In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, practical ways to help young students learn how to be good friends. From easy ice breakers to picture books that spark important conversations, this episode is packed with ideas to encourage friendships and build a caring classroom community.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Easy ice breakers to help kids connect

✔️ Picture books that teach friendship

✔️ Simple SEL lessons for kindness and empathy

✔️ Quick routines and group projects to build teamwork

✔️ Tips to help every child feel seen and valued

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a toolkit full of friendship-building ideas you can use all year long to help even the shyest students feel included and supported.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Friendship Unit Resource - https://firstieland.com/friendship-unit
• Friendship SEL Unit Resource - https://firstieland.com/friendship-sel-pod
• Balloons Over Broadway Resource - https://firstieland.com/balloons-pod
• Books About Friendship - https://amzn.to/4ewUWy9

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode9

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Early Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares her best tips for kindergarten and first grade teachers as they set up and manage learning centers in an elementary classroom. From choosing the right centers to modeling expectations and keeping kids on task, this episode walks you through everything you need to know to make center time your students’ favorite part of the day and stress free for you!

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to choose and set up your classroom learning centers

✔️ Tips for modeling and introducing centers to your class

✔️ Simple management tricks to keep kids on task and centers running smoothly

✔️ Easy rotation and accountability systems that save you time

✔️ Practical ways to organize and maintain center materials all year long

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the confidence and tools you need to run centers that keep your kids learning and working independently, so you can finally meet with your small groups without constant interruptions!

Mentioned In This Episode

• Learning Center Management System - https://firstieland.com/learning-center-management
• Free Learning Centers Workbook - https://firstieland.com/centers-workbook

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode8

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab dives into why reading aloud is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your kindergarten or first grade classroom.

From boosting vocabulary and comprehension to supporting writing and social emotional learning, Molly shares practical ways picture books and read alouds can transform your daily routine and help your students grow as readers, thinkers, and kind classmates.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How reading aloud builds rich vocabulary 

 ✔️ Simple ways to strengthen comprehension through stories

✔️ How to model fluent, expressive reading

✔️ Tips for using books as mentor texts for writing lessons

✔️ How stories help teach empathy, kindness, and problem solving

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel ready to pick up a picture book and make read alouds a daily part of your classroom. A few minutes of reading each day can spark a love of learning that sticks with your students for years to come.

Grab This Freebie To Get Started

Free Monthly Read Aloud Planner - https://firstieland.com/freeplanner-pod

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode7

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares her best tips for setting up a cozy and organized elementary classroom library for kindergarten or first grade. From gathering books on a budget to creating simple checkout systems, this episode walks you through everything you need to know to make your classroom library a place your students will love.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to build your classroom library on a budget

✔️ Tips for organizing books

✔️ Simple rules to keep your library neat and running smoothly

✔️ Easy checkout systems that help students build independence

✔️ Creative ways to make your library space cozy and inviting

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools you need to create a classroom library that fosters a love of reading and that runs like a well-oiled machine, even with your youngest learners!

Mentioned In This Episode

• Classroom Library Book Labels freebie - https://firstieland.com/library-labels
• Scholastic Book Clubs
• DonorsChoose
• Rustoleum Satin Finish Spray Paint - https://amzn.to/4kdM2qv

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode6

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab, shares her favorite read-alouds and activities to help you kick off the first week of school in kindergarten or first grade.

These picture books are not only fun and engaging, but they also help you lay the foundation for a strong classroom community, introduce expectations, and get your students writing from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ 5 picture books that are perfect for the first week of school

✔️ How to use read-alouds to teach classroom rules and routines

✔️ Fun, hands-on ways to build friendship and classroom community

✔️ A simple way to introduce bus safety through story and discussion

✔️ Easy writing and craft activities to keep your students engaged

By the end of the week, you’ll have built strong connections with your class, introduced important expectations, and made learning feel fun and meaningful - all with the help of picture books!

Mentioned In This Episode

• Resource - First Week of School Bundle - https://firstieland.com/first-week
• First Day Jitters - https://amzn.to/3GqUiFT
• Stick and Stone - https://amzn.to/3ItaaYQ
• David Goes To School - https://amzn.to/3GJMZci
• Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want To Survive The School Bus - https://amzn.to/405UNvg
• Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes - https://amzn.to/4n7C4JW
• Minions Rule Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvTFgzkS5M

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode5

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab walks you through everything you need to know to make your Meet the Teacher Night feel calm, organized, and welcoming, for both you and your families.

You'll learn:

✔️ Why this night is one of the most important of the entire year

✔️ How to set up your room to make a great first impression

✔️ What to include in a parent presentation

✔️ Simple ways to collect supplies and contact info

✔️ Easy ideas for student treats and volunteer sign-ups

If Meet the Teacher Night feels overwhelming, this episode will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to build strong relationships right from the start.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Meet The Teacher resources - https://firstieland.com/meet-the-teacher-night
• Bursting With Excitement freebie - https://firstieland.com/bts-freebie

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode4

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares 40 essential classroom routines and procedures every elementary teacher should teach at the beginning of the year. These simple systems help create a calm, organized, and productive classroom that can improve your classroom management.

You’ll learn:

✔ Which classroom routines to teach during morning arrival, transitions, and dismissal

✔ How to handle fast finishers, bathroom breaks, and supply management

✔ Tips for introducing safety drills and emergency procedures

✔ Ways to cut down on interruptions and keep your day flowing smoothly

✔ Why teaching these routines early sets the stage for a successful year

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode3

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to set up simple routines and procedures that help your classroom run smoothly from day one. She explains how predictable routines create a calm, structured environment that can improve your classroom management.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What types of routines and procedures to introduce right away

✔️ How to use visuals to help students remember what to do

✔️ Tips for teaching transitions, bathroom breaks, and lining up

✔️ How to involve parents in understanding your daily schedule

✔️ What to do if students don’t follow classroom routines

Whether you’re a new teacher or just want a smoother start this year, this episode is packed with helpful ideas to make your classroom feel calm, predictable, and productive.

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode2

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, I’m sharing my favorite tips to help you prepare for the new school year feeling confident. Whether you’re a brand new primary teacher or you’ve been doing this for years, these simple strategies will help you create a calm, organized classroom from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why it’s important to start slow and build stamina

✔️ How to prep and organize materials to stay ahead

✔️ The value of teaching every procedure clearly

✔️ Tips for creating classroom rules with your students

✔️ Ways to build routines that help kids feel safe and confident.

Finally, we wrap up with a reminder to take care of yourself - the first few weeks are tough, but you’ve got this!

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

Let's Stay Connected

• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode1

Enjoying The Podcast?

• Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode

How To Rate And Review

If 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/apple
• SPOTIFY - Head to this link and then click the 3 dots that look like this … to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/spotify

Have 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.

If you’re an early elementary teacher, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former primary teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers gives you simple, actionable ideas to help you feel more confident and in control of your kindergarten or first grade classroom.

From planning meaningful read-alouds to managing routines and staying organized, each episode is packed with strategies you can use right away. You’ll learn how to make your classroom a place where learning feels like play - and kids are excited to be there.

Hit subscribe or follow and make teaching a little easier,  one episode at a time.

• Grab our FREE MONTHLY READ ALOUD PLANNER with 40 book ideas and activities. 
• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here