Moving to a new grade level can bring a lot of big feelings for young learners. In this episode, we chat about ways teachers and families can support children emotionally during those important transitions.

We talk about what it’s really like for students to leave a familiar classroom, meet a new teacher, and adjust to new routines and expectations. Hilary shares practical, encouraging ideas that help children feel more confident, less anxious, and more prepared for what’s ahead.

If you’re wrapping up the school year in your classroom or helping your child get ready for a new beginning, you’ll walk away with simple strategies you can start using right away.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why grade-level transitions can feel overwhelming for young children

• Common emotional reactions students may experience during change

• Simple ways teachers can help students feel emotionally ready for a new classroom

• How families and teachers can work together to support children through transitions

• Confidence-building strategies that help students feel safe and secure

• Routines and conversations that can ease transition anxiety

• Ways to help children feel excited and optimistic about their next step

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS ARTICLE:

• Emotional readiness matters just as much as academic readiness

• Predictable routines and reassurance can help reduce anxiety

• Small supports and everyday conversations make a big impact

• Strong home-school connections help children feel more confident and secure

CHAPTERS

• 00:00Navigating Transitions: Preparing Students for New Grades
• 15:09Practical Strategies for Emotional Readiness
• 15:53Building Confidence and Independence in Students

SOURCE ARTICLE:

Children’s Experience of Transition from Preschool To Primary School: A Scoping Literature Review

EPISODE FREE FILE:

Helping Your Child Feel Ready for the Next Grade

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US:

Hilary Statum: ⁠⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠⁠

Deedee Wills: ⁠⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

This episode explores the connection between language processing difficulties and classroom behaviors. Deedee and Hilary discuss practical strategies for teachers to identify and support students with language challenges, emphasizing the importance of instructional adjustments and understanding behavior as communication.

KEY TOPICS

• Language processing and classroom behavior
• Instructional strategies for diverse learners
• Recognizing behavior as communication

TAKEAWAYS

• Behavior is often a symptom of language processing difficulties.
• Breaking instructions into simple steps can improve student engagement.
• Using visuals and pacing helps students follow directions.
• Recording and analyzing your instructions can reveal areas for improvement.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Understanding Behavior vs. Language Processing

02:52 Interpreting Student Behaviors

05:57 Effective Instructional Strategies

09:01 Enhancing Communication in the Classroom

12:00 Building Vocabulary and Understanding

14:58 Reframing Challenges in Education

SOURCE ARTICLE: Social, emotional, and behavioral skills in students with or without specific learning disabilities⁠

EPISODE FREE FILE: During this episode, we promised you a free file, you can download it by clicking:

“Is It Behavior or Language?” Quick Strategy Checklist for Kindergarten Teachers

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US:

Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠

Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

This episode explores the critical social-emotional and developmental skills children need before starting kindergarten.

Hosted by educators Deedee and Hillary, it discusses recent research, classroom observations, and practical tips for parents and teachers to prepare children for school success.

KEY TOPICS

• Social-emotional development in children
• Impact of screen time and parental engagement
• Importance of fine motor skills and pencil grip

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Social Emotional Skills

03:00 The Importance of Developmental Domains

06:03 Engagement in Learning Activities

08:54 The Role of Parents in Read-Alouds

11:57 Challenges in Kindergarten Readiness

14:57 Conclusion and Future Outlook

SOURCE ARTICLE: To Be Ready for Kindergarten, Teachers and Researchers Say Social-Emotional Skills Are Key

LEARN MORE: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast2/key-developmental-domains-for-kindergarten-readiness-and-why-social-emotional-skills-matter-most/

Where can you find us?

Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠

Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

There is something so powerful about bilingual literacy. Truly. And it’s one of those topics that deserves an honest, real conversation.

In this episode, we’re digging into why English-only instruction still shows up in so many classrooms… even when the research points us in a different direction. Because when we lean into multilingual practices, we’re not slowing readers down. Not even close. We’re actually helping them grow stronger, more flexible thinking skills while honoring the language and culture that make them who they are.

If you’re teaching multilingual learners, supporting them at home, or making decisions at the school level, this conversation is going to give you some things to think about. The kind of ideas that stick with you and quietly shift how you approach literacy instruction.

We talk about why learning in more than one language is not a hurdle. It’s a boost. A BIG one. You’ll hear how reading across languages strengthens comprehension and how translanguaging works with the brain, not against it. No confusion. Just deeper understanding.

And we get into the classroom side of things too. The simple, doable shifts that actually make a difference:

• How Spanish and English cognates can support faster decoding
• Why Spanish’s consistent sound patterns can build a strong reading foundation
• Easy ways to create a classroom that reflects and values multiple languages (think labels, visuals, and everyday routines)

These are the kinds of moves that don’t require a full overhaul. Just small, intentional changes that add up in a big way.

You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can try right away. Ways to encourage home language use. Ways to build a more responsive classroom. Ways to support multilingual learners so they feel seen, capable, and successful.

Because this episode? It’s about more than literacy instruction.

It’s about equity. It’s about identity. It’s about making sure every child gets to bring their full self into the learning space.

And when we start seeing bilingualism as the strength that it is… everything shifts. Truly.

Source Article:

https://iei.nd.edu/initiatives/notre-dame-center-for-literacy-education/news/at-the-frontier-of-literacy-development

Where can you find us?

Hilary Statum: https://pencilstopigtails.com/

Deedee Wills: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

What if the secret to better math engagement in kindergarten isn’t more seatwork… but more movement?

In this episode, we’re talking about how to bring gross motor activities right into your math block without losing valuable instruction time. And this isn’t just about getting the wiggles out. When movement is intentional, it actually boosts focus, builds automaticity, and helps skills stick.

We’re sharing a simple way to make this work in your classroom. Nothing complicated. Just thoughtful, purposeful activities that line up with your math goals.

Think things like:

• Tossing a foam ball while practicing addition facts
• Hopping on shapes to reinforce geometry
• Using scooter boards outside for counting and number recognition

These aren’t just brain breaks. They’re learning moments. And your students will feel the difference.

We also talk about how to connect these activities to your standards and use tools like number bonds and tally marks while students are up and moving. Because yes… you can build fluency and keep engagement high at the same time.

And if math anxiety has been creeping in for some of your students, this is something to pay attention to. Short, structured movement can help students feel more relaxed and ready to learn. It really does shift the energy in the room.

This episode is full of ideas you can start using right away. No extra overwhelm. Just simple ways to make math more active, more interactive, and honestly… more fun.

Because when students are moving and learning together… that’s when things really start to click. 💛

Source Article:

https://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1394&context=networks

Where can you find us?

Hilary Statum: ⁠⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠⁠

Deedee Wills: ⁠⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/⁠

What if some of the most powerful tools for academic success are the ones we’re already using every single day?

In this episode, we’re talking all about fine motor skills… and why they matter for so much more than handwriting. Yes, pencil grip is important. But it goes way beyond that. Fine motor development is closely connected to reading, math, number sense, and overall cognitive growth. Isn’t that amazing?

We dig into what the research says and what it really means for our classrooms. Especially in preschool and kindergarten, where these foundational skills are just getting started.

And then… we get practical. Because that’s the part we all need.

We’re sharing simple, playful ways to build strength and coordination using materials you probably already have on hand. Think tongs, pipe cleaners, Play-Doh, beads, finger painting, even practicing zipping and buttoning. These are the kinds of activities that feel like play but are doing some serious work behind the scenes.

We also talk about something that doesn’t always get enough attention. Students with motor challenges are at a higher risk for academic struggles. But here’s the hopeful part. Early support can make a HUGE difference. Small shifts now can completely change a child’s path later.

You’ll walk away with easy ideas you can use right away. No extra prep. No added overwhelm.

And if you’ve been feeling the pressure of increasing academic demands in early childhood… this episode is going to feel like a deep breath. A reminder that learning doesn’t have to be worksheets and sitting still.

Hands-on experiences matter. Movement matters. Play matters.

Because when we build those fine motor skills, we’re not just helping students hold a pencil. We’re building the foundation for reading, math, and long-term success.

Small movements. Big impact. 💛

Source Article:

https://www.continued.com/early-childhood-education/articles/benefits-fine-motor-skills-in-23879

Where can you find us?

Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠

Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

If you’ve ever felt like vocabulary instruction turns into worksheet after worksheet… you’re not alone. It can start to feel a little heavy. And honestly? Not all that effective.

But here’s the good news. Vocabulary can be one of the easiest ways to boost comprehension… when we approach it differently.

In this episode, we’re digging into why vocabulary matters so much. Especially in those early years. The research around kindergarten vocabulary and later reading success is pretty eye-opening. And it really makes you think about how we’re using our instructional time.

We talk about what this looks like in real classrooms. How do we move beyond memorizing word lists and start building real understanding?

You’ll hear ideas for both explicit and implicit vocabulary instruction. Simple ways to introduce words, revisit them, and actually help them stick. Whether you’re in early elementary or working with older students, these are the kinds of routines you can use right away.

We also spend some time on tiered vocabulary. Because choosing the right words makes a big difference. When you focus on meaningful, high-impact words from your content, you’re not just filling up a word wall. You’re helping students make connections and understand what they’re reading on a deeper level.

And the activities? So doable.

Think acting out words. Keeping simple vocabulary notebooks. Using visuals so every learner can access meaning. Small shifts that make a big impact.

If you love word work, you’ll especially enjoy the conversation around morphology. Prefixes. Suffixes. Greek and Latin roots. These give students tools to figure out new words on their own. And once that clicks… it’s a game changer.

We also share some favorite classroom ideas like word mapping, picture sorts, and our “word wizard” system to keep things engaging and fun.

And of course, we talk about how all of this supports multilingual learners and strengthens overall literacy development.

This episode is full of practical ways to make vocabulary instruction feel lighter, more meaningful, and way more effective.

Because when vocabulary grows… comprehension follows. Every time. 💛

YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG THE BOOK STUDY (AFFILIATE LINK):

⁠Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions Second Edition, New edition⁠

Where can you find us?

• Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠
• Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

In this episode of From Research to Recess, we’re diving into Chapter 6 of Next Steps in Literacy Instruction… and we’re talking all about comprehension. Such a big topic. And honestly? One that can feel a little overwhelming.

But here’s the thing. Comprehension isn’t something we “get to later.” It starts right from the very beginning.

We chat about how comprehension develops and how it connects to everything else. Decoding. Vocabulary. Background knowledge. Listening. Even how students think about their own thinking. It all works together.

And we share what this actually looks like in real classrooms.

We talk about becoming “reading detectives.” Noticing where things break down for students and then using that information to guide small group instruction and read-alouds. Because comprehension isn’t a worksheet or a one-day lesson. It’s something we build over time. Every single day.

We also dig into the difference between the process of reading and the product. That shift alone can change how you think about your instruction.

You’ll hear simple, practical ways to support comprehension, like:

• Making read-alouds interactive and meaningful
• Building listening comprehension and background knowledge (especially in the early grades)
• Using retelling, sentence frames, and partner talk to deepen understanding
• Thinking about the text, the reader, and the task… and how they all fit together
• Supporting students who may not have the same background knowledge or language experiences
• Modeling thinking so students can see what good readers actually do

Whether you’re in kindergarten, first grade, or beyond, this episode is such a good reminder of what really matters.

Reading aloud. Asking thoughtful questions. Giving students time to talk and process.

That’s where the magic happens. 💛

YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG THE BOOK STUDY (AFFILIATE LINK):

⁠Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions Second Edition, New edition⁠

Where can you find us?

• Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠
• Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

Come join us for this episode of From Research to Recess as we dig into reading fluency… and why it is so much more than just reading fast.

Fluency is really about smooth, confident, expressive reading. It’s that moment when a child isn’t stuck on every word and can actually enjoy the story. Yes. Even our kindergarten and early first grade friends can start building this!

In this episode, we’re sharing real classroom moments, the kind that make you nod your head and think, “Yep… I’ve seen that too.” And of course, we’re talking about what actually helps.

You’ll hear simple, doable ways to support fluency, like:

• Grouping high-frequency words by spelling patterns
• Using repeated reading in a way that feels meaningful
• Pairing students together for extra support and confidence

And we sprinkle in some fun too. Whisper phones. Reader’s theater. Activities that get students excited to practice instead of avoiding it.

We also chat about how to keep an eye on progress without it taking over your day. Plus, how decodable texts and even hands-on writing can play a role in building fluency. It all works together.

Whether you’re in kindergarten, coaching teachers, or supporting students in small groups, this episode is full of ideas you can actually use right away.

Because when fluency starts to click… everything else gets a little bit easier.

• Readers Theater Scripts Decodable Partner Plays Kindergarten 1st Grade Bundle

YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG THE BOOK STUDY (AFFILIATE LINK):

⁠Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions Second Edition, New edition⁠

Where can you find us?

• Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠
• Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/

Come join us for this episode of From Research to Recess as we dig into Chapter 4 of Next Steps in Literacy Instruction. This one is all about phonics… and there is a lot to unpack in the best way.

We’re talking about the pieces that really matter for building strong readers. Encoding. Decoding. Word recognition. All those parts that come together to help our students feel confident when they see a word on the page.

And of course, we keep it practical.

We share simple ways to check in on letter naming fluency and why automaticity makes such a difference for our early learners. You’ll hear about easy, engaging activities like alphabet arcs, match-it games, and even a little bingo fun. Because yes… phonics practice can feel playful and meaningful at the same time!

We also walk through the phases of word recognition development so you can better understand where your students are and what they need next. It’s one of those things that helps everything click into place.

And if you’ve ever wondered how to keep track of progress without feeling overwhelmed, we talk about that too. Tools like ESGI, norm-referenced assessments, and what to actually do with that information once you have it.

We also spend some time on those students who need a little extra support. What small shifts can make a big difference? How do we approach uppercase and lowercase letters? And where does morphological awareness fit into all of this?

This episode is full of ideas you can take straight into your classroom. No complicated setup. Just thoughtful, research-based practices that help your students grow.

Your phonics block is about to feel a whole lot more doable. 💛

FIND THIS BOOK ON AMAZON (AFFILIATE LINK):

• ⁠NEXT STEPS IN LITERACY INSTRUCTION⁠

FOLLOW US ON:

• ⁠Hilary Statum - Pencils to Pigtails⁠
• ⁠Deedee Wills - Mrs. Wills Kindergarten⁠

GRAB YOUR 2 MONTH FREE TRIAL ON ESGI (NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED):

• ⁠Use Code: RECESS⁠