The Education Connection with Robin Wilson | Public Private and Homeschool Teachers

Robin Wilson
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Are you a teacher looking for practical strategies to create engaging lesson plans and improve student comprehension? Whether you teach in public school, private school, or homeschool, The Education Connection is here to support you! I’m Robin Wilson, a veteran first-grade teacher and with over 32 years of experience in Sunday School, a successful Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) seller in the 97th percentile, and a passionate educator helping teachers simplify lesson planning. Each episode delivers actionable tips on classroom management, reading comprehension strategies, and effective teaching methods. From breaking down comprehension strategies like background knowledge, visualization, and inferences to helping you structure engaging weekly lessons, this podcast gives you the tools you need to succeed. Subscribe now to The Education Connection and start transforming your teaching—one lesson at a time!

  1. The First Steps in Teaching Kids to read, letters and sounds, CVC Words

    6D AGO

    The First Steps in Teaching Kids to read, letters and sounds, CVC Words

    In this episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into the first steps in teaching reading — from mastering letter sounds to blending CVC words. Whether you're teaching kindergarten, first grade, or supporting early readers in any setting, these foundational skills matter more than ever. We’ll talk about: Why fluency with letters and short vowels is essentialHow to assess what your students truly knowWhat CVC blending really looks likePractical, low-prep activities you can use tomorrowEncouragement for the journey — including a Scripture and prayer just for teachersWhether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you feeling equipped and inspired to support your young readers in meaningful, effective ways. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    20 min
  2. More Than Just Phonics

    SEP 8

    More Than Just Phonics

    In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin reflects on her early teaching years and the powerful shift that happened when she truly understood the importance of phonics and phonemic awareness. But more importantly — she reminds us that decoding skills alone aren’t enough. If we only teach students to tap out words but never give them time to read meaningful books, we risk creating readers who can decode… but not understand. Robin shares how she structures her small groups using decodables, Heggerty routines, and authentic literature to grow readers who are confident, capable, and connected. This heartfelt episode is full of practical classroom insight, spiritual encouragement, and a powerful reminder: We teach phonics so kids can read for entertainment, knowledge, and direction. Includes a guiding Scripture (Psalm 119:105) and a prayer for educators at the end. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    21 min
  3. Literacy Centers

    SEP 1

    Literacy Centers

    Are you getting ready to launch literacy centers in your classroom? In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing exactly how I introduce literacy centers during the first weeks of school. I walk you through the four stations I will start with, how I model expectations, and what my students will experience during our very first day of rotating through centers—spoiler alert: we keep it short and sweet! You’ll hear how I teach routines for Heggerty, decodable reading, computer time, and my teacher table (where I focus on word work, decoding, and fluency). I’m also sharing tips for easing into rotations, what I watch for, and how I set the stage for successful independent work all year long. Whether you’re new to literacy centers or just want a fresh approach to launching them, this episode will give you the confidence to start strong—with grace, structure, and purpose. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    20 min
  4. Sub Plans for Elementary Teachers

    AUG 25

    Sub Plans for Elementary Teachers

    Planning for a substitute teacher can feel overwhelming, but with the right sub plans, your classroom can run smoothly even when you’re out. In this episode of The Education Connection, I share practical tips for writing effective substitute teacher plans, organizing emergency sub folders, and leaving extra activities like coloring sheets, read-aloud books, and time-filler activities. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, these classroom management strategies will help you create stress-free, detailed lesson plans that any sub can follow. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    18 min
  5. Using ChatGPT in the Classroom!

    AUG 17

    Using ChatGPT in the Classroom!

    In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares practical, everyday ways teachers can use ChatGPT to save time and spark ideas in the classroom. From creating schedules and organizing classroom spaces, to drafting polished parent letters, generating writing prompts, and even recovering lost game directions—this tool is becoming a teacher’s secret helper. Robin also explains how ChatGPT works, addresses common fears about using AI in education, and offers encouragement for using it wisely without sacrificing privacy or professionalism. Scripture and prayer wrap up this episode with a reminder that true wisdom comes from God, and technology can be a blessing when used with discernment. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

    28 min
  6. Setting the Tone for the Year: First Week Essentials

    AUG 10

    Setting the Tone for the Year: First Week Essentials

    The first week of school sets the tone for your entire year — and it doesn’t have to be complicated. 📎In this episode, we’ll talk about the two most important goals for your very first day: knowing exactly how every student is getting home and making each child feel loved and cared for. 👉🏻I’ll walk you through simple ways to build your classroom community from Day 1, including creating a mission statement with your students, using visuals to introduce the daily schedule, and crafting a classroom mantra. 🎉I’ll also share my go-to parent sign-in sheet from my First Day Packet that makes dismissal a breeze. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you start the year with purpose, clarity, and joy. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Back to School Night (Going Home Forms.) Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    19 min
  7. Call Backs and Fun Classroom Management Tricks

    AUG 4

    Call Backs and Fun Classroom Management Tricks

    In this episode of The Education Connection, we're diving into simple, powerful attention-getters and classroom management tools that set the tone for a calm, focused classroom—without raising your voice or losing your mind. From classic clap-backs to the magical "Mystery Student" game, these strategies are perfect for the first days of school and beyond. You'll walk away with 7 easy-to-implement ideas, including fun ways to manage transitions, end-of-day cleanup hacks (hello, mystery object!), and meaningful ways to reset the tone with quiet authority. We’ll end the episode with a scripture and prayer to encourage you as you begin the school year—because what you're doing matters more than you know. Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for social or email, or a bullet-point summary of the 7 strategies! Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

    27 min
  8. Teaching Procedures the First Day of School – Set the Tone for Success

    JUL 28

    Teaching Procedures the First Day of School – Set the Tone for Success

    In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm walking you through exactly how I structure and teach my procedures on the very first day of school — and why it matters so much for the rest of the year. From unpacking supplies and reading expectations to lunchroom behavior and packing up to go home, I’m sharing it all. 🗓️ First Day of School Schedule: 8:00 AM – Greet students & decorate name tags8:30 AM – Independent coloring & begin putting away supplies9:00 AM – Teach rug expectations & read aloud9:15 AM – Dance break or playground procedure practice9:30 AM – Continue supply organization10:00 AM – Block play & practice sharing10:50 AM – Practice lining up for lunch11:35 AM – Recess12:00 PM – Practice lining up after recess12:10 PM – Read aloud & rug routine review12:30 PM – “Get to Know You” activity or block station rotation1:00 PM – Practice lining up & attend specials (Music)2:00 PM – Afternoon recess2:20 PM – Pack-up practice while watching PBS📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode: The First Days of School by Harry Wong (Audible version recommended — listen to Chapter 19!)Take Control of the Noisy Class by Rob Plevin – My personal favoriteWhat Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd WhitakerBetter Than Carrots or Sticks – New read for this year (review coming soon!)🛒 Bonus Resource: Check out my Back to School Packet for fun, no-prep activities perfect for the first few days of school. Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources. Get Ready for Kindergarten Get Ready for First Grade Get Ready for Second Grade Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

    32 min
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About

Are you a teacher looking for practical strategies to create engaging lesson plans and improve student comprehension? Whether you teach in public school, private school, or homeschool, The Education Connection is here to support you! I’m Robin Wilson, a veteran first-grade teacher and with over 32 years of experience in Sunday School, a successful Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) seller in the 97th percentile, and a passionate educator helping teachers simplify lesson planning. Each episode delivers actionable tips on classroom management, reading comprehension strategies, and effective teaching methods. From breaking down comprehension strategies like background knowledge, visualization, and inferences to helping you structure engaging weekly lessons, this podcast gives you the tools you need to succeed. Subscribe now to The Education Connection and start transforming your teaching—one lesson at a time!

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