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?

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 center with seasonal supplies, engaging prompts, and simple systems that encourage students to write more independently.

You’ll learn how to create a spring writing center that motivates students while still supporting different writing levels.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Easy ways to refresh your writing center for spring so students are excited to visit it

✔️ Simple spring writing prompts for first grade that encourage creativity and confidence

✔️ How to support struggling writers with differentiated writing center activities

✔️ Fun classroom ideas like classroom mailboxes, sticker stories, and story starter sticks

✔️ Ways to display and publish student writing so kids feel proud of their work

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical spring writing center ideas for first grade that are easy to implement and help students practice writing in a way that feels fun and engaging.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Monthly Writing Prompts – 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://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.

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 cardinal directions, and help students understand map key and symbols in a way that actually sticks.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to introduce maps using a simple read aloud that builds spatial understanding

✔️ How to teach map key and symbols so students truly understand their purpose

✔️ Easy ways to practice cardinal directions using a compass rose

✔️ How to create an interactive map project of your town that students will love

✔️ Simple map activities that help students follow directions from point A to point B

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies you can start using immediately to make teaching map skills to elementary students engaging, hands-on, and easy to implement in your first grade classroom.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Map Skills Unit – https://firstieland.com/map

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 about before, during, and after your read aloud so it becomes a meaningful part of your literacy instruction.

With 35 years of experience teaching kindergarten and first grade, Molly shares practical classroom-tested ideas that help build vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and classroom community, all during one simple read aloud.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to choose high-quality picture books that actually build vocabulary and comprehension

✔️ Why planning your read aloud ahead of time makes such a big difference

✔️ How to begin a read aloud in a way that prepares students for deeper thinking

✔️ What to do (and what not to do) while you’re reading

✔️ How to ask meaningful questions without overdoing it

✔️ Simple ways to connect your read alouds to writing and comprehension skills

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, manageable strategies you can start using immediately to make your read aloud time more intentional and more effective in your first grade classroom.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Free Monthly Read Aloud Planner – https://firstieland.com/planner

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 simple strategies she used year after year in kindergarten and first grade to help students understand what kindness looks like, how to practice it, and why it matters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why modeling kindness as the teacher is more powerful than any worksheet or lesson

✔️ How to use picture books to spark meaningful conversations

✔️ Simple role-playing and writing activities that help students practice kind choices

✔️ A fun “secret mission” idea that encourages daily acts of kindness

✔️ How to use intentional language during discipline to reinforce kindness

✔️ A classroom “gifts” strategy that helps students see value in themselves and others

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, manageable ideas for building a classroom where kindness becomes part of the culture, not just a lesson. You’ll walk away with tools you can start using immediately to help your students treat one another with respect, empathy, and care.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Kindness Unit - https://firstieland.com/kindness

Blog Post - 30 Picture Books About Kindness – https://firstieland.com/kindess-books

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 actually needs a grade and what doesn’t.

Molly walks you through the exact grading systems she used in her own first grade classroom to stay organized, save time, and still collect meaningful data for report cards. From quick checks and grading while students wait to batching papers and choosing a weekly grading day, these strategies are practical and easy to implement right away.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why you don’t need to grade every paper and what actually should be graded

✔️ How to grade student work quickly during the school day instead of at home

✔️ Simple systems for batching and organizing papers to save time

✔️ The best way to grade multi-page tests without wasting hours

✔️ How rubrics and easy graders can simplify writing and assessment

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about your grading routine and have a clear plan to make grading papers more efficient, manageable, and less stressful.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Writing Templates with Built-In Rubrics -

https://firstieland.com/rubric

EZ Grader - https://amzn.to/49KlyLm

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 keeping learning front and center.

Molly walks you through her favorite Valentine’s Day ideas she used in her own first grade classroom, including picture book read alouds, opinion writing, math activities using Valentine candy, friendship-building lessons, and a Valentine classroom transformation. These ideas are easy to implement, budget-friendly, and designed to keep kids engaged without losing a full day of instruction.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Valentine-themed read alouds that work perfectly for writing and comprehension

✔️ Simple Valentine themed opinion writing activities

✔️ Easy Valentine math ideas for sorting, graphing, and problem solving

✔️ Friendship-building activities that focus on kindness and cooperation

✔️ A low-stress way to handle Valentine’s Day with stations instead of chaos

By the end of this episode, you’ll have plenty of ideas to make Valentine’s Day feel fun and meaningful in your classroom, while still sticking to routines that help your day run smoothly.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Valentine’s Read Aloud Activities and Writing – https://firstieland.com/february

Friendship Stations and Friendship Soup – https://firstieland.com/friend

Cupid Valentine Classroom Stations – https://firstieland.com/cupid

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 how to choose something that fits your classroom and your time.

Molly shares what worked best for her after years in the classroom, including why she moved away from weekly centers and switched to monthly literacy centers. You’ll hear how this simple shift can save you time, reduce burnout, and make center time more engaging and manageable for both teachers and students.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ The most common literacy center challenges teachers face and why they happen

✔️ A clear explanation of Daily Five, Must Do May Do, and other popular center systems

✔️ Why monthly literacy centers can save time and reduce teacher burnout

✔️ How to keep students engaged and on task while you teach small groups

✔️ Simple ways to differentiate centers without relying on endless worksheets

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident setting up literacy centers that feel manageable and realistic for first grade, without spending your nights and weekends prepping materials.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Monthly Math & Literacy Centers - https://firstieland.com/learningcenters

Learn more literacy center strategies here - https://firstieland.com/centers

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

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 – firstieland.com/challenge

Brave Irene TPT resource - firstieland.com/irene

Book - Brave Irene - https://amzn.to/4oTQLRq

Let's Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit our TPT store: 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 to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple ways to survive indoor recess without losing your sanity. If indoor recess in your classroom feels loud, chaotic, or completely exhausting, this episode is for you.

Whether it’s freezing temperatures, pouring rain, or just one of those days when going outside isn’t an option, indoor recess happens more often than we’d like. Instead of dreading it, you’ll learn how to put a plan in place that keeps kids playing, happy, and calm, all without a ton of prep or structure.

Molly walks you through how she handled indoor recess in her own first grade classroom, from setting clear expectations to choosing play options that actually work. You’ll hear practical ideas for free play, simple materials kids love, and low-stress games that don’t turn your classroom upside down.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why indoor recess still needs rules and how to set them up ahead of time

✔️ Simple indoor recess expectations that help keep noise and behavior under control

✔️ Easy free play ideas kids love, like art, building toys, and playdough

✔️ How to use classroom centers during indoor recess to give kids choice

✔️ Favorite whole-group indoor games that are fun but not wild

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident walking into your next indoor recess with a plan that allows kids to play while still keeping your classroom under control.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Favorite Indoor Recess Toys List – https://firstieland.com/indoor-toys

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares quick and easy ways to use Snowmen at Work to boost engagement during the long winter stretch. You’ll learn how to use this playful picture book to teach reading skills, spark creative writing, and bring joy back into your classroom with a simple winter room transformation.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach story elements and predictions with the snowman jobs

✔️ Simple writing prompts your kids will love

✔️ Easy ideas for a Snowman Village room transformation

Resources Mentioned

FREE Winter Read Aloud Challenge – firstieland.com/challenge

Snowmen At Work TPT resource: firstieland.com/snowman

Book - Snowmen At Work - https://amzn.to/49qbirQ

Let's Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit our TPT store: 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 to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to integrate science with writing with a project based learning unit about Animal Habitats.

If you’ve ever wondered how you’re supposed to fit science and writing into an already packed day, this episode is for you. Instead of teaching everything separately, you’ll learn how to use a simple project-based unit to cover multiple standards at once, without adding more to your plate.

Molly walks you step-by-step through her favorite animal habitats unit, a unit she taught year after year in first grade, and shows you how to make it engaging, manageable, and fun for kids.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to introduce animal habitats in a way that’s simple and age-appropriate for first grade

✔️ Easy ways to build background knowledge using books, videos, and anchor charts

✔️ How to guide students through basic animal research, even with emerging readers

✔️ A simple writing project that helps students organize facts and write an animal report

✔️ How to wrap up the unit with a hands-on shoebox habitat project kids love

✔️ How combining science and writing actually saves time and increases student engagement

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear picture of how to plan and teach an animal habitats unit that covers science standards, strengthens writing skills, and keeps students excited about learning, all without needing a formal curriculum.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Animal Habitats Unit (TPT) –https://firstieland.com/animalhabitats

Animal Habitats Blog Post – https://firstieland.com/animalhabitatblog

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit the website: www.firstieland.com

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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab dives into the true story of Snowflake Bentley and shows you how to turn this beautiful winter biography into meaningful lessons across your day. You’ll learn simple ways to teach character traits, main idea, compare and contrast, and even explore winter science, all with one picture book. Instead of searching for separate activities for reading, writing, and science, you’ll discover how this story can anchor multiple lessons and keep your students engaged during the coldest month of the year.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach character traits using Wilson Bentley’s determination and curiosity

✔️ Simple ways to introduce biographies to young learners

✔️ How to explore text connections with this winter read aloud

✔️ Easy science tie-ins about snow formation and why every snowflake is unique

✔️ How to use this week’s freebie to help students describe Wilson Bentley using evidence from the text

By the end of this episode, you’ll have ready-to-use ideas for teaching comprehension, writing, and science, all centered around Snowflake Bentley, plus a free character traits activity you can use right away.

Resources Mentioned

FREE Winter Read Aloud Challenge – Sign Up Today: firstieland.com/challenge

Snowflake Bentley TPT resource - firstieland.com/snowflake

Book - Snowflake Bentley - https://amzn.to/4pmixWx

Let's Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit our TPT store: 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 to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 – 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

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

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

Let's Stay Connected

1. Visit our website www.firstieland.com
2. Need resources? Visit our TPT store here - https://firstieland.com/TPT-store
3. Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
4. To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over here to the show notes. - https://firstieland.com/episode13

Enjoying The Podcast?

1. 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.

1. APPLE PODCAST - Head to this link and then scroll to the bottom of the page to rate and review - https://firstieland.com/apple
2. 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 kicks off the Winter Read Aloud Challenge with one of her favorite seasonal picture books, The Snow Globe Family by Jane O’Connor. You’ll learn simple ways to turn this charming winter story into meaningful lessons for reading comprehension, writing, and even a little science. Instead of feeling pressure to come up with activities for every subject in January, you’ll discover how one picture book can anchor multiple lessons and make planning easier and more intentional.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach story elements like characters, setting, plot, and problem/solution using the two parallel families in the story

✔️ A simple pocket-chart retelling activity that strengthens sequencing and comprehension

✔️ How to stretch this story into a fun winter writing project your students will love

✔️ Easy ways to integrate weather science and simple snow-themed activities

✔️ How one picture book can support reading, writing, creativity, and critical thinking all week long

By the end of this episode, you’ll have fresh, ready-to-use ideas for using The Snow Globe Family in your classroom and a free retelling activity you can start using today.

Resources Mentioned

JOIN THE FREE WINTER READ ALOUD CHALLENGE - firstieland.com/challenge

The Snow Globe Family TPT resource: firstieland.com/globe

Book - The Snow Globe Family: https://amzn.to/44916jP

Let's Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit our TPT store: 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 to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic things every K–2 teacher should focus on during the first week back to school after winter break. Instead of jumping straight back into academics and feeling overwhelmed, you’ll learn how to reset your classroom in a calm, intentional way that helps both you and your students ease back into routines.

January is the perfect time for a fresh start, and this episode walks you through exactly what to prioritize so your classroom feels focused and ready for the second half of the school year.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to rebuild classroom community after a long break

✔️ Why reviewing rules and expectations is essential in January

✔️ Simple ways to reset classroom routines without starting over

✔️ How to set meaningful goals with your students for the new year

✔️ Easy writing reflection ideas to help students transition back smoothly

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan for your first week back that helps students feel supported and helps you start January feeling confident and prepared.

Resources Mentioned

New Year Classroom Kickoff Toolkit: https://firstieland.com/kickoff

FREE Winter Read Aloud Challenge: Sign up at https://firstieland.com/challenge

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit our website: https://www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit my TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Follow me on Instagram: @firstieland

To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the show notes:

https://firstieland.com/podcast

Enjoying The Podcast?

Be sure to tap the follow button so you don’t miss an episode. New episodes drop every week, with bonus episodes throughout January.

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 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 short and heartfelt episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares a special holiday message for teachers everywhere. We want to thank you for tuning in and hope you take a well-deserved break, enjoy the holiday season, no matter what you celebrate, and come back refreshed and ready for a brand-new year in the classroom.

Let’s Stay Connected

JOIN THE FREE WINTER READ ALOUD CHALLENGE - https://firstieland.com/challenge

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/podcast

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

🎧 SPOTIFY

Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! 💜

Molly

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares 11 simple and time saving things to do before leaving school for winter break. Instead of walking back into chaos and clutter in January, you’ll discover easy ways to set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free return to the classroom.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to organize and refresh your classroom before break

✔️ Smart tips for prepping January lesson plans and materials in advance

✔️ Easy ways to reset your classroom management and centers for the new year

✔️ What to do before you shut down your classroom for two weeks

✔️ How to start January calm, confident, and classroom-ready

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a checklist of practical tips that help you walk out the door relaxed and walk back in ready for a great start to the new year.

Resources Mentioned

January Math & Literacy Centers – https://firstieland.com/januarycenters

Firstieland Calendar – https://firstieland.com/calendar

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for elementary teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares practical and encouraging tips to help you survive (and even enjoy!) the busiest month of the school year. December can feel chaotic - with excited students, endless to-do lists, and classrooms bursting with energy - but it doesn’t have to leave you drained.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why slowing down and simplifying your plans will save your sanity

✔️ How to make meaningful classroom memories your students will never forget

✔️ Easy low-prep activities and games to keep kids engaged and learning

✔️ Simple ideas for calm days 

 ✔️ Ways to let students take the lead and give yourself a well-deserved break

✔️ How to build independent choice time into your day for quiet moments of peace

✔️ What to include in your very own Teacher Survival Kit to recharge during your planning period

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh list of teacher-tested ideas to help you simplify December, calm the chaos, and head into winter break feeling relaxed and accomplished (not frazzled and fried).

Resources Mentioned

JOIN THE FREE WINTER READ ALOUD CHALLENGE - https://firstieland.com/challenge

Winter Writing Prompts - firstieland.com/winterwriting

No-Prep December Games – firstieland.com/games

Teacher For The Day - https://firstieland.com/teacher

Blog Post - Best Tips For Teacher Survival During December - https://firstieland.com/teacher-survival

Winter Playlist For Kids - https://firstieland.com/winter-music

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need resources? Visit our TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store

Need more ideas? Message me on Instagram @firstieland

To check out all the resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 Podcasts

🎧 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares nine festive and easy ideas to add some joy to your classroom morning meetings in December. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos, you’ll discover simple ways to bring cheer and connection to your classroom - all while keeping students calm, focused, and engaged.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Fun holiday morning meeting greetings

✔️ Simple Christmas jokes that get kids giggling and set a positive tone for the morning

✔️ Seasonal Question of the Day ideas that spark conversation

✔️ How to create a morning puzzle scavenger hunt that builds anticipation for classroom rewards

✔️ Magical holiday read-aloud ideas

✔️ Quick activities like a sight word snowball fight, North Pole Santa Says, and festive word searches

✔️ How to add classic holiday songs to your mornings to build classroom community 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a bundle of stress-free ideas to sprinkle holiday magic into your December morning meetings, without extra prep or overwhelm.

Resources Mentioned 

JOIN OUR FREE WINTER READ ALOUD CHALLENGE - https://firstieland.com/challenge

December Morning Meeting slides - https://firstieland.com/decemberslides

Blog Post - 40 December Morning Meeting Ideas –https://firstieland.com/decembermeeting

Blog Post - 15 Best December Read Alouds –https://firstieland.com/decemberbooks

Books Mentioned

Shop December Read Alouds here: https://firstieland.com/decemberbooklist

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode24

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares seven fun and easy classroom activities to help you stay calm, keep your students focused, and avoid December chaos. Instead of fighting the holiday excitement, you’ll learn how to embrace the season with meaningful, low-stress lessons that still hit your standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to use Gingerbread stories to teach comparing and contrasting while keeping kids engaged

✔️ A creative Gingerbread Baby adoption project that teaches responsibility and inspires writing

✔️ How Holidays Around the World can cover social studies standards in a calm, structured way

✔️ Simple no-prep games that give you and your students a much-needed brain break

✔️ Hands-on writing prompts that make students excited to write again

✔️ How to plan magical theme days like Elf Day or Santa Day—without the overwhelm

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a list of tried-and-true December ideas that keep your students learning and your classroom peaceful, all while creating magical memories they’ll never forget.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

FREE MONTHLY READ ALOUD PLANNER - https://firstieland.com/planner

Gingerbread Baby Resource – https://firstieland.com/gingerbreadbaby

Elf Day Activities – https://firstieland.com/elf

Santa Day Activities – https://firstieland.com/santa

December Writing Prompts - https://firstieland.com/winter-writing

December No Prep Games - https://firstieland.com/games

Holidays Around The World - https://firstieland.com/holiday

Books Mentioned 

Gingerbread Books - https://firstieland.com/holidaybooks

Gingerbread baby toy - https://firstieland.com/gingerbreadtoy

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode23

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 – 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 of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to create a year long read-aloud plan that will save you time, reduce stress, and help you teach with more intention. You’ll discover how to choose books that align with your curriculum, support your monthly themes, and make learning more meaningful for your K–2 students.

By planning ahead, you’ll always have the perfect book ready, whether you’re teaching comprehension, writing, science, or social-emotional skills. Molly walks you through how to organize your books, plan your monthly themes, and select high-quality picture books that connect across subjects.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why having a read-aloud plan saves time and reduces classroom stress

✔️ How to organize your books by theme, month, and curriculum goals

✔️ Tips for balancing genres like fiction, nonfiction, and poetry throughout the year

✔️ How to connect your read-alouds to reading, writing, and social-emotional learning

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear system for planning your read-alouds all year long - so you can spend less time searching for the perfect book and more time enjoying them with your students.

Mentioned In This Episode

Resources Mentioned:

November Read Aloud Bundle - https://firstieland.com/november

Year-Long Read Aloud Bundle - https://firstieland.com/readaloud

FREEBIE: Grab this free monthly read aloud planner to guide your read alouds for the entire school year: https://firstieland.com/planner

Books Mentioned:

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet - https://amzn.to/49i5MXX

A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting - https://amzn.to/3JoV6wc

The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming – https://amzn.to/4osGNWd

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora – https://amzn.to/4o3SSRW

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need classroom 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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode22

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 scroll to the bottom of the page to rate and review: https://firstieland.com/apple

SPOTIFY – Head to this link and click the three dots (…) 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 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 her favorite picture books and classroom activities for teaching kids about gratitude. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to help students slow down, notice the good around them, and practice thankfulness in simple, meaningful ways.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why teaching gratitude helps reduce entitlement and negative attitudes in the classroom

✔️ How books like Thank You, Omu! and Those Shoes make thankfulness relatable for young children

✔️ Creative ways to turn these stories into fun, hands-on classroom lessons and discussions

✔️ How to build a year-round culture of gratitude—not just at Thanksgiving

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical, ready-to-use ideas for bringing gratitude to life through your read alouds. Your students will learn to appreciate the people, places, and small moments that make every day special.

Mentioned In This Episode

Resources Mentioned:

Thank You Omu resource - https://firstieland.com/thankyouomu

Gratitude Activities For Kids - https://firstieland.com/gratitude

Gratitude Jar Activities - https://firstieland.com/gratitude-jar

Books Mentioned:

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora - https://amzn.to/47avuv7

The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu - https://amzn.to/3L7ME4U

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts - https://amzn.to/4olWa2U

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña - https://amzn.to/3KP2VeX

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson - https://amzn.to/42CNaxS

Freebie:

The Thankful Game - Free for listeners who leave a review! Send Molly a message on Instagram @firstieland or email molly@firstieland.com to get your copy.

Let’s Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

Need classroom 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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 (…) 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 sits down with author Susan Fairchild to chat about her playful and imaginative picture book The Turkey Hands. This fun Thanksgiving story takes a creative twist on a classic classroom activity - those adorable turkey handprint crafts we all make in November! But in Susan’s story, the turkey handprints come to life at night and cause all kinds of mischief around the classroom.

Susan shares what inspired her to write The Turkey Hands, how she created the colorful illustrations, and what teachers can do to bring this story to life with their students. You’ll get ideas for turning the book into a full Thanksgiving classroom experience — from creative Thanksgiving writing prompts and craft ideas to ways to spark students’ imaginations as they become detectives trying to solve the mystery of the turkey handprint mischief.

Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving read aloud, a fun way to connect literacy and writing, or an activity that gets your students giggling, this episode will help you create some true Thanksgiving magic in your classroom!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ What inspired Susan Fairchild to write The Turkey Hands

✔️ How she created the imaginative illustrations for the story

✔️ Ideas for using The Turkey Hands in your Thanksgiving lessons

✔️ Ways to combine art, writing, and creativity for an engaging classroom experience

Mentioned In This Episode

Book – The Turkey Hands by Susan Fairchild – https://amzn.to/47rJ7XS

Turkey Detectives writing resource – https://firstieland.com/detective

Guest Connections

Connect with Susan Fairchild - @susankfairchild

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode20

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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 (…) 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.

Would you like me to optimize this version for SEO with longtail keywords (like Thanksgiving activities for kids, picture books, read alouds, kindergarten, first grade) for your blog and podcast page too?

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to bring the magic of Balloons Over Broadway into your classroom. This inspiring picture book tells the story of Tony Sarg, the inventive puppeteer who created the giant balloons that float through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Perfect for November lessons, you’ll discover how to connect this book to reading, writing, STEM, and even social studies.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach reading comprehension strategies with Balloons over Broadway

✔️ Ways to tie Balloons Over Broadway into Thanksgiving history and traditions

✔️ Creative STEM activities that explore design and engineering,

✔️ Writing prompts and art projects that help kids imagine their own parade balloons

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a collection of ready-to-use ideas that will make the story Balloons Over Broadway an engaging, hands-on, and unforgettable experience for your students.  

Mentioned In This Episode

Balloons Over Broadway TPT resource - https://firstieland.com/balloons

Book – Balloons Over Broadway – https://amzn.to/46LR2Om

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode19

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 (…) 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 and effective ways to introduce procedural writing (also called how-to writing) in your first grade classroom. Instead of struggling with reluctant writers or feeling lost without a writing curriculum, you’ll discover how to make writing engaging, hands-on, and fun.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why procedural writing is the perfect next step after sentence writing

✔️ How to use picture books to model writing step by step

✔️ A gradual release strategy (I do, we do, you do) that builds student confidence

✔️ Creative lesson ideas that bring writing to life

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan for teaching procedural writing that keeps your students excited to write and helps them meet writing standards.

Mentioned In This Episode

Procedural Writing Bundle – https://firstieland.com/how-to-writing

Book – How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth – https://amzn.to/4lQVHUI

Book – How to Give Your Cat a Bath – https://amzn.to/4g0KPlC

Book – How to Babysit a Grandpa – https://amzn.to/3JYyAdp

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/episode17

Watch on YouTube:

Enjoying The Podcast?

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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 (…) 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 practical classroom management strategies that actually work in a first grade classroom. Instead of feeling frustrated by constant chatter, off-task behavior, or testing of boundaries, you’ll discover ways to set expectations, build positive relationships, and create a classroom environment where learning can thrive.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why setting clear expectations on day one is the key to long-term success

✔️ How picture books can help teach behavior in a gentle, effective way

✔️ Why modeling and practicing routines is never a waste of time

✔️ How developmentally appropriate practices lead to fewer behavior problems

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with simple ideas you can use right away to take back control of your classroom and make behavior management feel less stressful.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Freebie – 40 Classroom Routines and Procedures – https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist
• Classroom Management Picture Books - https://firstieland.com/calmclass
• Book – Teaching With Love and Logic – https://amzn.to/42aJBi1
• Book – Teaching Self-Discipline – https://amzn.to/3JFd2CG

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 to the show notes – https://firstieland.com/podcast

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 (…) 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 how to make your classroom Halloween party fun and educational by setting up a Haunted House packed with learning. Instead of losing a full day of instruction to costumes and candy, you’ll discover how to keep students engaged with math and literacy games that feel like play but still hit your standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to set up 8 spooky-themed stations that double as math and literacy practice

✔️ Creative ideas like monster measurement, haunted sentence building, and sight word stew

✔️ A simple way to keep kids calm, busy, and learning during the excitement of Halloween

✔️ How to turn your classroom (or grade level hallway!) into a fun haunted house kids will never forget

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a ready-to-go plan that makes Halloween day exciting for your students while keeping learning front and center.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Halloween Haunted House Resource – https://firstieland.com/haunted-house
• Book - At The Old Haunted House - https://amzn.to/4lMjsgA

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.

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to bring the magic of pumpkins into your classroom to teach reading, writing, math, grammar, and science. Using picture books and simple hands-on activities, you’ll see how pumpkins can help you fit in fun without sacrificing standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to use Spookley the Square Pumpkin to teach reading comprehension and story elements

✔️ A fun way to connect pumpkins to math through shapes, measuring, and graphing

✔️ How to use nonfiction books to support procedural writing and life cycle lessons

✔️ Easy grammar activities with real pumpkins to teach adjectives and descriptive language

✔️ Simple science investigations like sink-or-float and labeling pumpkin parts

By the end of this episode, you’ll have cross-curricular pumpkin ideas that make learning meaningful and bring back a little joy to your classroom this fall.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Pumpkin Unit - https://firstieland.com/pumpkin-unit
• October Read Aloud Bundle - https://firstieland.com/october-read-alouds
• Spookley the Square Pumpkin - https://amzn.to/3HWniWq
• Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington - https://amzn.to/4g2mvAc
• The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons - https://amzn.to/45CR0ZS

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
• Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1ZeCknz1iS4

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 💜

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to build your classroom library on a budget

✔️ Tips for organizing books

✔️ Simple rules to keep your library neat and running smoothly

✔️ Easy checkout systems that help students build independence

✔️ Creative ways to make your library space cozy and inviting

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools you need to create a classroom library that fosters a love of reading and that runs like a well-oiled machine, even with your youngest learners!

Mentioned In This Episode

• Classroom Library Book Labels freebie - https://firstieland.com/library-labels
• Scholastic Book Clubs
• DonorsChoose
• Rustoleum Satin Finish Spray Paint - https://amzn.to/4kdM2qv

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/episode6

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.

These picture books are not only fun and engaging, but they also help you lay the foundation for a strong classroom community, introduce expectations, and get your students writing from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ 5 picture books that are perfect for the first week of school

✔️ How to use read-alouds to teach classroom rules and routines

✔️ Fun, hands-on ways to build friendship and classroom community

✔️ A simple way to introduce bus safety through story and discussion

✔️ Easy writing and craft activities to keep your students engaged

By the end of the week, you’ll have built strong connections with your class, introduced important expectations, and made learning feel fun and meaningful - all with the help of picture books!

Mentioned In This Episode

• Resource - First Week of School Bundle - https://firstieland.com/first-week
• First Day Jitters - https://amzn.to/3GqUiFT
• Stick and Stone - https://amzn.to/3ItaaYQ
• David Goes To School - https://amzn.to/3GJMZci
• Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want To Survive The School Bus - https://amzn.to/405UNvg
• Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes - https://amzn.to/4n7C4JW
• Minions Rule Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvTFgzkS5M

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/episode5

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.

You'll learn:

✔️ Why this night is one of the most important of the entire year

✔️ How to set up your room to make a great first impression

✔️ What to include in a parent presentation

✔️ Simple ways to collect supplies and contact info

✔️ Easy ideas for student treats and volunteer sign-ups

If Meet the Teacher Night feels overwhelming, this episode will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to build strong relationships right from the start.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Meet The Teacher resources - https://firstieland.com/meet-the-teacher-night
• Bursting With Excitement freebie - https://firstieland.com/bts-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/episode4

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.

You’ll learn:

✔ Which classroom routines to teach during morning arrival, transitions, and dismissal

✔ How to handle fast finishers, bathroom breaks, and supply management

✔ Tips for introducing safety drills and emergency procedures

✔ Ways to cut down on interruptions and keep your day flowing smoothly

✔ Why teaching these routines early sets the stage for a successful year

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

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.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What types of routines and procedures to introduce right away

✔️ How to use visuals to help students remember what to do

✔️ Tips for teaching transitions, bathroom breaks, and lining up

✔️ How to involve parents in understanding your daily schedule

✔️ What to do if students don’t follow classroom routines

Whether you’re a new teacher or just want a smoother start this year, this episode is packed with helpful ideas to make your classroom feel calm, predictable, and productive.

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

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/episode2

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.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why it’s important to start slow and build stamina

✔️ How to prep and organize materials to stay ahead

✔️ The value of teaching every procedure clearly

✔️ Tips for creating classroom rules with your students

✔️ Ways to build routines that help kids feel safe and confident.

Finally, we wrap up with a reminder to take care of yourself - the first few weeks are tough, but you’ve got this!

Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE ULTIMATE LIST OF CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES - https://firstieland.com/routines-checklist

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/episode1

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.

From planning meaningful read-alouds to managing routines and staying organized, each episode is packed with strategies you can use right away. You’ll learn how to make your classroom a place where learning feels like play - and kids are excited to be there.

Hit subscribe or follow and make teaching a little easier,  one episode at a time.

• Grab our FREE MONTHLY READ ALOUD PLANNER with 40 book ideas and activities. 
• Visit our website www.firstieland.com
• Need more help or ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland
• Need resources? Visit our TPT store here