Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade

In this episode, Molly shares simple and practical tips for how to clean and organize your classroom before summer break so you can leave school feeling less stressed and come back in August ready to go. These classroom organization ideas are designed to help elementary teachers pack up efficiently, stay organized, and make back to school setup so much easier.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ How to start packing up your classroom before the last week of school ✔️ Simple ways to organize supplies, drawers, closets, and file cabinets ✔️ How to use student cleanup challenges to make cleaning fun and productive ✔️ Why taking photos and labeling everything saves time in August ✔️ Easy ways to prep your classroom now for back to school seasonResources Mentioned In This EpisodeClassroom Cleanup Challenge Slides - https://firstieland.com/cleanupFree End Of The Year Checklist - https://firstieland.com/checklistLet’s Stay Connected Visit our website: https://firstieland.com/ Visit our TPT store: Firstieland TPT StoreWatch on YouTube: Firstieland YouTube ChannelHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – Apple Podcasts 🎧 SPOTIFY – SpotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week!Molly 💜Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Grading Papers In First Grade: How To Save Time And Be More EfficientIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic ways to make grading papers in first grade faster and far less overwhelming. If grading feels like it’s taking over your evenings, weekends, or mental space, this episode is for you.Grading doesn’t have to mean stacks of papers following you home or hours spent entering grades. Instead of trying to grade everything, you’ll learn how to be more intentional about what actually needs a grade and what doesn’t.Molly walks you through the exact grading systems she used in her own first grade classroom to stay organized, save time, and still collect meaningful data for report cards. From quick checks and grading while students wait to batching papers and choosing a weekly grading day, these strategies are practical and easy to implement right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why you don’t need to grade every paper and what actually should be graded✔️ How to grade student work quickly during the school day instead of at home✔️ Simple systems for batching and organizing papers to save time✔️ The best way to grade multi-page tests without wasting hours✔️ How rubrics and easy graders can simplify writing and assessmentBy the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about your grading routine and have a clear plan to make grading papers more efficient, manageable, and less stressful.Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeWriting Templates with Built-In Rubrics - https://firstieland.com/rubricEZ Grader - https://amzn.to/49KlyLmLet’s Stay ConnectedVisit the website: www.firstieland.comNeed classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:👉 https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play, see you next week! 💜MollyFull disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Literacy Center Strategies That Actually Work In First GradeIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares literacy center strategies that actually work in a real first grade classroom. If you feel overwhelmed and exhausted from planning and organizing centers or if keeping kids on task is a struggle, this episode is for you.There are so many different ways teachers run literacy centers and it can feel confusing trying to figure out what works best. Instead of chasing the “perfect” system, this episode breaks down different approaches and how to choose something that fits your classroom and your time.Molly shares what worked best for her after years in the classroom, including why she moved away from weekly centers and switched to monthly literacy centers. You’ll hear how this simple shift can save you time, reduce burnout, and make center time more engaging and manageable for both teachers and students.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ The most common literacy center challenges teachers face and why they happen✔️ A clear explanation of Daily Five, Must Do May Do, and other popular center systems✔️ Why monthly literacy centers can save time and reduce teacher burnout✔️ How to keep students engaged and on task while you teach small groups✔️ Simple ways to differentiate centers without relying on endless worksheetsBy the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident setting up literacy centers that feel manageable and realistic for first grade, without spending your nights and weekends prepping materials.Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeMonthly Math & Literacy Centers - https://firstieland.com/learningcentersLearn more literacy center strategies here - https://firstieland.com/centersLet’s Stay ConnectedVisit the website: www.firstieland.comNeed classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play, see you next week! 💜MollyFull disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Surviving Indoor Recess: Simple Play Ideas That Won’t Drive You CrazyIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple ways to survive indoor recess without losing your sanity. If indoor recess in your classroom feels loud, chaotic, or completely exhausting, this episode is for you.Whether it’s freezing temperatures, pouring rain, or just one of those days when going outside isn’t an option, indoor recess happens more often than we’d like. Instead of dreading it, you’ll learn how to put a plan in place that keeps kids playing, happy, and calm, all without a ton of prep or structure.Molly walks you through how she handled indoor recess in her own first grade classroom, from setting clear expectations to choosing play options that actually work. You’ll hear practical ideas for free play, simple materials kids love, and low-stress games that don’t turn your classroom upside down.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why indoor recess still needs rules and how to set them up ahead of time✔️ Simple indoor recess expectations that help keep noise and behavior under control✔️ Easy free play ideas kids love, like art, building toys, and playdough✔️ How to use classroom centers during indoor recess to give kids choice✔️ Favorite whole-group indoor games that are fun but not wildBy the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident walking into your next indoor recess with a plan that allows kids to play while still keeping your classroom under control.Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeFavorite Indoor Recess Toys List – https://firstieland.com/indoor-toysLet’s Stay ConnectedVisit the website: www.firstieland.comNeed classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:👉 https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! 💜MollyFull disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Teaching Animal Habitats in First Grade: Project-Based Science and Writing UnitIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to integrate science with writing with a project based learning unit about Animal Habitats.If you’ve ever wondered how you’re supposed to fit science and writing into an already packed day, this episode is for you. Instead of teaching everything separately, you’ll learn how to use a simple project-based unit to cover multiple standards at once, without adding more to your plate.Molly walks you step-by-step through her favorite animal habitats unit, a unit she taught year after year in first grade, and shows you how to make it engaging, manageable, and fun for kids.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ How to introduce animal habitats in a way that’s simple and age-appropriate for first grade✔️ Easy ways to build background knowledge using books, videos, and anchor charts✔️ How to guide students through basic animal research, even with emerging readers✔️ A simple writing project that helps students organize facts and write an animal report✔️ How to wrap up the unit with a hands-on shoebox habitat project kids love✔️ How combining science and writing actually saves time and increases student engagementBy the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how to plan and teach an animal habitats unit that covers science standards, strengthens writing skills, and keeps students excited about learning, all without needing a formal curriculum.Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeAnimal Habitats Unit (TPT) –https://firstieland.com/animalhabitatsAnimal Habitats Blog Post – https://firstieland.com/animalhabitatblogLet’s Stay ConnectedVisit the website: www.firstieland.comNeed classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:👉 https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week!💜MollyFull disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop TalkingIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just won’t stop talking. From constant whispers during work time to full-blown chatter during lessons, student talking can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. But don’t worry. In this episode we’re sharing real-life strategies that actually work in a Kindergarten or 1st grade classroom.You’ll learn:✔️ Why student talking isn’t always a bad thing✔️ How to teach kids what silence really means✔️ Simple visuals and hand signals that reduce disruptions✔️ Ideas for designated “talk times” that help kids stay focused✔️ Tips for logical consequences and positive reinforcement that workBy the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident managing classroom noise and ready to create a calmer, more focused environment, without losing your voice or your patience.Mentioned In This EpisodeFREE Monthly Read Aloud Planner - https://firstieland.com/freeplanner-podTeaching About Voice Volume and Speaking & Listening Activities - https://firstieland.com/voices-and-talkingDecibella And Her Six Inch Voice book - https://amzn.to/4lRR79kLacey Walker Nonstop Talker book - https://amzn.to/3IQBT61Quiet Timers - https://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/Let's Stay ConnectedVisit our website www.firstieland.comNeed resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeNeed more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode13Enjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episodeHow To Rate And ReviewIf you’re enjoying this podcast and it’s helpful to you, I’d love it if you’d leave a review. APPLE PODCAST - Head to this link and then scroll to the bottom of the page to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/appleSPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play…see you next week!Molly 💜Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

What To Do Your First Week Back to School After Winter BreakIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic things every K–2 teacher should focus on during the first week back to school after winter break. Instead of jumping straight back into academics and feeling overwhelmed, you’ll learn how to reset your classroom in a calm, intentional way that helps both you and your students ease back into routines.January is the perfect time for a fresh start, and this episode walks you through exactly what to prioritize so your classroom feels focused and ready for the second half of the school year.You’ll learn:✔️ How to rebuild classroom community after a long break✔️ Why reviewing rules and expectations is essential in January✔️ Simple ways to reset classroom routines without starting over✔️ How to set meaningful goals with your students for the new year✔️ Easy writing reflection ideas to help students transition back smoothlyBy the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan for your first week back that helps students feel supported and helps you start January feeling confident and prepared.Resources MentionedNew Year Classroom Kickoff Toolkit: https://firstieland.com/kickoffFREE Winter Read Aloud Challenge: Sign up at https://firstieland.com/challengeLet’s Stay ConnectedVisit our website: https://www.firstieland.comNeed resources? Visit my TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeFollow me on Instagram: @firstielandTo check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the show notes:https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode. New episodes drop every week, with bonus episodes throughout January.How To Rate And ReviewIf you’re enjoying this podcast and it’s helpful to you, I’d love it if you’d leave a review.🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 Spotify: https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play. See you next week. Molly💜Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

11 Things Elementary Teachers Should Do Before Leaving For Winter BreakIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares 11 simple and time saving things to do before leaving school for winter break. Instead of walking back into chaos and clutter in January, you’ll discover easy ways to set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free return to the classroom.You’ll learn: ✔️ How to organize and refresh your classroom before break ✔️ Smart tips for prepping January lesson plans and materials in advance ✔️ Easy ways to reset your classroom management and centers for the new year ✔️ What to do before you shut down your classroom for two weeks ✔️ How to start January calm, confident, and classroom-readyBy the end of this episode, you’ll have a checklist of practical tips that help you walk out the door relaxed and walk back in ready for a great start to the new year.Resources MentionedJanuary Math & Literacy Centers – https://firstieland.com/januarycentersFirstieland Calendar – https://firstieland.com/calendarLet's Stay ConnectedVisit our website: www.firstieland.comNeed resources? Visit our TPT store here: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeNeed more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/podcastEnjoying The Podcast?Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode.How To Rate And ReviewIf you’re enjoying this podcast and it’s helpful to you, I’d love it if you’d leave a review.🍎 APPLE PODCAST – https://firstieland.com/apple🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotifyHave a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! 💜 MollyFull disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.