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

Molly Schwab
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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. 2D AGO

    51. First Grade Teacher Must Haves For The Classroom

    First Grade Teacher Must Haves For The Classroom In this episode, Molly shares her top 10 must-have items for every first grade classroom after 35 years of teaching. These are the classroom tools she reached for every single day to save time, stay organized, and make teaching easier. These teacher must haves will help you create a more organized, efficient, and student-friendly classroom. Whether you're a new teacher setting up your classroom for the first time or a veteran teacher looking for better classroom organization ideas, this episode is packed with practical tools you’ll actually use. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ The classroom organization tools Molly used every single day ✔️ Teacher supplies that save time and reduce classroom stress ✔️ The best small group teaching tools for guided reading and word work ✔️ Affordable classroom must haves worth investing in Resources Mentioned In This Episode Post-it Cover Up Tape - https://firstieland.com/tape Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks -https://firstieland.com/magnet Dry Erase Boards - https://firstieland.com/boards Teacher Toolbox - https://firstieland.com/toolbox Classroom Mailboxes - https://firstieland.com/mailbox PaperPro Stapler - https://firstieland.com/stapler Tabletop Easel - https://firstieland.com/easel Personal Laminator - https://firstieland.com/laminator Magnetic Letters - https://firstieland.com/letters Paper Cutter - https://firstieland.com/papercutter Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store Watch on YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    8 min

  2. MAY 13

    50. How To Clean And Organize Your Classroom Before Summer Break

    In this episode, Molly shares simple and practical tips for how to clean and organize your classroom before summer break so you can leave school feeling less stressed and come back in August ready to go. These classroom organization ideas are designed to help elementary teachers pack up efficiently, stay organized, and make back to school setup so much easier. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to start packing up your classroom before the last week of school ✔️ Simple ways to organize supplies, drawers, closets, and file cabinets ✔️ How to use student cleanup challenges to make cleaning fun and productive ✔️ Why taking photos and labeling everything saves time in August ✔️ Easy ways to prep your classroom now for back to school season Resources Mentioned In This Episode Classroom Cleanup Challenge Slides - https://firstieland.com/cleanup Free End Of The Year Checklist - https://firstieland.com/checklist Let’s Stay Connected Visit our website: https://firstieland.com/ Visit our TPT store: Firstieland TPT Store Watch on YouTube: Firstieland YouTube Channel Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – Apple Podcasts 🎧 SPOTIFY – Spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    9 min

  3. MAY 6

    49. What To Do The Last Week Of School In First Grade (Fun & EASY Ideas)

    In this episode, Molly shares simple and fun ideas for what to do during the last week of school in your elementary classroom. These low prep end of year activities are designed to keep students engaged, help you manage those final busy days, and still create meaningful memories before summer break. If your class is feeling done and you're trying to keep things under control while wrapping up the school year, these ideas will help you bring structure, fun, and just enough learning into your last week. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ No prep activities that keep students engaged during the last week of school ✔️ How to plan fun theme days like water play, painting, and field day ✔️ Simple ways to manage behavior and keep the chaos under control ✔️ Writing activities that still sneak in academics during the final days ✔️ How to create special memories your students will never forget Resources Mentioned In This Episode Summer Bucket List - https://firstieland.com/bucket Last Day Blues - https://firstieland.com/blues What Should My Teacher Do This Summer - https://firstieland.com/summer Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store Watch on YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    8 min

  4. APR 29

    48. Classroom Carnival Theme Day | Fun End Of The Year Activities

    In this episode, Molly shares how to plan a fun and simple end-of-the-year classroom carnival that keeps students engaged while still learning. These easy theme day ideas are perfect for first-grade teachers who want a memorable way to wrap up the school year without a lot of extra prep or expense. You’ll learn how to organize a carnival theme day with math and literacy stations that are fu and aligned with your standards. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to plan an end-of-the-year classroom carnival with minimal prep ✔️ Simple math and literacy games you can use as carnival stations ✔️ Easy ways to organize your carnival as a team or on your own ✔️ How to keep students learning while still having fun at the end of the year ✔️ Tips for getting parent support and keeping costs low By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear and simple plan to create an educational carnival theme day your students will never forget. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Carnival Theme Day Resource - https://firstieland.com/carnival Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store Watch on YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    10 min

  5. APR 23

    47. Easy End Of The Year Activity: Teacher For The Day

    Easy End Of The Year Activity: Teacher For The Day In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares a simple, low prep end of the year activity that keeps students engaged while giving teachers a little breathing room during one of the busiest times of the year. This “Teacher for the Day” activity is perfect for kindergarten, first grade or second grade classrooms and allows students to take the lead while still learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ How to set up and organize a “Teacher for the Day” routine in your classroom ✔️ Simple ways to incorporate writing through easy lesson plan templates ✔️ How to keep all students engaged with interactive student-led lessons ✔️ Ways to build responsibility and leadership skills in young students ✔️ How this activity gives you time to handle end of year tasks By the end of this episode, you’ll have an easy and effective end of the year activity that your students will love and that will make your last few weeks of school feel much more manageable. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Teacher For The Day Resource - https://firstieland.com/teacher Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store Watch on YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    13 min

  6. APR 15

    46. It’s Spring and My Student’s Can’t Write!: How To Help Your Struggling Writers

    It’s Spring and My Student’s Can’t Write!: How To Help Your Struggling Writers In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares simple and effective strategies to help struggling writers build confidence and improve their skills before the end of the school year. These practical writing tips and classroom ideas are designed specifically for kindergarten and first-grade teachers who want to support students and strengthen their writing foundations. If you're feeling the pressure of approaching the end of the year and wondering how to help your students succeed in writing, this episode will provide encouragement and actionable solutions. You’ll learn how to create a classroom environment that nurtures writing growth while supporting different ability levels. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why daily writing practice is essential for building strong, confident writers ✔️ How to use word walls and anchor charts to support young learners ✔️ Simple strategies to help struggling writers generate and expand their ideas ✔️ The importance of modeling and teaching what good writing looks like ✔️ How differentiated writing templates can guide students to success By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical and effective strategies to help your students improve their writing skills and feel confident as they move on to the next grade level. Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeDifferentiated Writing Templates - https://firstieland.com/rubric Monthly Writing Templates - https://firstieland.com/writingprompts Let’s Stay ConnectedVisit the website: www.firstieland.comNeed classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-storeWatch on YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtubeHave questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstielandTo 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 ReviewIf 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.

    14 min

  7. APR 8

    45. Easy Earth Day Activities For First Grade: Simple Ideas Your Students Will Love

    Easy Earth Day Activities For First Grade: Simple Ideas Your Students Will Love In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares some of her favorite Earth Day activities that she used year after year with her first grade students. From simple writing ideas to hands-on science activities: these easy ideas will help you teach Earth Day in a way that actually makes sense for little learners. If you’re looking for Earth Day activities for kindergarten and first grade, this episode is full of simple, engaging ideas that help students understand how to take care of our planet. You’ll get practical ways to incorporate science, writing, and real-life connections into your lesson plans using activities like recycling projects, Earth Day crafts, and easy experiments your students will never forget. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Easy prep Earth Day Ideas for K-2 ✔️ How to teach reduce, reuse, and recycle in a way kids understand ✔️ Hands-on science ideas to show students how to help the Earth ✔️ Easy writing and craft activities that connect to your Earth Day lessons By the end of this episode, you’ll have a collection of easy Earth Day classroom activities you can use right away that keep your students engaged while still covering important science and writing standards. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Earth Day Unit – https://firstieland.com/earthday Book - It’s Earth Day by Mercer Mayer - https://amzn.to/4dx9rU2 Book - The Earth Book by Todd Parr - https://amzn.to/41i8aJa Book - The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches - https://amzn.to/47LdJUh Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Watch On YouTube: https://firstieland.com/youtube Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    9 min

  8. MAR 25

    44. Fun Easter Activities for Elementary Classrooms

    Fun Easter Activities for Elementary Classrooms In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares some of her favorite Easter classroom activities that she used year after year with her first grade students. From Easter writing activities to hands-on centers and fun read aloud extensions, these simple ideas will help you bring a little extra fun into your classroom during the spring season. If you’re looking for Easter activities for kindergarten and first grade, this episode is full of easy, engaging ideas that keep students learning while having fun. You’ll get practical ways to incorporate writing, math, and reading into your lesson plans using creative Easter themes like painting eggs, taste-testing candy, and even applying to be the Easter Bunny’s assistant. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Simple Easter writing activities that make writing fun and meaningful ✔️ How to turn Easter themes into math, reading, and writing lessons ✔️ Creative ways to use read alouds to teach multiple skills ✔️ A step-by-step idea for a themed classroom day with engaging learning stations By the end of this episode, you’ll have a collection of easy Easter classroom activities you can use right away that keep your students engaged while still hitting important academic standards. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Easter Writing Activities – https://firstieland.com/easterwriting Peter Rabbit Resource – https://firstieland.com/peter The Easter Bunny's Assistant stations - https://firstieland.com/assistant YouTube video - Easter Bunny's Assistant Let’s Stay Connected Visit the website: www.firstieland.com Need classroom resources? Visit the TPT store: https://firstieland.com/TPT-store YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@firstieland Have questions or want more ideas? Send me a message on Instagram @firstieland To see everything mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://firstieland.com/podcast Enjoying The Podcast? Be sure to tap follow so you don’t miss an episode. How To Rate And Review If this podcast has been helpful to you, I’d love for you to leave a review. 🍎 APPLE PODCASTS – https://firstieland.com/apple 🎧 SPOTIFY – https://firstieland.com/spotify Have a wonderful day and remember to make learning feel like play… see you next week! Molly 💜 Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links, which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

    10 min
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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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