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

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

por Robin Wilson

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Temporada 3

3 Letter Blends Lesson Plan and Activities

This week, we are tackling three consonant blends like string, spring, strong, and shrimp — words that look simple but require serious brain work for young readers. In this episode of The Education Connection, I break down: • What three letter blends actually are • Why students sometimes drop a sound when reading them • How to slow down instruction to build confidence • Why we should build words before asking students to read them • Four simple, no purchase at-home activities parents can use right away You’ll learn how to help students tap each sound, isolate the blend, and slide into the full word without losing a consonant along the way. Because when sounds stack up, we don’t rush. We build it before we read it. I also share encouragement from Isaiah 61:3 about putting on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness — because stretching into harder reading skills takes patience for both kids and adults. 🎁 Free Download I’ve created a free “Three Consonant Blend Guide” practice worksheet to go along with this lesson. You can grab your free copy here: 👉 Three Consonant Blend Guide Use it in small groups, send it home for extra practice, or use it as an intervention support tool. If you’re teaching blends this week or supporting a young reader at home, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement to keep going. Leave a 5 Star Review to be entered into a $20 gift card giveaway! Find me on all my socials: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

Blending and Connecting Sounds

In this episode, Robin Wilson breaks down a common phonics mystery: why some students know their letter sounds but still struggle to blend words. Blending is not just one skill. There are different reasons a child might get stuck, and each one needs a different kind of support. Robin explains three specific blending breakdowns teachers see in early readers: sound production, sound linking, and sound memory. You will learn how to recognize each one and, more importantly, what to do about it. This episode is packed with simple, hands-on classroom activities like mirror mouth work, sound trains, and sound buttons that help students physically connect sounds into words. If you have students who freeze when reading, guess instead of blend, or get frustrated during decoding, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement. Growth takes time, and you are planting seeds every day. Scripture encouragement from Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, because the harvest comes in its season. 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

When Two Vowels Go Walking

In this episode of The Education Connection, we’re talking about a simple phonics pattern first graders are learning to notice — two vowels together. I share how to teach EA, EE, OA, AI, UE, and UI using easy, no-prep classroom activities you can start this week. I also share a personal reflection after missing last week due to sickness and a reminder from Romans 8:26 that even when we don’t know what to do in our classrooms, the Spirit helps us. Practical teaching and encouragement for the heart. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

Why 20 Minutes of Reading Matters More Than We Think

Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading Matters More Than We Think In this episode of The Education Connection with Robin Wilson, we talk about why protecting daily reading time matters so much, even when teaching feels messy and unpredictable. This episode is an encouragement for teachers and parents who know reading is important but struggle to make it happen consistently. ✅ Why 20 minutes of daily reading has such a powerful impact on student growth ✅ A realistic look at why protecting reading time can be challenging in real classrooms ✅ Research based insight on how reading volume supports fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, stamina, and confidence ✅ Simple ways to keep daily reading engaging without adding more to your plate • Partner reading • Independent reading • Reading with stuffed animals • Reading backward by changing seating or positions • Teacher check-in reading ✅ Encouragement to focus on consistency over perfection ✅ Scripture and prayer rooted in Ephesians 6:10, reminding teachers where true strength comes from Leave a 5-Star review for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

What is a Blend in Reading?

Blends can be a tricky step in early reading, especially for young learners who know their letter sounds but struggle to put them together smoothly. In this episode of The Education Connection, first grade teacher Robin Wilson breaks down what blends are, why they can be challenging, and how to teach them in a way that actually works. You’ll hear clear explanations, classroom-tested strategies, and two engaging activities—including a movement-based Read the Room activity and a fun “Blend-er” lesson that helps students blend sounds without adding extra vowels. This episode also includes a simple at-home tip for families and an encouraging scripture to close. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this episode will help you approach blends with confidence, clarity, and a little creativity. Leave a 5 star review to be entered into an Amazon $25 gift card give away.

A New Year, A Time to Reflect on One Thing in Your Teaching Day

Heading back to school after a break can feel overwhelming. A new year brings fresh expectations, new energy, and sometimes the pressure to change everything at once. In this episode of The Education Connection, I encourage you to pause and reflect on your classroom routines and choose just one part of your day to improve. Instead of overhauling your entire schedule, I talk about the power of small, intentional changes and how they can bring renewed focus and peace into your classroom. I share an honest look at why the last hour of the day can be especially challenging for our class and how shifting routines can help both students and teachers end the day on a stronger note. This episode is a reminder that new beginnings do not require perfection. Sometimes, one small pivot is all it takes to move forward with confidence in the year ahead. Remember, leave a 5 star review and be entered into a $25 Amazon Gift Card drawing. Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms. Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers:

10 Easy End of Year Countdown Ideas for Elementary Classrooms

Need simple end of year ideas that won’t leave you exhausted? In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares an easy 10 day balloon countdown filled with low prep, low cost activities that elementary students absolutely love. From Sit Anywhere Day and Read Outside Day to Popcorn and Movie Day, Sidewalk Chalk Day, and Movie and Memory Day, these simple end of year classroom ideas help teachers create meaningful memories without adding more stress during the busiest time of the school year. If you are searching for easy last week of school activities, end of year countdown ideas, or fun elementary classroom activities for May, this episode is packed with realistic ideas you can actually use. Robin also shares encouragement for teachers who are running on empty and reminds listeners that students do not need elaborate celebrations to make lasting memories. In this episode: • 10 simple balloon countdown ideas • Low prep end of year classroom activities • Easy last days of school ideas for elementary teachers • Fun classroom traditions students remember • Simple ways to celebrate the end of the school year Be sure to grab the free balloon countdown printable in the show notes. Simple Balloon Countdown Ideas for the Last Days of School Connect with me on any of these social media platforms. Sign up for my Weekly Email Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Coaching Blog Teachers Pay Teachers: Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

Temporada 2

Let's Talk About Teacher Side Hustles-Big News

Many teachers I know have some kind of side hustle, not because we don’t love teaching, but because teaching alone often isn’t enough to cover life anymore. In this Christmas break episode of The Education Connection, I’m pausing my phonics series for an honest teacher check-in. We talk about the reality of side hustles, why so many educators feel stretched thin, and how to navigate this season with grace instead of guilt. This conversation is for teachers who care deeply about their students and are also carrying real-life responsibilities behind the scenes. The episode ends with scripture and prayer for encouragement and peace. We’ll return to the phonics series next week.

Merry Christmas and Check in for January Remediation

The Education Connection with Robin Wilson brings together encouragement, real-classroom honesty, simple academic strategy, and a little faith for teachers who want to grow without burning out. Each episode offers practical literacy and math ideas, student support tips, mindset shifts, and reflective conversations about the heart behind teaching. Whether you’re navigating reading fluency, January data checks, classroom behavior, parent relationships, or your own emotional load, Robin keeps it real and reminds you that you’re not alone. Expect short episodes you can listen to on the drive to school — equal parts uplifting and useful. If you’re a teacher who loves kids, loves learning, and wants to stay grounded in peace while doing this work, you’re in the right place. ✨ Listener Bonus: Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for supporting the show.

12. R-Controlled Vowels AR, OR

In this episode, we continue our work with r controlled vowels by diving into ar and or. Building on last week’s lesson with er, ir, and ur, I share how teaching phonics through stories helps concepts stick, especially when students need repeated exposure to truly learn. You will hear classroom ready activities for teaching ar and or, including a pirate themed ar strategy, an or decision making game, and an easy hands on word sort that works beautifully in small groups or centers. This episode is inspired by the Secret Stories approach to phonics and adapted for real classrooms with real kids. We also talk about why repetition matters. A typical learner may need to interact with a concept around 14 times before it sticks, while a struggling learner may need many more opportunities. If your students seem to forget phonics skills from one day to the next, this episode will remind you that the learning is still happening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a five star review. As a thank you, anyone who leaves a review will be entered into a drawing for $25 Amazon gift card. Your reviews help other teachers find the podcast and support this growing community. Thank you for listening, and I am so glad you are here. 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

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