🎙️ New Episode: 4 Days to Go — Ending the Year with Fun Games & Heart

It’s the final countdown! 🗓️ Only four days left for me, and if you’re running on fumes, this one’s for you, teacher friend. 💛 Let’s wrap up the year with laughter, love, and a few no-prep games that’ll keep kids happy (and you sane).

✨ Plus, I’m sharing a word of encouragement straight from Galatians 6:9 to help you finish strong — heart full, not burnt out.

✅ Inside this episode:

☑️ Low-prep classroom games 🎨

☑️ Crowd-pleasing favorites like Silent Ball & Trashcan Basketball 🏀

☑️ Two new fun ideas: Guess Who Left the Room & Partner Drawing Challenge 🙈🖍️

☑️ End-of-year reflection questions that build connection 🗣️💬

☑️ A devotional reminder that your work is seen and it matters 🌱

👩‍🏫 Whether you're planning activities, packing up your classroom, or holding back tears — this episode will lift your spirit and give you what you need to end the year well.

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to share it with a teacher friend who could use a little joy this week!

#TheEducationConnection #TeacherPodcast #EndOfYearFun #FinishStrong #ChristianEducators #Galatians6v9 #TeacherLife 💛📚🎈

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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How to Help Your First Grader Make the Leap to 2nd Grade

📚 Is your child or class moving from 1st to 2nd grade? In this episode, we're breaking down the big academic jumps in both math ➕ and language arts

✏️—from place value and problem solving to reading stamina and paragraph writing. You'll get clear insight into what changes, why it matters, and how to support learning over the summer 🌞.

Whether you're a teacher wrapping up the year or a parent prepping for a confident start, this one's packed with practical tips and a whole lot of encouragement 💛.

🎧 Let’s get them ready—without the stress!

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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When It’s OK to Pause: The Power of Rest for Teachers

In this gentle and honest episode of The Education Connection, we’re giving teachers something they rarely get — permission to rest. If you’ve ever felt guilty for calling in sick, struggled to slow down, or pushed through exhaustion because "your students need you," this episode is for you.

We explore the unspoken pressure educators feel to keep going no matter what, and why it’s not only okay, but necessary, to honor your body and mind when they need a break. Because the truth is: you can’t pour from an empty cup — and taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful examples you can set for your students.

Whether you're at home recovering or just feeling emotionally drained, this episode is a calm reminder: your health matters, your rest is valid, and your worth is not tied to your productivity.

🛋️ Take a deep breath, slow down with me, and let’s talk about what it really means to be a whole, healthy teacher.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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🎙️Preventing the Summer Slide

📚 Summer is a time for fun and relaxation — but it’s also important to keep those young minds active! In today’s episode, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to prevent the "summer slide" and keep kids learning all summer long. ✨ Whether you're a teacher, a homeschooling parent, or just looking for easy activities to boost skills at home, you’ll find fresh ideas, printable resources, and motivating tips you can start using right away.

👓 Need stylish, affordable glasses that fit your active summer lifestyle? Check out my favorite customizable frames from Pair Eyewear here ➡️http://rwrd.io/pbjadb1?c.

🎯 In this episode:

• Fun learning routines that won’t feel like "school" 🏖️
• Reading and math activities to keep skills sharp 📖➕
• How to set up simple rewards to keep kids motivated 🎉
• Printable ideas you can grab today 🖨️

☀️ Let’s make this the summer where kids have fun and grow their brains! 🎧

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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🎧 Small Groups vs. Whole Group Instruction: What’s Best for Elementary Students? 📌

In today’s episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about debates in elementary education: Should we teach in small groups or stick to whole group instruction?

With the rise of the Science of Reading and a shift away from traditional Guided Reading, many educators are wondering what’s truly best for students—especially when it comes to equity, engagement, and effectiveness.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of both approaches, unpack why the conversation has become so controversial, and discuss why many teachers are finding success with a blended model.

Plus, I’ll share a quick update on my newest adventure—my classroom resource store at firstgradeloves.com, where you can find tools designed to support both whole group and small group instruction!

Whether you’re feeling confident, conflicted, or just curious, this episode is here to support and inspire you on your teaching journey.

I would love to know how you feel? Do you prefer small group or whole group instruction?

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Anxiety is showing up more and more in our classrooms—but what does it actually look like, and how can teachers respond in ways that truly help?

In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m diving into what anxiety can look like in students (hint: it’s not always what you think) and sharing three practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away to support anxious learners. No therapy degree required—just heart, awareness, and a few easy tools that fit into your day.

Whether you’ve got a student who shuts down, acts out, or quietly struggles under the radar, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and classroom-ready ideas. 💛

✨ This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the Education Podcast Network—a community of educators supporting educators.

🔗 PLUS: I’m offering an exclusive 50% off a brand new resource, only on my webstore. Listen until the end to learn more!

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FirstGradeLoves.com Click on 'Shop' to find Get Ready for First Grade 50% Off for a limited time.

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🎉 Big News! 🎉 I have two exciting updates to share with you!

🛍️ 1. My New Store is LIVE! I'm thrilled to announce that the FirstGradeLoves.com store is officially open! If you’re looking for fun, engaging, and easy-to-use resources for your first graders, I’ve got you covered. ✂️📚✏️

✅ Digital downloads

✅ Classroom-tested materials

✅ Designed with love for busy teachers like you!

Check it out here ➡️ FirstGradeLoves.com

🎧 2. I'm Now Part of the Education Podcast Network! I'm honored to be a member of the Education Podcast Network — a community of educators who share inspiring and practical content to support fellow teachers. 🌟

✅ More amazing connections

✅ Even better content

✅ Same heart for helping teachers!

Thank you so much for your continued support — and as always, thank you for all the love you pour into your classroom every single day! ❤️

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✅ Helping Kids Master Sight Words—The Fun Way! 🎉

📖 Sight words are the foundation of strong reading skills, but memorizing them doesn’t have to be boring! In this episode, I’m sharing fun, hands-on activities to help kids recognize sight words quickly and confidently.

🎯 From hopscotch games to flashlight word hunts, these strategies keep learning engaging and interactive! 🏡 Perfect for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, and tutors looking for simple, low-prep activities! 🔗 Want more ideas? Check out my latest blog post for even more sight word fun!

🎧 Plus, exciting news! I’ve joined the Education Podcast Network! Next time you tune in, listen for my new bumper—I'm thrilled to be part of this amazing group! 🚀

📕Blog Post Sight Words: 10 Fun and Effective Sight Word Activities to Boost Your Child's Reading Skills

😁Find the Sight Word Scavenger Hunt Bundle Here! -> Sight Word Scavenger Hunt Bundle 50% OFF

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First grade is a big step, and making sure your child is academically ready can set them up for success!

🎉In this episode, we’ll focus on key reading and math skills that every first grader needs, including:

✔️phonics,

✔️fluency,

✔️comprehension,

✔️vocabulary,

✔️number sense,

✔️addition, subtraction, and patterns.

I’ll share simple, no-prep activities that parents and teachers can use right away to build these foundational skills. Plus, we’re celebrating a milestone—this is my 30th episode! Tune in for expert guidance, practical tips, and encouragement as you support your little learner’s journey. Don’t forget to leave a 5-star review if you find this episode helpful!

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Is your child ready for kindergarten? This Academic Kindergarten Readiness Checklist will help you track essential skills to ensure a smooth transition into school. Designed for parents and teachers, this checklist focuses on foundational learning areas every kindergartener should practice before starting school.

✅ Recognizes Basic Shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.)

✅ Identifies Letters & Sounds (uppercase & lowercase recognition, letter sounds)

✅ Writes Their Name (first name in print with correct letter formation)

✅ Counts to 10 & Recognizes Numbers (understanding and identifying numbers 1-10)

✅ Holds a Pencil Correctly (using a tripod grip for writing and drawing)

✅ Uses Scissors Safely (cuts along lines, practices opening and closing scissors properly)

Use this checklist to guide fun learning activities and build your child's confidence for a successful kindergarten year! 🚀📚

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