In this episode of The Education Connection, we continue our phonics journey by building on last week’s CVC word practice and diving into digraphs — ch, sh, th, wh, ph, and ck. You'll learn how to teach these essential sound chunks alongside short vowels using fun, simple activities that keep young readers engaged. Whether you’re introducing digraphs for the first time or reinforcing them with hands-on practice, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow.

🎒 Perfect for K–2 teachers 📚 Includes ready-to-use activity ideas ✏️ Builds confidence in early decoding.

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In this episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into the first steps in teaching reading — from mastering letter sounds to blending CVC words. Whether you're teaching kindergarten, first grade, or supporting early readers in any setting, these foundational skills matter more than ever.

We’ll talk about:

• Why fluency with letters and short vowels is essential
• How to assess what your students truly know
• What CVC blending really looks like
• Practical, low-prep activities you can use tomorrow
• Encouragement for the journey — including a Scripture and prayer just for teachers

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you feeling equipped and inspired to support your young readers in meaningful, effective ways.

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Are you getting ready to launch literacy centers in your classroom? In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing exactly how I introduce literacy centers during the first weeks of school. I walk you through the four stations I will start with, how I model expectations, and what my students will experience during our very first day of rotating through centers—spoiler alert: we keep it short and sweet!

You’ll hear how I teach routines for Heggerty, decodable reading, computer time, and my teacher table (where I focus on word work, decoding, and fluency). I’m also sharing tips for easing into rotations, what I watch for, and how I set the stage for successful independent work all year long.

Whether you’re new to literacy centers or just want a fresh approach to launching them, this episode will give you the confidence to start strong—with grace, structure, and purpose.

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Planning for a substitute teacher can feel overwhelming, but with the right sub plans, your classroom can run smoothly even when you’re out. In this episode of The Education Connection, I share practical tips for writing effective substitute teacher plans, organizing emergency sub folders, and leaving extra activities like coloring sheets, read-aloud books, and time-filler activities. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, these classroom management strategies will help you create stress-free, detailed lesson plans that any sub can follow.

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In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares practical, everyday ways teachers can use ChatGPT to save time and spark ideas in the classroom.

From creating schedules and organizing classroom spaces, to drafting polished parent letters, generating writing prompts, and even recovering lost game directions—this tool is becoming a teacher’s secret helper.

Robin also explains how ChatGPT works, addresses common fears about using AI in education, and offers encouragement for using it wisely without sacrificing privacy or professionalism.

Scripture and prayer wrap up this episode with a reminder that true wisdom comes from God, and technology can be a blessing when used with discernment.

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The first week of school sets the tone for your entire year — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

📎In this episode, we’ll talk about the two most important goals for your very first day: knowing exactly how every student is getting home and making each child feel loved and cared for.

👉🏻I’ll walk you through simple ways to build your classroom community from Day 1, including creating a mission statement with your students, using visuals to introduce the daily schedule, and crafting a classroom mantra.

🎉I’ll also share my go-to parent sign-in sheet from my First Day Packet that makes dismissal a breeze. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with purpose, clarity, and joy.

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Back to School Night (Going Home Forms.)

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In this episode of The Education Connection, we're diving into simple, powerful attention-getters and classroom management tools that set the tone for a calm, focused classroom—without raising your voice or losing your mind. From classic clap-backs to the magical "Mystery Student" game, these strategies are perfect for the first days of school and beyond.

You'll walk away with 7 easy-to-implement ideas, including fun ways to manage transitions, end-of-day cleanup hacks (hello, mystery object!), and meaningful ways to reset the tone with quiet authority.

We’ll end the episode with a scripture and prayer to encourage you as you begin the school year—because what you're doing matters more than you know.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for social or email, or a bullet-point summary of the 7 strategies!

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In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm walking you through exactly how I structure and teach my procedures on the very first day of school — and why it matters so much for the rest of the year. From unpacking supplies and reading expectations to lunchroom behavior and packing up to go home, I’m sharing it all.

🗓️ First Day of School Schedule:

• 8:00 AM – Greet students & decorate name tags
• 8:30 AM – Independent coloring & begin putting away supplies
• 9:00 AM – Teach rug expectations & read aloud
• 9:15 AM – Dance break or playground procedure practice
• 9:30 AM – Continue supply organization
• 10:00 AM – Block play & practice sharing
• 10:50 AM – Practice lining up for lunch
• 11:35 AM – Recess
• 12:00 PM – Practice lining up after recess
• 12:10 PM – Read aloud & rug routine review
• 12:30 PM – “Get to Know You” activity or block station rotation
• 1:00 PM – Practice lining up & attend specials (Music)
• 2:00 PM – Afternoon recess
• 2:20 PM – Pack-up practice while watching PBS

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• The First Days of School by Harry Wong (Audible version recommended — listen to Chapter 19!)
• Take Control of the Noisy Class by Rob Plevin – My personal favorite
• What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker
• Better Than Carrots or Sticks – New read for this year (review coming soon!)

🛒 Bonus Resource: Check out my Back to School Packet for fun, no-prep activities perfect for the first few days of school.

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