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

Molly Schwab

The Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Teaching Tips And Ideas is a weekly podcast that gives kindergarten and first grade teachers real, practical strategies to make teaching easier, more effective, and a whole lot more fun. If you’re an educator who's feeling stretched thin trying to fit it all in as an elementary teacher, you're not alone. Each week, you’ll get easy-to-implement ideas that will help you feel more confident and in control of your classroom. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former kindergarten and first grade teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers shares creative ideas to help with classroom management, building classroom community, and using picture books to integrate subjects like writing, SEL, science, and social studies into meaningful read-alouds. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you'll leave each episode with practical strategies you can put into action right away. For more ideas and resources, connect with Molly on Instagram @firstieland or visit firstieland.com

  1. 3 days ago

    75. Ten Fun Sight Word Games For First Grade - Easy and Low Prep

    Looking for fun, simple sight word games for small groups or centers? In this episode, Molly shares 10 easy games she used in her first grade classroom with ideas for practicing reading and spelling with cards, magnetic letters, popsicle sticks, and more. These games take little prep, cost little or nothing, and give you new ways to make sight word practice feel like play! Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Word Study Slides - https://firstieland.com/word-study-pod Boom Cards - https://wow.boomlearning.com/author/firstieland Let's Stay Connected Visit the website: https://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 https://firstieland.com. Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don't miss an episode. Next week, Molly will share how to keep the rest of your class busy learning while you're teaching small groups! 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.

  2. 28 Oct

    74. Small Group Reading Instruction: My 15-Minute First Grade Routine

    Wondering how to fit small group reading instruction into just 15 minutes? In this episode, Molly walks you through her first grade small group routine for sight word practice, decodable reading, word work, and writing across the week. Learn how to play quick & easy sight word games, observe student reading, and use sentence dictation to practice spelling and writing skills. Plus, hear how Molly kept simple notes to track of student progress and plan future lessons! Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Word Building Activities & Mats – https://firstieland.com/magnetic-letter-games Phonics Games – https://firstieland.com/phonics-games Whisper Phones – https://amzn.to/4hDiVPk Elkonin Box Boards – https://amzn.to/4jO6Acn Tabletop Easel – https://amzn.to/4jgDoL2 Magnetic Letters – https://amzn.to/4hFcUSa 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 https://firstieland.com. 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.

  3. 21 Oct

    73. How To Set Up Your Small Group Reading Area In First Grade

    Looking for small group reading organization ideas? In this episode, Molly shares five tips for setting up your first grade reading area so you can spend less time searching for materials and more time teaching. Learn where to place your table, arrange seating, choose useful reading tools, organize your storage, and keep lessons running smoothly. Plus, take a look at Molly’s favorite small group materials and her simple Post-it note system for keeping track of student progress! Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Word Building Activities & Mats - https://firstieland.com/magnetic-letter-games Phonics Games - https://firstieland.com/phonics-games Whisper phones - https://amzn.to/4hDiVPk Reading Wands - https://amzn.to/3TMJBUI Witches Fingers - https://amzn.to/47OMUOm Eyeball Rings - https://amzn.to/4iggcLK Horseshoe Table - https://amzn.to/4ypYOta Elkonin Box Boards - https://amzn.to/4jO6Acn Tabletop Easel - https://amzn.to/4jgDoL2 Toolbox - https://amzn.to/4AVObkh Magnetic Letters - https://amzn.to/4hFcUSa 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 https://firstieland.com 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.

  4. 14 Oct

    72. Classroom Management in First Grade: What to Do When Kids Finish Early

    Looking for a classroom management strategy for your early finishers? In this episode, Molly shares how to set up an area in your first grade classroom for students who finish their work early and teach a simple routine that keeps kids working independently while the rest of the class finishes. Learn how to choose hands-on activities, organize your materials, teach cleanup expectations, and handle common problems like rushing through work or finding an activity already taken! 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Fast Finisher Activities: https://firstieland.com/early-finisher-pod Let's Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://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 https://firstieland.com 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.

  5. 7 Oct

    71. 10 Fun And Easy Halloween Activities For First Grade

    Looking for Halloween classroom activities for first grade that keep kids learning? In this episode, Molly shares 10 easy ideas to turn all that excitement about pumpkins, monsters, and Halloween into reading, writing, math, and science! 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Pumpkin Life Cycle Activities – https://firstieland.com/pumpkin-unit-pod Spookley the Square Pumpkin Activities – https://firstieland.com/spookley Adopt a Pumpkin – https://firstieland.com/pumpkin-adoption-pod How to Carve a Pumpkin Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/carve-pumpkin Spooky Spelling – https://firstieland.com/spooky-spelling-pod Bone Soup Activities – https://firstieland.com/bone-soup-pod Disguise a Ghost Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/disguise-a-ghost Monster Adjectives Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/make-your-monster The Leaf Thief Activities – https://firstieland.com/leaf-thief-pod How to Rake Leaves Writing & Craft – https://firstieland.com/leaf-raking 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 https://firstieland.com 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.

  6. 30 Sept

    70. How To Stop Kids From Interrupting: First Grade Behavior Management

    Do your students constantly blurt out answers or interrupt while you’re teaching? In this episode, Molly shares six simple behavior management strategies for first grade to help students stop blurting and learn to wait their turn. Learn how to clearly tell students when and how to answer question, teach impulse control through picture books and games, and use silent visual cues that redirect interruptions without stopping your lesson. You’ll also learn how to create an individual support plan for a frequent blurter while recognizing the whole class for meeting expectations. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Interrupting Chicken Activities - https://firstieland.com/interrupt-chicken Book - My Mouth Is A Volcano - https://amzn.to/4xCvTBy Book - Interrupting Chicken - https://amzn.to/4yKKawT 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 https://firstieland.com 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.

  7. 23 Sept

    69. How to Quiet a Noisy Class: 5 Simple Classroom Management Strategies

    If you’re looking for classroom management strategies to quiet a noisy classroom, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode, Molly shares how to get your class quiet without yelling or raising your voice. Learn how to use silent signals, quick attention getters, visual and auditory cues, games for transitions, and fun tricks for keeping students quiet in the hallway and on the carpet. You’ll walk away with a whole toolbox of classroom management strategies you can start using tomorrow! 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: Attention Getter Slides & Posters - https://firstieland.com/attention-getters FREE 30 Ways To Quiet A Noisy Classroom - https://firstieland.com/quiet-class-freebie 📺 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁: 68. What To Do When Students Won't Stop Talking 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 https://firstieland.com 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.

  8. 16 Sept

    68. What To Do When Students Won't Stop Talking

    Students won’t stop talking in your classroom? If you feel like you spend your entire day saying “stop talking” and “shhh,” to talkative students, this episode is for you! Molly shares 6 simple strategies to help get your chatty class and student talking under control without expecting your classroom to be silent all day. Learn how to give students appropriate times to talk, explicitly teach and model your expectations, use picture books and voice levels, introduce silent hand signals, and support individual students who just can’t seem to stop talking. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Lacey Walker & Decibella Voice Level Resource - https://firstieland.com/decibella-lacey 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 https://firstieland.com 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.

About

The Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Teaching Tips And Ideas is a weekly podcast that gives kindergarten and first grade teachers real, practical strategies to make teaching easier, more effective, and a whole lot more fun. If you’re an educator who's feeling stretched thin trying to fit it all in as an elementary teacher, you're not alone. Each week, you’ll get easy-to-implement ideas that will help you feel more confident and in control of your classroom. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former kindergarten and first grade teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers shares creative ideas to help with classroom management, building classroom community, and using picture books to integrate subjects like writing, SEL, science, and social studies into meaningful read-alouds. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you'll leave each episode with practical strategies you can put into action right away. For more ideas and resources, connect with Molly on Instagram @firstieland or visit firstieland.com

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