Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade
Published by Molly Schwab
Education
How To
Self-Improvement
The Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Teaching Tips And Ideas is a weekly podcast that gives kindergarten and first grade teachers real, practical strategies to make teaching easier, more effective, and a whole lot more fun. If you’re an educator who's feeling stretched thin trying to fit it all in as an elementary teacher, you're not alone. Each week, you’ll get easy-to-implement ideas that will help you feel more confident and in control of your classroom. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former kindergarten and first grade teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers shares creative ideas to help with classroom management, building classroom community, and using picture books to integrate subjects like writing, SEL, science, and social studies into meaningful read-alouds. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you'll leave each episode with practical strategies you can put into action right away. For more ideas and resources, connect with Molly on Instagram @firstieland or visit firstieland.com
Classroom Organization Ideas For Elementary Teachers | Where To Start In this episode, Molly shows you classroom organization ideas for elementary teachers and exactly where to start so you can create a space that runs smoothly without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on Pinterest-perfect bins and decorations, you'll learn the four key areas to organize first before your students ever walk through the door. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: FREE Classroom Routines Checklist: https://firstieland.com/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.
First Week Of School Activities In First Grade | A Day-By-Day Plan In this episode, Molly shares her exact first grade first week of school activities and walks you through a simple day-by-day plan to help you teach routines, build classroom community, and set the stage for a successful school year. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: First Week of School Activities: https://firstieland.com/first-week-activities School Bus Safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VnGcdjrZNk 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: 60. First Day Of School Activities For First Grade - My Exact First Day Plan 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.
First day of school activities for first grade don't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, Molly walks you through her exact first day plan, including the classroom routines, procedures, and fun activities she used to help students feel comfortable, build confidence, and set the stage for a successful school year. After 35 years of teaching, Molly learned that the first day of school isn't about squeezing in academics. It's about teaching students exactly how your classroom works. In this episode, she'll show you the 10 routines she always taught on the first day, from morning arrival and bathroom procedures to lunch, recess, dismissal, and more. She'll also share simple first day activities like First Day Jitters , Jitter Juice, and writing activities that help students learn expectations while having fun. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Classroom Routines And Procedures Google Slides - https://firstieland.com/routines-slides Digital Calendar - https://firstieland.com/digi-calendar First Day Jitters Activities - https://firstieland.com/jitter FREE 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 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.
What Every First Grade Word Work Center Needs 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.
In this episode, Molly shares simple and fun ideas for what to do during the last week of school in your elementary classroom. These low prep end of year activities are designed to keep students engaged, help you manage those final busy days, and still create meaningful memories before summer break. If your class is feeling done and you're trying to keep things under control while wrapping up the school year, these ideas will help you bring structure, fun, and just enough learning into your last week. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ No prep activities that keep students engaged during the last week of school ✔️ How to plan fun theme days like water play, painting, and field day ✔️ Simple ways to manage behavior and keep the chaos under control ✔️ Writing activities that still sneak in academics during the final days ✔️ How to create special memories your students will never forget Resources Mentioned In This Episode Summer Bucket List - https://firstieland.com/bucket Last Day Blues - https://firstieland.com/blues What Should My Teacher Do This Summer - https://firstieland.com/summer 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 how to plan a fun and simple end-of-the-year classroom carnival that keeps students engaged while still learning. These easy theme day ideas are perfect for first-grade teachers who want a memorable way to wrap up the school year without a lot of extra prep or expense. You’ll learn how to organize a carnival theme day with math and literacy stations that are fu and aligned with your standards. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to plan an end-of-the-year classroom carnival with minimal prep ✔️ Simple math and literacy games you can use as carnival stations ✔️ Easy ways to organize your carnival as a team or on your own ✔️ How to keep students learning while still having fun at the end of the year ✔️ Tips for getting parent support and keeping costs low By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear and simple plan to create an educational carnival theme day your students will never forget. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Carnival Theme Day Resource - https://firstieland.com/carnival 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 End Of The Year Activity: Teacher For The Day In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares a simple, low prep end of the year activity that keeps students engaged while giving teachers a little breathing room during one of the busiest times of the year. This “Teacher for the Day” activity is perfect for kindergarten, first grade or second grade classrooms and allows students to take the lead while still learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to set up and organize a “Teacher for the Day” routine in your classroom ✔️ Simple ways to incorporate writing through easy lesson plan templates ✔️ How to keep all students engaged with interactive student-led lessons ✔️ Ways to build responsibility and leadership skills in young students ✔️ How this activity gives you time to handle end of year tasks By the end of this episode, you’ll have an easy and effective end of the year activity that your students will love and that will make your last few weeks of school feel much more manageable. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Teacher For The Day Resource - https://firstieland.com/teacher 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.
It’s Spring and My Student’s Can’t Write!: How To Help Your Struggling Writers In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares simple and effective strategies to help struggling writers build confidence and improve their skills before the end of the school year. These practical writing tips and classroom ideas are designed specifically for kindergarten and first-grade teachers who want to support students and strengthen their writing foundations. If you're feeling the pressure of approaching the end of the year and wondering how to help your students succeed in writing, this episode will provide encouragement and actionable solutions. You’ll learn how to create a classroom environment that nurtures writing growth while supporting different ability levels. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why daily writing practice is essential for building strong, confident writers ✔️ How to use word walls and anchor charts to support young learners ✔️ Simple strategies to help struggling writers generate and expand their ideas ✔️ The importance of modeling and teaching what good writing looks like ✔️ How differentiated writing templates can guide students to success By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical and effective strategies to help your students improve their writing skills and feel confident as they move on to the next grade level. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Differentiated Writing Templates - https://firstieland.com/rubric Monthly Writing Templates - https://firstieland.com/writingprompts 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 Earth Day Activities For First Grade: Simple Ideas Your Students Will Love In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares some of her favorite Earth Day activities that she used year after year with her first grade students. From simple writing ideas to hands-on science activities: these easy ideas will help you teach Earth Day in a way that actually makes sense for little learners. If you’re looking for Earth Day activities for kindergarten and first grade, this episode is full of simple, engaging ideas that help students understand how to take care of our planet. You’ll get practical ways to incorporate science, writing, and real-life connections into your lesson plans using activities like recycling projects, Earth Day crafts, and easy experiments your students will never forget. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Easy prep Earth Day Ideas for K-2 ✔️ How to teach reduce, reuse, and recycle in a way kids understand ✔️ Hands-on science ideas to show students how to help the Earth ✔️ Easy writing and craft activities that connect to your Earth Day lessons By the end of this episode, you’ll have a collection of easy Earth Day classroom activities you can use right away that keep your students engaged while still covering important science and writing standards. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Earth Day Unit – https://firstieland.com/earthday Book - It’s Earth Day by Mercer Mayer - https://amzn.to/4dx9rU2 Book - The Earth Book by Todd Parr - https://amzn.to/41i8aJa Book - The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches - https://amzn.to/47LdJUh Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Watch On YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store 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.
Fun Easter Activities for Elementary Classrooms In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares some of her favorite Easter classroom activities that she used year after year with her first grade students. From Easter writing activities to hands-on centers and fun read aloud extensions, these simple ideas will help you bring a little extra fun into your classroom during the spring season. If you’re looking for Easter activities for kindergarten and first grade, this episode is full of easy, engaging ideas that keep students learning while having fun. You’ll get practical ways to incorporate writing, math, and reading into your lesson plans using creative Easter themes like painting eggs, taste-testing candy, and even applying to be the Easter Bunny’s assistant. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Simple Easter writing activities that make writing fun and meaningful ✔️ How to turn Easter themes into math, reading, and writing lessons ✔️ Creative ways to use read alouds to teach multiple skills ✔️ A step-by-step idea for a themed classroom day with engaging learning stations By the end of this episode, you’ll have a collection of easy Easter classroom activities you can use right away that keep your students engaged while still hitting important academic standards. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Easter Writing Activities – https://firstieland.com/easterwriting Peter Rabbit Resource – https://firstieland.com/peter The Easter Bunny's Assistant stations - https://firstieland.com/assistant YouTube video - Easter Bunny's Assistant Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@firstieland 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.
The Cutest Easter Classroom Activity Ever - Adopt-A-Peep Writing Project In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares one of her favorite Easter classroom activities that she did with her students every year, the Adopt-A-Peep writing project. This fun and engaging activity combines Easter writing activities and responsibility lessons into one memorable experience your students will talk about for weeks. If you're looking for Easter writing activities for kindergarten and first grade, this episode will give you a simple, creative idea that gets students excited about writing while building classroom community. The Adopt-A-Peep activity starts with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny and quickly turns into a week of spring writing prompts, creative storytelling, and hands-on classroom fun. Molly walks you step-by-step through how to introduce the activity, spark students’ imaginations with a read aloud, and guide students through writing, math, and creative projects centered around their own marshmallow peep. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to introduce a fun Easter classroom activity that instantly engages students ✔️ How to use spring writing prompts to build creativity and storytelling skills ✔️ How to incorporate responsibility and classroom community into a themed activity By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fun and easy Easter classroom activity you can implement right away that combines writing, creativity, and responsibility while keeping students completely engaged. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Adopt-A-Peep Spring Project – https://firstieland.com/peep 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://www.youtube.com/@firstieland 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.
