Afleveringen
-
Have you ever finished a read aloud and thought, "Now what should my students write?"
For many first graders, simply saying "Write about the story" is too broad. Young learners need a clear purpose for writing.
In this first episode of the Writing About Reading series, we'll explore two different types of writing after reading: understanding the story and thinking about the story. You'll discover why both are essential, how they work together to strengthen comprehension, and how giving students a specific writing focus leads to more meaningful responses.
Whether you're teaching characters, setting, sequencing, or later moving into comprehension strategies like connections, inferencing, and questioning, this framework will help you intentionally connect reading and writing throughout the year.
If you've ever wondered what students should write after a read aloud, this episode is the perfect place to begin.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Website
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
Do your students read the words but struggle to understand what they read?
In this episode of The Education Connection, we're wrapping up our Science of Reading series by focusing on the ultimate goal of reading: comprehension.
I'll share the seven comprehension strategies that have shaped my instruction over the years and explain how I teach them in my first-grade classroom. While my approach has been influenced by the professional book 7 Keys to Comprehension by Susan Zimmermann and Chryse Hutchins, I've adapted these ideas to meet the developmental needs of young readers.
We'll discuss:
🍎 Why background knowledge lays the foundation for comprehension
🍎 How I teach connections through text to self, text to text, and text to world
🍎 Simple ways to encourage questioning during reading
🍎 Helping students create mental images through visualization
🍎 Teaching inferencing by using clues from the text
🍎 How synthesizing helps students grow and change their thinking
🍎 Why monitoring comprehension is an ongoing habit of good readers
Throughout the episode, I'll share practical classroom examples and simple activities you can begin using during read alouds, guided reading, and small-group instruction.
If there's one takeaway from today's episode, it's this:
Good readers don't just read the words. Good readers think while they read.
🎁 Free Download
Be sure to grab this week's free Comprehension Strategies Teacher Reference. This one-page printable includes all seven strategies, a brief explanation of each one, and a simple classroom activity you can use right away.
Resources Mentioned
• 7 Keys to Comprehension by Susan Zimmermann and Chryse Hutchins
Connect with Me
🌐 Website: https://firstgradeloves.com
🍎 Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/First-Grade-Love
📸 Instagram: @firstgradelove
🎙 If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher. Your support helps encourage and equip more educators as they help children become confident, lifelong readers.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
📃 Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
How do you effectively teach vocabulary in the primary classroom? In this episode of The Education Connection, we're exploring one of the essential components of the Science of Reading: vocabulary.
You'll learn why vocabulary instruction is critical for reading comprehension, how it differs from sight word practice, and simple classroom activities you can begin using immediately. Robin shares practical, teacher-friendly ideas including preteaching vocabulary before a read aloud, vocabulary scavenger hunts, and a hybrid activity that combines sight words with meaningful vocabulary instruction.
Whether you teach kindergarten, first grade, second grade, or work with struggling readers, these strategies will help your students develop stronger language skills and become more confident readers.
Get the FREEBIE that goes along with this episode. Vocabulary Graphic Organizer Activity
In this episode you'll learn:
• What vocabulary really is
• Why vocabulary matters for reading comprehension
• The difference between vocabulary instruction and sight word practice
• Easy vocabulary activities for elementary classrooms
• Practical Science of Reading strategies you can implement tomorrow
Today's Breath of Inspiration comes from 2 John 1:6, reminding us to faithfully walk in God's ways as we teach and encourage the children entrusted to us.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who loves helping students become lifelong readers.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Website
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode of The Education Connection, we're continuing our Science of Reading series by exploring one of the most important building blocks of reading success: phonics.
What is phonics, and why has it become such a major focus in reading instruction? Join me as we discuss how phonics helps students connect letters and sounds, decode unfamiliar words, and become confident readers.
You'll learn:
• What phonics is and how it fits into the Science of Reading
• Why phonics instruction is receiving renewed attention in education
• The typical sequence of phonics skills from simple to complex
• Practical classroom activities such as word building, word sorts, and decodable texts
• How phonics works alongside phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to develop skilled readers
Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, homeschool parent, or literacy enthusiast, this episode will provide a clear overview of phonics and practical ideas you can use right away.
Click here for the FREE poster that accompanies this episode. Phonics Poster FREE
Scripture Focus: 1 John 5:20 (CSB)
Thank you for listening to The Education Connection. Be sure to subscribe and join us next time as we continue our Science of Reading series with a discussion on vocabulary and its role in reading success.
Leave a 5 star Review to be entered in our next $25 Amazon Gift Card.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Website
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode of The Education Connection, we continue our Science of Reading series by exploring fluency and why it is such an important bridge between phonics and comprehension. Learn the three components of fluency: accuracy, rate, and prosody, and discover simple classroom strategies that help students become confident, expressive readers. Whether you teach kindergarten, first grade, or beyond, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can use right away to support reading success.
• The 5 components of the Science of Reading
• What fluency is (and what it isn't)
• Accuracy, rate, and prosody explained
• Simple fluency activities for the classroom
• Encouragement for teachers from Galatians
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
What is phonemic awareness, and why is it so important for beginning readers?
In this first episode of our Science of Reading series, I break down what phonemic awareness is, why it matters, and how you can teach it in your classroom, tutoring sessions, or homeschool lessons.
We'll discuss:
• What phonemic awareness is (and what it is not)
• Examples of blending, segmenting, deleting, and manipulating sounds
• Simple phonemic awareness activities you can use right away
• How phonemic awareness connects to phonics instruction
• Why reading skills should be taught systematically and revisited throughout the year
I'll also share a resource that many teachers use for structured phonemic awareness instruction and explain how these skills fit into the bigger picture of reading success.
As always, we'll end with a scripture and prayer for educators.
Be sure to download the free Phonemic Awareness Sample Activity linked in the show notes and scan the QR code to connect with future episodes in this Science of Reading series.
Next week-Phonics: Connecting Sounds to Print
Connect with me:
Website: firstgradeloves.com
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
Have you been hearing the term Science of Reading and wondering what it actually means?
In this episode of The Education Connection, I share my perspective and explore what the Science of Reading is and how it connects to the five essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
As I learned more about the Science of Reading, I realized that many of these components have been part of reading instruction for years. At the same time, the conversation has encouraged me to reflect on my own teaching practice and consider how all five components work together to help children become successful readers.
In this episode, we'll:
• Define the Science of Reading
• Explore the five essential components of reading
• Look at practical classroom examples of each component
• Discuss why all five components matter
• Reflect on what the Science of Reading means for educators today
This episode is about learning, growing, and keeping our focus on helping children become confident, capable readers.
Over the next several weeks, we'll dive deeper into each of the five components of reading and explore practical strategies that teachers, tutors, homeschool parents, and caregivers can use to support young readers.
Whether you're a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, tutor, homeschool parent, or simply someone who wants to better understand how children learn to read, this episode is for you.
Scripture: Proverbs 4:7
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
Summer break is finally here… so why do so many teachers still feel mentally exhausted?
In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson talks honestly about the emotional and mental shift that happens during the first week after school ends. From overstimulation and teacher exhaustion to guilt over resting and struggling to “shut your brain off,” this episode is a real conversation for teachers who are trying to slow down after a long school year.
Robin shares encouragement for educators who are still replaying classroom moments, thinking about students, mentally planning next year, and learning how to truly rest again after months of constant responsibility.
If you’ve ever felt like your body is on summer break but your mind is still in classroom mode, this episode is for you.
In this episode:
Teacher mental exhaustion after the school yearWhy teachers struggle to relax during summer breakEmotional decompression after teachingTeacher guilt and productivity pressureLearning how to rest without guiltFaith-based encouragement for weary teachersMatthew 11:28 and finding rest in GodWhether you teach elementary school, middle school, high school, homeschool, or work with children in any setting, this episode will remind you that rest is not laziness and that you are not alone.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing how I survive the last week of school in first grade while still keeping students engaged, calm, and learning. If you are looking for last week of school tips for elementary teachers, simple end of year classroom ideas, or ways to keep structure during the final week of school, this episode is for you.
I talk about why I keep our classroom schedule as normal as possible during the last week of school, how I use gentle spiral review in reading and math, and how I turn memory books into meaningful reading and writing activities instead of just filler time. We’ll also talk about keeping students emotionally regulated during the excitement of the end of the school year and why teachers do not need Pinterest-perfect plans to make the final week special.
Inside this episode:
Last week of school tips for elementary teachersEnd of the school year classroom management ideasFirst grade reading and math review ideasHow to keep structure during the last week of schoolMemory book ideas for elementary classroomsLow stress end of year teaching strategiesEncouragement for tired teachers during the final week of schoolIf the last week of school feels overwhelming, chaotic, emotional, or exhausting, I hope this episode encourages you and reminds you that calm, connection, and consistency matter more than perfection.
For an End of Year Memory Book, click on the following link.
End of Year Memory Book
Be sure to subscribe to The Education Connection for more elementary teaching ideas!
Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Get Ready for First Grade
Get Ready for Second Grade
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
-
Need simple end of year ideas that won’t leave you exhausted? In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares an easy 10 day balloon countdown filled with low prep, low cost activities that elementary students absolutely love.
From Sit Anywhere Day and Read Outside Day to Popcorn and Movie Day, Sidewalk Chalk Day, and Movie and Memory Day, these simple end of year classroom ideas help teachers create meaningful memories without adding more stress during the busiest time of the school year.
If you are searching for easy last week of school activities, end of year countdown ideas, or fun elementary classroom activities for May, this episode is packed with realistic ideas you can actually use.
Robin also shares encouragement for teachers who are running on empty and reminds listeners that students do not need elaborate celebrations to make lasting memories.
In this episode:
• 10 simple balloon countdown ideas
• Low prep end of year classroom activities
• Easy last days of school ideas for elementary teachers
• Fun classroom traditions students remember
• Simple ways to celebrate the end of the school year
Be sure to grab the free balloon countdown printable in the show notes.
Simple Balloon Countdown Ideas for the Last Days of School
Connect with me on any of these social media platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares simple and effective ways to teach prefixes and suffixes in first grade without overcomplicating the skill.
If teaching prefix and suffix feels tricky with young learners, this episode breaks it down into clear, manageable steps that help students understand how words change. Robin explains what prefixes and suffixes are in a first grade-friendly way and walks through how to introduce them so students can actually apply the skill.
You’ll also hear 3 easy phonics activities that can be used right away in the classroom or at home:
Matching base words like happy, jump, and play with new wordsActing out words to build meaning and engagementSorting words to identify prefixes, suffixes, and base wordsThese prefix and suffix activities for first grade are designed to build confidence, increase vocabulary, and help students start recognizing patterns in words.
As always, this episode ends with a scripture and prayer to encourage and support teachers in their daily work.
Whether teaching in a classroom, tutoring, or working with children at home, this episode will give practical ideas for teaching first grade phonics in a simple and meaningful way.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
For Freebies connected to this podcast, click on the following link to sign up for my email.
***Sign up for my Weekly Email:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode, I share a classroom system inspired by Robert J. Marzano that focuses on one goal: making sure every student truly learns—not just receives instruction.
I walk through how I introduce new concepts using “I do, we do, you do,” and how I intentionally listen, track understanding, and respond in real time. Instead of moving on when some students don’t get it, I build in time to reteach, revisit, and provide targeted support throughout the week.
From small group reteaching to peer support and ongoing check-ins, this approach creates a classroom where no student falls through the cracks—and where learning is expected, supported, and achieved.
I also reflect on how this process connects to Psalm 1:1, reminding us that true growth comes from returning again and again to what matters.
If you’ve ever wondered how to move from simply teaching content to ensuring real understanding, this episode is for you.
Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Get Ready for First Grade
Get Ready for Second Grade
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing exactly how I teach contractions in my first grade classroom in a way that actually sticks.
If you’ve ever introduced contractions and realized your students aren’t quite getting it yet, this episode walks you through a simple, step-by-step approach you can use right away. I’ll show you how I scaffold the skill so students move from seeing two separate words to confidently building contractions with understanding.
I’m also sharing three easy, low-prep activities I use in my classroom:
• Contraction Mix and Match for movement and engagement
• Guided whiteboard practice to build understanding step by step
• Quiz, Quiz, Trade to give students meaningful repetition with partners
These strategies work whether you’re in a classroom, small group, tutoring setting, or working with your own child at home.
As always, I’ll wrap up with a scripture and a quick prayer to encourage you in the work you’re doing every day.
If you’re teaching contractions in first grade or looking for engaging phonics activities that actually work, this episode is for you.
(Use words for) only what is helpful for building others up…” — Ephesians 4:29b (NIV)
Sign up for my Weekly Email
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle
-
When a teacher recommends retention, it can feel overwhelming for everyone involved. Parents may feel worried or unsure, and teachers know this is one of the most important decisions they make all year.
In this episode, we walk through retention from both perspectives. This is not about holding a child back. It is about asking the right question: what will help this child be successful long term?
You will hear:
• What teachers are really looking at before recommending retention
• How age and developmental readiness can impact learning and stamina
• Why some younger students struggle even when they are bright
• When retention may be the right choice and when moving forward may still be appropriate
• Questions parents can ask during conferences
• A simple checklist for teachers to think through before making the decision
This episode is designed to bring clarity, calm, and partnership between home and school. Because the best decisions are made when teachers and parents work together with the same goal in mind.
To sign up for my weekly email visit: Robin Wilson's Email list
Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Get Ready for First Grade
Get Ready for Second Grade
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle
-
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 end-of-unit and back-of-the-book review, how I keep it quick and manageable, and why this small shift is helping me reteach less and build more confidence in my students.
If you feel like your students forget skills as quickly as you teach them, this episode will give you a simple, doable solution you can start right away using materials you already have.
Sign up for my weekly email that includes FREEBIES
Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Get Ready for First Grade
Get Ready for Second Grade
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
-
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 that helps build automaticity without overwhelming your students.
You’ll learn:
• Why sight words should not be taught through memorization alone
• How to help students identify the “tricky” parts of words
• A day-by-day routine for teaching sight words Monday through Friday
• How often students should be writing sight words (this is key!)
• A balanced approach to sentence writing that builds confidence without frustration
• How to do a quick, low-pressure Friday check that actually shows what students know
This routine is quick, effective, and easy to stick with during the busy end-of-year season.
If you’re looking for a practical way to strengthen both reading and writing with sight words, this episode will give you something you can use right away in your classroom.
Link for this free resource: Weekly Sight Word Routine
👉🏼Click to sign up for my weekly email, with FREEbies included.👈🏼
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
-
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 me a message on one of the following platforms.
Also, leave a 5 star review for a chance to win a Amazon Gift Card for $20.
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
-
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 students who were once considered for retention but have made meaningful growth during the second half of the school year. With just a little extra support, they can continue moving forward with confidence.
In this episode, Robin explains how she uses independent reading time to call these students back daily to listen to them read, coach them through tricky words, and strengthen their fluency and comprehension. She also shares how she balances that time with students who still need deeper remediation.
If you are looking for a practical way to support struggling readers during the final months of the school year, this episode will give you a simple idea you can use right away.
Robin closes the episode with scripture and prayer to encourage teachers as they continue the important work of guiding their students each day.
Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
-
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 memorable and engaging, students are much more likely to understand and retain the pattern.
You’ll also learn three simple small group activities teachers can use to help students practice reading and building Silent E words, including word building, word changing, and sorting activities that reinforce the difference between short and long vowel sounds.
-
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 Social Media Platforms.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Coaching
Blog
Teachers Pay Teachers:
- Laat meer zien
