Episodes

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple routine I added to my math block that is making a big difference in what my students actually remember. I’m still teaching my regular lessons and following my curriculum, but I added just 8 to 10 minutes of review at the beginning of math. I call it “Skittle Review,” and while the Skittles definitely help with engagement, that’s not what’s really making the impact. Inside this episode, I walk you through exactly what this looks like in my classroom using e...

Are your students able to read sight words… but struggle to spell them in their writing? Or maybe they can pass a quick sight word check, but don’t recognize those same words in a sentence? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach sight words (or trick words) so students can both read and write them with confidence. As we head into the final 6 to 8 weeks of the school year, this is not the time to add complicated routines. Instead, I’m sharing a simple, repeatable weekly system t...

In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing how I teach one, two, and three syllable words in first grade. You’ll hear a simple explanation of syllables and three easy, hands-on activities that help students hear the beats in words and build stronger phonics skills. If you are teaching first grade syllables and need practical ideas for introducing 1, 2, and 3 syllable words, this episode is for you. What are you working on this week. I'd love to hear about it. Reach out and leave m...

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin shares an important update about the podcast schedule and a simple classroom strategy for supporting students who are close to reaching grade level. Beginning next week, new episodes of the podcast will be released on Saturdays. Robin explains why this change will help her continue sharing thoughtful and helpful content for teachers each week. Robin also discusses a group of students many teachers know well, the “bubble kids.” These are studen...

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson explores one of the most powerful phonics patterns for early readers: Silent E. Some teachers call it Magic E, and in Secret Stories it’s known as Mommy E. No matter what you call it, this small letter has a big job because it makes the vowel say its name. Robin shares a fun classroom approach where she dresses up as Mommy E and teaches students how this silent letter changes words like cap to cape and tap to tape. When phonics becomes m...

Are you teaching suffix -ing in your classroom? In this episode, we break down what -ing really means, how it strengthens decoding and fluency, and three simple activities you can use right away. Plus, we connect -ing to glued sounds like ing, ang, ong, ung, ink, ank, onk, and unk to help students see patterns inside bigger words. Practical, structured literacy strategies you can use tomorrow. Leave a 5-star review to be entered into a $25 Amazon gift card. Connect with me on any of these Soci...

This week on The Education Connection, we are breaking down one tiny suffix that can cause big confusion in the classroom… -ed. Did you know -ed makes three different sounds? It can say /t/, /d/, or /ed/. If your students are reading “jump-ed” or adding an extra syllable where it doesn’t belong, this episode is for you. In this episode, I walk you through simple, practical ways to teach the three sounds of -ed so your students can hear it, feel it, and apply it confidently in both reading and ...

This week, we are tackling three consonant blends like string, spring, strong, and shrimp — words that look simple but require serious brain work for young readers. In this episode of The Education Connection, I break down: • What three letter blends actually are • Why students sometimes drop a sound when reading them • How to slow down instruction to build confidence • Why we should build words before asking students to read them • Four simple, no purchase at-home activities parents can us...

In this episode, Robin Wilson breaks down a common phonics mystery: why some students know their letter sounds but still struggle to blend words. Blending is not just one skill. There are different reasons a child might get stuck, and each one needs a different kind of support. Robin explains three specific blending breakdowns teachers see in early readers: sound production, sound linking, and sound memory. You will learn how to recognize each one and, more importantly, what to do about it. Thi...

In this episode of The Education Connection, we’re talking about a simple phonics pattern first graders are learning to notice — two vowels together. I share how to teach EA, EE, OA, AI, UE, and UI using easy, no-prep classroom activities you can start this week. I also share a personal reflection after missing last week due to sickness and a reminder from Romans 8:26 that even when we don’t know what to do in our classrooms, the Spirit helps us. Practical teaching and encouragement for the hear...

Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading Matters More Than We Think In this episode of The Education Connection with Robin Wilson, we talk about why protecting daily reading time matters so much, even when teaching feels messy and unpredictable. This episode is an encouragement for teachers and parents who know reading is important but struggle to make it happen consistently. ✅ Why 20 minutes of daily reading has such a powerful impact on student growth ✅ A realistic look at why protecting reading time...

Blends can be a tricky step in early reading, especially for young learners who know their letter sounds but struggle to put them together smoothly. In this episode of The Education Connection, first grade teacher Robin Wilson breaks down what blends are, why they can be challenging, and how to teach them in a way that actually works. You’ll hear clear explanations, classroom-tested strategies, and two engaging activities—including a movement-based Read the Room activity and a fun “Blend-er” le...

Heading back to school after a break can feel overwhelming. A new year brings fresh expectations, new energy, and sometimes the pressure to change everything at once. In this episode of The Education Connection, I encourage you to pause and reflect on your classroom routines and choose just one part of your day to improve. Instead of overhauling your entire schedule, I talk about the power of small, intentional changes and how they can bring renewed focus and peace into your classroom. I share...