Teaching Grammar In The Elementary Classroom: Nouns

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to make teaching grammar, specifically nouns, fun and engaging for young learners. From interactive anchor charts to picture books and simple games, you’ll hear practical tips for introducing nouns in a way that actually sticks with your kindergarten and first grade students.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What nouns are and why they’re important in early writing

✔️ Picture book recommendations for teaching nouns

✔️ Easy anchor chart ideas for each type of noun

✔️ Fun games like scavenger hunts and I Spy to reinforce the skill

✔️ How to use centers and pocket chart activities for extra practice

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will make your grammar lessons more meaningful and a whole lot more fun for your students.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Nouns Unit - https://firstieland.com/nouns-bundle
• Book - If You Were A Noun - https://amzn.to/4ofzMce
• Book - A Mink, A Fink, A Skating Rink - https://amzn.to/4ffGMSk

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.

What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop Talking

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just won’t stop talking. From constant whispers during work time to full-blown chatter during lessons, student talking can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. But don’t worry. In this episode we’re sharing real-life strategies that actually work in a Kindergarten or 1st grade classroom.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why student talking isn’t always a bad thing

✔️ How to teach kids what silence really means

✔️ Simple visuals and hand signals that reduce disruptions

✔️ Ideas for designated “talk times” that help kids stay focused

✔️ Tips for logical consequences and positive reinforcement that work

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident managing classroom noise and ready to create a calmer, more focused environment, without losing your voice or your patience.

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE Monthly Read Aloud Planner - https://firstieland.com/freeplanner-pod
• Teaching About Voice Volume and Speaking & Listening Activities - https://firstieland.com/voices-and-talking
• Decibella And Her Six Inch Voice book - https://amzn.to/4lRR79k
• Lacey Walker Nonstop Talker book - https://amzn.to/3IQBT61
• Quiet Timers - https://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/

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/episode13

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.

How To Teach Sentence Writing In An Elementary Classroom

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab breaks down how to teach one of the most essential skills in early writing - how to write a sentence. From the foundational skills kids need before they ever pick up a pencil, to practical, step-by-step strategies for guiding them through sentence writing, Molly shares exactly how to support your Kindergarten and first grade writers and set them up for success.

You’ll learn:

✔️ The key skills kids need before they can write a sentence

✔️ Why letter sounds and formation matter more than you think

✔️ How to use the I Do, We Do, You Do method for teaching writing

✔️ Sentence writing anchor chart ideas that really work

✔️ Simple ways to support struggling writers without holding others back

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident knowing how to lay the foundation for strong sentence writing in your classroom, one step at a time.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Year Long Writing Prompts Bundle -https://firstieland.com/all-year-writing-bundle
• Spacemen For Writing - https://amzn.to/4loiebn
• FREEBIE - Ultimate List Of Writing Prompts - https://firstieland.com/writingpromptsfreebie

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/episode12

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.

The 4 Parts of Morning Meeting Every Elementary Teacher Should Know

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how a simple morning meeting routine can completely transform your school day. From greeting ideas to calendar time and everything in between, Molly walks you through what a morning meeting looks like in a real Kindergarten or 1st grade classroom and why it might become your favorite part of the day too.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to structure a consistent and calm morning meeting

✔️ Fun greeting routines to build classroom community

✔️ Easy sharing and discussion ideas to help kids connect

✔️ Why calendar time is a must in K-1

✔️ Tips for writing simple but effective morning messages

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical ideas to create a morning routine that helps your students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn every single day.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Morning Meeting Slides - https://firstieland.com/morning-meeting-slides
• Digital Calendar - https://firstieland.com/digital-calendar
• FREE Week Of Morning Meeting Slides - https://firstieland.com/free-slides

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/episode11

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 exactly how to kick off elementary writing instruction in Kindergarten and first grade with one simple, powerful skill: picture labeling. You’ll hear practical, step-by-step ideas for teaching kids how to stretch out sounds, connect words to their drawings, and build confidence as real writers right from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why picture labeling is the perfect first writing lesson

✔️ How to model labeling with anchor charts

✔️ Easy ways to help kids stretch out words and sounds

✔️ Tips for supporting different skill levels

✔️ Fun ideas to keep labeling practice fresh and engaging

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel ready to launch writing time with a strong foundation and you’ll know exactly how to help every child feel successful, whether they’re writing their first word or building up to full sentences.

Mentioned In This Episode

All Year Writing Prompts Bundle - https://firstieland.com/all-year-writing-bundle

Ultimate List Of Writing Prompts FREEBIE - https://firstieland.com/writingpromptsfreebie

Picture Labeling FREEBIE - https://firstieland.com/labeling-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/episode10

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 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.