In this episode, Molly shows you how to teach classroom routines and procedures in first grade that actually stick so you can improve classroom management and help your students know exactly what to do each day.

After 35 years of teaching first grade, Molly learned that most behavior problems don’t happen because kids are trying to misbehave. They happen because students haven’t been taught exactly what they are expected to do. In this episode, she’ll walk you through the 5-step process she used for teaching routines, creating clear expectations, improving student behavior, and setting up classroom procedures that help your classroom run smoothly all year long.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Classroom Routines & Procedures Slides: https://firstieland.com/routines-slides

Free 40 Classroom Routines Checklist: https://firstieland.com/free-routines-checklist

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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, Molly shows you how to teach without interruption by training students to work independently during centers. Welcome to Part 6 of the full masterclass on how to set up and manage centers in your classroom.

You can listen to the entire series in order beginning with Episode 53.

After 35 years of teaching, Molly learned that students working independently at centers don't happen by accident - they happen because students are taught exactly what to do before centers ever begin.

In this episode, she'll walk you through the step-by-step process she used to teach routines, introduce centers, prevent interruptions, handle fast finishers, and create smooth transitions so she could meet with small groups without constant interruptions.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Free 40 Classroom Routines Checklist: https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

Learning Centers Management System: https://firstieland.com/center-management-system

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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.

Word Work Centers For First Grade | 25+ Easy Phonics Activities

In this episode, Molly shares more than 25 easy word work activities that help first grade students practice phonics skills while working independently. Welcome to Part 6 of the 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺. You can find the entire series beginning with episode 53.

Whether you're setting up your word work center for the first time or looking for new ideas to add to your literacy centers, these simple activities will help your students stay engaged while practicing important phonics skills.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✔️ 25+ easy word work activities for first grade students

✔️ Hands-on ways for students to build, write, sort, and make words

✔️ How to keep your word work center fresh all year without creating new games every week

✔️ The secret to using the same materials for multiple activities and skill levels

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Monthly Math & Literacy Centers - https://firstieland.com/learningcenters

Magnetic Letter Games Bundle - https://firstieland.com/magnetic-letters-games

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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, Molly shares exactly what every first grade word work center needs to help students practice phonics skills, build independence, and stay engaged while you meet with small groups.

If you're setting up your literacy centers for back to school, this episode will show you how to create a simple word work center without spending a fortune or filling your room with dozens of different activities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✔️ How to set up a first grade word work center in a small space

✔️ Why the word work center is an important part of your literacy block

✔️ The must-have materials for a successful word work center

✔️ Simple ways to differentiate activities for all learners

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Free Learning Centers Guide: https://firstieland.com/free-centers-guide

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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.

Easy First Grade Writing Center Set Up And Ideas

In this episode, Molly shares how to set up a writing center that helps students practice writing independently while keeping them engaged and productive. If you're getting ready for back to school or looking to improve your learning centers, the writing center is a great place for students to practice the writing skills you've been teaching throughout the year.

You'll learn what to include in your writing center, how to organize supplies, and simple ways to encourage students to write. Molly also shares different writing activities you can add throughout the year, along with a step-by-step plan for introducing the center so it runs smoothly from the very beginning.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✔️ How to choose the best location for your writing center

✔️ What supplies and materials to include

✔️ Writing center activities for different times of the year

✔️ How to encourage students to write independently

✔️ How to introduce the writing center and teach expectations

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Writing Center Templates: https://firstieland.com/writing-prompts

Bump It Up Walls: https://firstieland.com/bump-it-up

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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.

How To Set Up A Classroom Library Center In First Grade

In this episode, Molly shares how to set up a classroom library that students will love using all year long. If you're getting ready for back to school and wondering which learning center to introduce first, the classroom library is a great place to start. It requires very little prep, helps students practice working independently, and gives you time to meet with small groups.

You'll learn how to choose the best location for your classroom library, what to include in the space, and simple ways to make it inviting for young readers. Molly also shares different activities students can do at the library center and a step-by-step plan for introducing the center so it runs smoothly from the very beginning.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✔️ How to choose the best location for your classroom library

✔️ What to include in your library to encourage reading

✔️ 10 different activities students can do at the library center

✔️ How to introduce the classroom library and teach expectations

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Free Library Book Labels: https://firstieland.com/labels

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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, Molly shares five common literacy center mistakes that can make center time feel chaotic and frustrating for teachers. After 35 years of teaching, she learned that most center problems actually start long before students ever rotate to a center.

From introducing centers too quickly and skipping important modeling to making centers too complicated, Molly shares simple strategies that help students become more independent and allow teachers to actually focus on their small groups. If you're looking for practical literacy center management ideas that work in real elementary classrooms, this episode is for you.

In this episode you'll learn:

✔️ Why introducing literacy centers too quickly can create problems all year long

✔️ A simple step-by-step process for teaching center expectations

✔️ Why simple literacy center activities often work better than complicated ones

✔️ How to create a center management system that keeps students focused and independent

✔️ Why independence is more important than perfection during center time

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Center Management System - https://firstieland.com/center-management

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: Firstieland

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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 affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

In this episode, Molly shares simple classroom setup and organization ideas that can help make your next school year feel smoother and much less chaotic. After 35 years of teaching first grade, she learned that the way you arrange and organize your classroom can make a huge difference in your classroom management, student independence, and daily routines.

From traffic flow and center placement to organizing supplies and planning your classroom layout, this episode is packed with practical classroom organization tips that elementary teachers can actually use.

In this episode you'll learn:

✔️ The 3 most important things to consider when setting up your classroom

✔️ How classroom traffic flow can reduce stress and chaos

✔️ Simple ways to help students become more independent

✔️ Classroom organization ideas that save time every single day

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: Firstieland

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/spotify

Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week!

Molly 💜

First Grade Teacher Must Haves For The Classroom

In this episode, Molly shares her top 10 must-have items for every first grade classroom after 35 years of teaching. These are the classroom tools she reached for every single day to save time, stay organized, and make teaching easier.

These teacher must haves will help you create a more organized, efficient, and student-friendly classroom. Whether you're a new teacher setting up your classroom for the first time or a veteran teacher looking for better classroom organization ideas, this episode is packed with practical tools you’ll actually use.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ The classroom organization tools Molly used every single day

✔️ Teacher supplies that save time and reduce classroom stress

✔️ The best small group teaching tools for guided reading and word work

✔️ Affordable classroom must haves worth investing in

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Post-it Cover Up Tape - https://firstieland.com/tape

Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks -https://firstieland.com/magnet

Dry Erase Boards - https://firstieland.com/boards

Teacher Toolbox - https://firstieland.com/toolbox

Classroom Mailboxes - https://firstieland.com/mailbox

PaperPro Stapler - https://firstieland.com/stapler

Tabletop Easel - https://firstieland.com/easel

Personal Laminator - https://firstieland.com/laminator

Magnetic Letters - https://firstieland.com/letters

Paper Cutter - https://firstieland.com/papercutter

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Watch on YouTube:

https://firstieland.com/youtube

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If 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/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, 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 season

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Classroom Cleanup Challenge Slides - https://firstieland.com/cleanup

Free End Of The Year Checklist - https://firstieland.com/checklist

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit our website: https://firstieland.com/

Visit our TPT store: Firstieland TPT Store

Watch on YouTube: Firstieland YouTube Channel

Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode.

How To Rate And Review

If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review.

🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – Apple Podcasts

🎧 SPOTIFY – 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.