The Education Connection with Robin Wilson | Public Private and Homeschool Teachers

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 BookBe sure to subscribe to The Education Connection for more elementary teaching ideas!Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.Get Ready for KindergartenGet Ready for First GradeGet Ready for Second GradeConnect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.Sign up for my Weekly EmailFacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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:FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind 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 partnersThese 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 EmailFacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories 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 FREEBIESGet Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.Get Ready for KindergartenGet Ready for First GradeGet Ready for Second GradeConnect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind 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.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

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.

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 writing. I share clear word examples, easy sorting activities, and a hands on strategy using the “throat check” trick to help students determine which sound -ed makes.If you are teaching past tense verbs and want your instruction to stick, this episode will give you ready to use ideas you can implement immediately.Let’s build strong readers together.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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. This episode is packed with simple, hands-on classroom activities like mirror mouth work, sound trains, and sound buttons that help students physically connect sounds into words.If you have students who freeze when reading, guess instead of blend, or get frustrated during decoding, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement. Growth takes time, and you are planting seeds every day.Scripture encouragement from Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, because the harvest comes in its season.Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.Get Ready for KindergartenGet Ready for First GradeGet Ready for Second GradeConnect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading Matters More Than We ThinkIn 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 can be challenging in real classrooms✅ Research based insight on how reading volume supports fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, stamina, and confidence✅ Simple ways to keep daily reading engaging without adding more to your plate • Partner reading • Independent reading • Reading with stuffed animals • Reading backward by changing seating or positions • Teacher check-in reading✅ Encouragement to focus on consistency over perfection✅ Scripture and prayer rooted in Ephesians 6:10, reminding teachers where true strength comes fromLeave a 5-Star review for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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 an honest look at why the last hour of the day can be especially challenging for our class and how shifting routines can help both students and teachers end the day on a stronger note.This episode is a reminder that new beginnings do not require perfection. Sometimes, one small pivot is all it takes to move forward with confidence in the year ahead.Remember, leave a 5 star review and be entered into a $25 Amazon Gift Card drawing.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

In this episode, we continue our work with r controlled vowels by diving into ar and or. Building on last week’s lesson with er, ir, and ur, I share how teaching phonics through stories helps concepts stick, especially when students need repeated exposure to truly learn.You will hear classroom ready activities for teaching ar and or, including a pirate themed ar strategy, an or decision making game, and an easy hands on word sort that works beautifully in small groups or centers. This episode is inspired by the Secret Stories approach to phonics and adapted for real classrooms with real kids.We also talk about why repetition matters. A typical learner may need to interact with a concept around 14 times before it sticks, while a struggling learner may need many more opportunities. If your students seem to forget phonics skills from one day to the next, this episode will remind you that the learning is still happening.If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a five star review. As a thank you, anyone who leaves a review will be entered into a drawing for $25 Amazon gift card. Your reviews help other teachers find the podcast and support this growing community.Thank you for listening, and I am so glad you are here.Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.Get Ready for KindergartenGet Ready for First GradeGet Ready for Second GradeConnect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

In today’s episode of The Education Connection, Robin shares exactly how she teaches the r-controlled vowels er, ir, and ur in her classroom — and why her students absolutely love it. After hearing Katie Garner explain that all three make the same “errrr” sound, Robin completely shifted her approach. Now she teaches the patterns, using a playful, hands-on activity with toy cars that instantly grabs kids’ attention.You’ll hear how Robin labels cars with er, ir, and ur, lets students “drive” around the carpet, and then park their cars on matching word cards to build automatic recognition of spelling patterns. She also explains orthographic mapping in a simple, teacher-friendly way and walks through additional routines that help young readers truly understand these tricky vowel combinations.If you want an engaging way to teach r-controlled vowels — one that feels fun, makes sense, and sticks — this episode will give you the exact ideas you can use tomorrow.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin shares one of the most important turning points in her teaching journey. Long before she became a confident and successful reading teacher, she remembers the season when she struggled, prayed for guidance, and felt unsure of how to help her students grow. God answered that prayer through an unexpected path that became the foundation of her reading instruction today.Robin teaches how glued sounds work and why they matter, and she breaks them into simple steps that any teacher can use. You will hear three practical activities you can implement right away to help your students master am, an, all, ing, ang, ong, ung, ink, ank, onk, and unk with confidence. She also shares how rhythm and routines make phonics learning natural and joyful.This episode blends the heart of a mentor with the experience of a seasoned teacher. Robin has spent years refining her practice, and her passion is helping other educators finally feel confident with the parts of reading that used to feel overwhelming.If this podcast encourages you, please share it with another teacher or homeschool mom. And if you leave a 5-star rating and review on the podcast platform you use, you will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. Your support helps more teachers discover simple and effective ways to grow strong readers.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.Teachers Pay TeachersFacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlog