Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade

Wondering how to fit small group reading instruction into just 15 minutes? In this episode, Molly walks you through her first grade small group routine for sight word practice, decodable reading, word work, and writing across the week. Learn how to play quick & easy sight word games, observe student reading, and use sentence dictation to practice spelling and writing skills. Plus, hear how Molly kept simple notes to track of student progress and plan future lessons!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Word Building Activities & Mats – https://firstieland.com/magnetic-letter-games

Phonics Games – https://firstieland.com/phon...

Looking for small group reading organization ideas? In this episode, Molly shares five tips for setting up your first grade reading area so you can spend less time searching for materials and more time teaching. Learn where to place your table, arrange seating, choose useful reading tools, organize your storage, and keep lessons running smoothly. Plus, take a look at Molly’s favorite small group materials and her simple Post-it note system for keeping track of student progress!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Word Building Activities & Mats - https://firstieland.com/magnetic-letter-games

Phonics Ga...

Looking for a classroom management strategy for your early finishers? In this episode, Molly shares how to set up an area in your first grade classroom for students who finish their work early and teach a simple routine that keeps kids working independently while the rest of the class finishes. Learn how to choose hands-on activities, organize your materials, teach cleanup expectations, and handle common problems like rushing through work or finding an activity already taken!

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Fast Finisher Activities: https://firstieland.com/early-finisher-pod

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store:

https://firsti...

Looking for Halloween classroom activities for first grade that keep kids learning? In this episode, Molly shares 10 easy ideas to turn all that excitement about pumpkins, monsters, and Halloween into reading, writing, math, and science!

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Pumpkin Life Cycle Activities – https://firstieland.com/pumpkin-unit-pod

Spookley the Square Pumpkin Activities – https://firstieland.com/spookley

Adopt a Pumpkin – https://firstieland.com/pumpkin-adoption-pod

How to Carve a Pumpkin Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/carve-pumpkin

Spooky Spelling – https://firstieland.com/spooky-spelling-pod

Bone Soup Activities – https://firstieland.com/bone-soup-pod

Disguise a Ghost Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/disguise-a-ghost

Monster Adjectives Writ...

Do your students constantly blurt out answers or interrupt while you’re teaching? In this episode, Molly shares six simple behavior management strategies for first grade to help students stop blurting and learn to wait their turn.

Learn how to clearly tell students when and how to answer question, teach impulse control through picture books and games, and use silent visual cues that redirect interruptions without stopping your lesson. You’ll also learn how to create an individual support plan for a frequent blurter while recognizing the whole class for meeting expectations.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Interrupting Chicken Activities - https://firstieland.com/interrupt-chicken

Book - My Mouth Is A Volcano...

If you’re looking for classroom management strategies to quiet a noisy classroom, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode, Molly shares how to get your class quiet without yelling or raising your voice.

Learn how to use silent signals, quick attention getters, visual and auditory cues, games for transitions, and fun tricks for keeping students quiet in the hallway and on the carpet. You’ll walk away with a whole toolbox of classroom management strategies you can start using tomorrow!

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Attention Getter Slides & Posters - https://firstieland.com/attention-getters

FREE 30 Ways To Quiet A Noisy Classroom - https://firstieland.com/quiet-class-freebie

📺...

Students won’t stop talking in your classroom? If you feel like you spend your entire day saying “stop talking” and “shhh,” to talkative students, this episode is for you! Molly shares 6 simple strategies to help get your chatty class and student talking under control without expecting your classroom to be silent all day.

Learn how to give students appropriate times to talk, explicitly teach and model your expectations, use picture books and voice levels, introduce silent hand signals, and support individual students who just can’t seem to stop talking.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Classroom management mistakes can make your school day harder than it needs to be and sometimes we don’t even realize we’re making them! In this episode, Molly shares 5 common classroom management mistakes that can lead to behavior problems all year long.

Learn simple ways to set clear rules, get students’ attention before giving directions, correct behavior without disrupting your lesson, use consistent consequences, and stay prepared so there’s less downtime for behavior problems to begin.

📺 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁:

59. Routines And Procedures First Grade Teachers Need To Teach For Better Classroom Management

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com...

Building classroom community with morning meeting greetings is a simple way to help kids feel seen, make connections, and build friendships from the very beginning of the school year. In this episode, Molly shares her favorite morning meeting greetings that are quick, easy, and fun for first grade students.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Morning Meeting Slides - https://firstieland.com/morning-slides

FREE Morning Meeting Greeting Cards - https://firstieland.com/free-greetings

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/youtu...

Morning meeting in elementary can be one of the most valuable parts of your school day and it only takes about 15 minutes! In this episode, Molly shares the 5 things she included in her first grade morning meeting after more than three decades of teaching.

Learn simple ideas for morning meeting greetings, sharing, activities, morning message, and calendar time that help build classroom community, practice important academic skills, and make every minute count.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

Morning Meeting Slides - https://firstieland.com/morning-slides

FREE Morning Meeting Greeting Cards - https://firstieland.com/free-greetings

Digital Calendar - https://firstieland.com/calendar-tpt

Let's Stay Connected

Vi...

Meet the teacher night can feel overwhelming, but a successful evening has a lot less to do with having a Pinterest-perfect classroom and a lot more to do with being prepared.

In this episode, Molly shares 5 common Meet the Teacher Night mistakes elementary teachers make and what to do instead. You'll learn how to create a welcoming classroom, have a plan for families, organize the information parents need, collect important forms and volunteer sign-ups, and handle school supplies before the first day.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Meet the Teacher Night Slides, Stations...

Flexible seating classroom ideas are everywhere, but does flexible seating really improve behavior in first grade? In this episode, Molly shares her honest experience after using alternative seating in her first grade classroom for years. She talks about what worked, what didn't, her three biggest fears before getting started, and the surprising classroom management benefits she discovered along the way.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Flexible Seating Starter Kit - https://firstieland.com/flex-seating-pod

Let's Stay Connected

Visit the website:

www.firstieland.com

Need classroom resources? Visit...

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://firs...

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:<...

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...

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 classr...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, 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 thin...

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, 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 cl...

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 pre...

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 lit...

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”...

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 succee...

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 he...

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 fu...

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...

Spring Writing Prompts and Easy Center Ideas For First Grade

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares simple and creative spring writing prompts and writing center ideas for first grade that will help get students excited about writing.

If your writing center activities are starting to feel a little stale after a long winter, this episode will give you fresh spring writing activities for elementary students that are easy to set up and fun for kids. Molly walks you through practical ways to refresh your first grade writing...

Teaching Map Skills in First Grade: Fun, Hands-On Social Studies Activities

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, engaging strategies for teaching map skills in first grade using fun, hands-on social studies activities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make teaching map skills to elementary students feel fun while still learning, this episode is for you. Map skills are a first grade standard, but they’re also an important life skill. Molly walks you step-by-step through how to build background knowledge, introduce the compass rose and...

6 Read Aloud Strategies Every First Grade Teacher Should Know

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares six simple but powerful read aloud strategies that will completely change the way you read to your class.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just “reading the book” and not really maximizing that time, this episode is for you. Read aloud time can be one of the most impactful parts of your school day, but only if you’re intentional about it. Molly walks you step-by-step through what to think abou...

Teaching Elementary Kids To Be Kind

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares practical, real-life ways to teach elementary students about kindness in a way that actually sticks.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by unkind behavior in your classroom or wondered how to build a stronger classroom community, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to weave it naturally into your everyday classroom routines, language, and discipline.

Molly shares a personal story that sparked this episode and then walks you step-by-step through simp...

Grading Papers In First Grade: How To Save Time And Be More Efficient

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic ways to make grading papers in first grade faster and far less overwhelming. If grading feels like it’s taking over your evenings, weekends, or mental space, this episode is for you.

Grading doesn’t have to mean stacks of papers following you home or hours spent entering grades. Instead of trying to grade everything, you’ll learn how to be more intentional about what actual...

Fun and Easy Valentine’s Day Activities For First Grade

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares fun and easy Valentine’s Day activities that fit naturally into your first grade classroom, without adding stress or extra prep to your day.

February can feel long and Valentine’s Day excitement can quickly turn into distraction. Instead of trying to push through with business as usual, this episode shows you how to add a simple Valentine twist to reading, writing, math, and even your class party, while still keepin...

Literacy Center Strategies That Actually Work In First Grade

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares literacy center strategies that actually work in a real first grade classroom. If you feel overwhelmed and exhausted from planning and organizing centers or if keeping kids on task is a struggle, this episode is for you.

There are so many different ways teachers run literacy centers and it can feel confusing trying to figure out what works best. Instead of chasing the “perfect” system, this episode breaks down different approaches and...

Text Connections & Opinion Writing With Brave Irene - Book Bite #4

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, Molly shares how to use Brave Irene to teach character traits, problem and solution, and opinion writing in a simple, meaningful way. This winter classic is perfect for discussing courage and perseverance while hitting key reading and writing skills.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach character traits through Irene’s determination

✔️ Easy ways to text connections

✔️ Teaching opinion writing

Resources Mentioned

FREE Winter Read Aloud Challenge – firs...