into the comprehension strategy of questioning! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr ...
14
Dec. 1, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #2, (Part 2): Text to Self Connections

If you haven't listened to last weeks episode, Text to Text Connections, you may want to go back and check that one out! Bible Curriculum Bundle in Genesis 20% discount. Plus if you buy at this price, everything I add in after today (at least 3 more lessons) will be added that you will automatically get as I add them. Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Also on sale for 20% discount for all the strategies we have been talking about. I'd love to connect with you on the following platforms!...
13
Nov. 24, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #2 Connections (Part 1): Text to Text

Hi teachers, homeschool moms, private school Christian teachers, and welcome back to The Education Connection! I’m Robin Wilson, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re diving into the second of seven strategies to build strong reading comprehension in young readers: Text to Text Connections. PS... Please forgive me as I am still battling a cough! This has gone on sooo long. I did go to the doctor Friday so hopefully this will be the end of it. You hear me with a cough drop and I apologize bu...
12
Nov. 16, 2024

Comprehension Strategy #1: Background Knowledge (Schema)

In this episode, we dive into the foundational strategy of background knowledge and explore why it’s essential for young readers in primary grades (K-2). You'll learn how a child's prior experiences and understanding of the world contribute to their ability to make sense of texts and build stronger reading comprehension skills. Show notes Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm...
11
Nov. 10, 2024

Introducing Comprehension Strategies

Teaching Comprehension Strategies will make a huge impact in your reading teaching! Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if you have a suggestion for a future podcast. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@robinwilsonfirstgradelove1357?si=FjcTQ7H9bOphwNKD Pinterest https://pin.it/4fq4SVrO2 Coaching https://robinwilsonfir...
10
Nov. 2, 2024

Classroom Jobs #26-48

If you would like a FREE copy of these classroom jobs, please visit my teacher store for your copy! You can also contact me on any of the following social media platforms! Show notes Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@robinwilsonfirstgradelove1357?si=FjcTQ7H9bOphwNKD Pinterest https://pin.it/4fq4SVrO2 Coaching https://robinwilsonf...
9
Oct. 27, 2024

Classroom Jobs #1-25

Classroom Jobs that you can give students as early as Kindergarten for some of these jobs. I teach first grade and these jobs fit well in my classroom. These will also work in any setting: private, homeschool, public school, or Sunday School. Contact me on your favorite social media platform! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@robi...
8
Oct. 19, 2024

Let's Talk about Developing Lesson Plans

Let's talk about developing lesson plans. Let’s connect!! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@robinwilsonfirstgradelove1357?si=FjcTQ7H9bOphwNKD Pinterest https://pin.it/4fq4SVrO2 Coaching https://robinwilsonfirstgradelove.hbportal.co/schedule/66002b3a913d21001f0d03a1 Blog https://firstgradeloves.com Teachers Pay Teachers htt...
7
Oct. 12, 2024

My Favorite Math Games!

My Favorite Math Games! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilsonFirstGradeLove?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstgradelove1st?igsh=cHNwdWFiZjR5dm1l&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@robinwilsonfirstgradelove1357?si=FjcTQ7H9bOphwNKD Pinterest https://pin.it/4fq4SVrO2 Coaching https://robinwilsonfirstgradelove.hbportal.co/schedule/66002b3a913d21001f0d03a1 Blog https://firstgradeloves.com Teachers Pay Teachers https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/st...