Home
Podcasts
Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade
Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade
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. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former kindergarten and first grade teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, the podcast shares creative ideas for classroom management, building community, and using picture books to integrate subjects. Each episode provides easy-to-implement ideas to help educators feel more confident and in control of their classroom.
Episodes
57. Word Work Centers For First Grade | 25+ Easy Phonics Activities
Word Work Centers For First Grade | 25+ Easy Phonics ActivitiesIn this episode, Molly shares more than 25 easy word work activities that help first grade students practice phonics skills while working independently. Welcome to Part 6 of the ๐ณ๐๐น๐น ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฝ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐บ. You can find the entire series beginning with episode 53.Whether you're setting up your
56. What Every First Grade Word Work Center Needs
What Every First Grade Word Work Center NeedsIn this episode, Molly shares exactly what every first grade word work center needs to help students practice phonics skills, build independence, and stay engaged while you meet with small groups. If you're setting up your literacy centers for back to school, this episode will show you how to create a simple word work center without spending a fortune o
55. Easy First Grade Writing Center Set Up And Ideas
Easy First Grade Writing Center Set Up And IdeasIn this episode, Molly shares how to set up a writing center that helps students practice writing independently while keeping them engaged and productive. If you're getting ready for back to school or looking to improve your learning centers, the writing center is a great place for students to practice the writing skills you've been teaching througho
54. How To Set Up A Classroom Library Center In First Grade
How To Set Up A Classroom Library Center In First GradeIn this episode, Molly shares how to set up a classroom library that students will love using all year long. If you're getting ready for back to school and wondering which learning center to introduce first, the classroom library is a great place to start. It requires very little prep, helps students practice working independently, and gives y
53. 5 Classroom Literacy Center Mistakes Teachers Make (And How To Fix Them)
In this episode, Molly shares five common literacy center mistakes that can make center time feel chaotic and frustrating for teachers. After 35 years of teaching, she learned that most center problems actually start long before students ever rotate to a center.From introducing centers too quickly and skipping important modeling to making centers too complicated, Molly shares simple strategies tha
52. Organizing A First Grade Classroom For A Smoother Year
In this episode, Molly shares simple classroom setup and organization ideas that can help make your next school year feel smoother and much less chaotic. After 35 years of teaching first grade, she learned that the way you arrange and organize your classroom can make a huge difference in your classroom management, student independence, and daily routines.From traffic flow and center placement to o
51. First Grade Teacher Must Haves For The Classroom
First Grade Teacher Must Haves For The ClassroomIn 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 yo
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, youโll learn:โ๏ธ How t
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 s
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.Youโll learn how to organize a carnival theme day with math and literacy stations that are fu and ali
47. Easy End Of The Year Activity: Teacher For The Day
Easy End Of The Year Activity: Teacher For The DayIn 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 โTeacher for the Dayโ activity is perfect for kindergarten, first grade or second grade c
46. Itโs Spring and My Studentโs Canโt Write!: How To Help Your Struggling Writers
Itโs Spring and My Studentโs Canโt Write!: How To Help Your Struggling WritersIn 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 a
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 LoveIn 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 a
44. Fun Easter Activities for Elementary Classrooms
Fun Easter Activities for Elementary ClassroomsIn 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
43. The Cutest Easter Classroom Activity Ever - Adopt-A-Peep Writing Project
The Cutest Easter Classroom Activity Ever - Adopt-A-Peep Writing ProjectIn 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 mem
42. Spring Writing Prompts and Easy Center Ideas For First Grade
Spring Writing Prompts and Easy Center Ideas For First GradeIn 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
41. Teaching Map Skills in First Grade: Fun, Hands On Social Studies Activities
Teaching Map Skills in First Grade: Fun, Hands-On Social Studies ActivitiesIn 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 youโve ever wondered how to make teaching map skills to elementary students feel fun while still learning, this
40. 6 Read Aloud Strategies Every First Grade Teacher Should Know
6 Read Aloud Strategies Every First Grade Teacher Should KnowIn 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 youโve ever felt like youโre just โreading the bookโ and not really maximizing that time, this episode is for you. Read aloud time ca
39. Teaching Elementary Kids To Be Kind
Teaching Elementary Kids To Be KindIn 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 youโve ever felt frustrated by unkind behavior in your classroom or wondered how to build a stronger classroom community, this episode is for you. Youโll learn how
38. Grading Papers In First Grade: How To Save Time And Be More Efficient
Grading Papers In First Grade: How To Save Time And Be More EfficientIn 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 itโs taking over your evenings, weekends, or mental space, this episode is for you.Grading doesnโt have to mean stac
37. Fun and Easy Valentineโs Day Activities For First Grade
Fun and Easy Valentineโs Day Activities For First GradeIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares fun and easy Valentineโs Day activities that fit naturally into your first grade classroom, without adding stress or extra prep to your day.February can feel long and Valentineโs Day excitement can quickly turn into distraction. Instead of trying
36. Literacy Center Strategies That Actually Work In First Grade
Literacy Center Strategies That Actually Work In First GradeIn 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 diff
35. Text Connections & Opinion Writing With Brave Irene - Book Bite #4
Text Connections & Opinion Writing With Brave Irene - Book Bite #4In 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.Youโll learn
34. Surviving Indoor Recess: Simple Play Ideas That Wonโt Drive You Crazy
Surviving Indoor Recess: Simple Play Ideas That Wonโt Drive You CrazyIn 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 itโs freezing temperatures, pouring rain, or just one
33. Fun January Room Transformation With Snowmen At Work - Book Bite #3
Fun January Room Transformation With Snowmen At Work - Book Bite #3In 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. Youโll learn how to use this playful picture book to teach reading skills, spark creative writing, and bring joy back into your classroom wi
32. Teaching Animal Habitats in First Grade: Project-Based Science and Writing Unit
Teaching Animal Habitats in First Grade: Project-Based Science and Writing UnitIn 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 youโve ever wondered how youโre supposed to fit science and writing into an already packed day, this episode is for you. Inst
31. Character Traits & Science With Snowflake Bentley โ Book Bite Episode 2
Character Traits & Science With Snowflake Bentley โ Book Bite Episode 2In 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. Youโll learn simple ways to teach character traits, main idea, compare and contrast, and
30. REWIND - How To Manage Constant Student Talking In Your Elementary Classroom
What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop TalkingIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just wonโt 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 donโt worry. In this epis
29. Teaching Reading & Writing With The Snow Globe Family โ Book Bite Episode 1
Teaching Reading & Writing With The Snow Globe Family โ Book Bite Episode 1In 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 OโConnor. Youโll learn simple ways to turn this charming winter story into meaningful lessons for reading com
28. What To Do Your First Week Back to School After Winter Break
What To Do Your First Week Back to School After Winter BreakIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic things every Kโ2 teacher should focus on during the first week back to school after winter break. Instead of jumping straight back into academics and feeling overwhelmed, youโll learn how to reset your classroom in a calm, i
27. Happy Holidays Message From Molly At Firstieland
Happy Holidays Message From Molly At FirstielandIn 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 y
26. 11 Things Elementary Teachers Should Do Before Leaving For Winter Break
11 Things Elementary Teachers Should Do Before Leaving For Winter BreakIn 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, youโll discover easy ways to set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free return to the class
25. How To Survive (And Enjoy) December In Your Elementary Classroom
How To Survive (And Enjoy) December In Your Elementary ClassroomIn 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 doesnโt have t
24. 9 Fun Ideas For Your December Classroom Morning Meeting
9 Fun Ideas For Your December Classroom Morning MeetingIn 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, youโll discover simple ways to bring cheer and connection to your classroom - all while keeping students c
23. Fun Holiday Activities In The First Grade Classroom
Fun Holiday Activities In The First Grade ClassroomIn 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, youโll learn how to embrace the season with meaningful, low-stress lessons that still hit
22. How To Build A Year Long Read Aloud Plan In First Grade
How To Build A Year-Long Read Aloud Plan In First GradeIn 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. Youโll discover how to choose books that align with your curriculum, support your monthly themes, and make learning more mean
21. Best Picture Books And Read Alouds For Teaching Gratitude
Best Picture Books And Read Alouds For Teaching GratitudeIn 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, itโs the perfect time to help students slow down, notice the good around them, and practice thankfulness in simple,
20. Creating Thanksgiving Magic With The Turkey Hands By Susan Fairchild
Creating Thanksgiving Magic With The Turkey Hands By Susan FairchildIn 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
19. Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary Students Using Balloons Over Broadway
Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary Students Using Balloons Over BroadwayIn 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 Macyโs Thanksgiving
18. Teaching Elementary Writing In First Grade: Procedural Writing
Teaching Elementary Writing In First Grade: Procedural WritingIn 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, youโll discover how to make wri
17. Classroom Management Tips For Elementary Teachers In First Grade
Classroom Management Tips For Elementary Teachers In First GradeIn 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, youโll discover ways to set expectations, build posit
16. Elementary Classroom Halloween Party Fun And Games
Elementary Classroom Halloween Party Fun And GamesIn 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, youโll discover how to keep students engaged with math and literacy ga
15. Teaching Elementary Reading, Writing, And Math With Pumpkins
Teaching Elementary Reading, Writing & Math With PumpkinsIn 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, youโll see how pumpkins can help you fit in fun without sacrificing standards.Y
14. Teaching Grammar In The Elementary Classroom | Nouns
Teaching Grammar In The Elementary Classroom: NounsIn 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, youโll hear practical tips for introducing nouns in a way that actually sticks with your kindergar
13. How To Manage Constant Student Talking In Your Elementary Classroom
What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop TalkingIn this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just wonโt 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 donโt worry. In this epis
12. How To Teach Sentence Writing In An Elementary Classroom
How To Teach Sentence Writing In An Elementary ClassroomIn 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 writi
11. The 4 Parts of Morning Meeting Every Elementary Teacher Should Know
The 4 Parts of Morning Meeting Every Elementary Teacher Should KnowIn 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 grad
10. Teaching Elementary Writing In Kindergarten And First Grade: Picture Labeling
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares exactly how to kick off elementary writing instruction in Kindergarten and first grade with one simple, powerful skill: picture labeling. Youโll hear practical, step-by-step ideas for teaching kids how to stretch out sounds, connect words to their drawings, and build confidence as real writers right f
9. Friendship Skills for Kids: Tips for Elementary Teachers
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, practical ways to help young students learn how to be good friends. From easy ice breakers to picture books that spark important conversations, this episode is packed with ideas to encourage friendships and build a caring classroom community.Youโll learn:โ๏ธ Easy ice breakers to help kids conne
8. Teacher Tips For Organizing Classroom Learning Centers
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Early Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares her best tips for kindergarten and first grade teachers as they set up and manage learning centers in an elementary classroom. From choosing the right centers to modeling expectations and keeping kids on task, this episode walks you through everything you need to know to make center time your st
7. Why Reading Aloud Helps Kids Learn to Read and Thrive
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab dives into why reading aloud is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your kindergarten or first grade classroom. 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
6. Elementary Teacher Tips For Setting Up A Classroom Library
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares her best tips for setting up a cozy and organized elementary classroom library for kindergarten or first grade. From gathering books on a budget to creating simple checkout systems, this episode walks you through everything you need to know to make your classroom library a place your students will lov
5. First Week of School Ideas for Elementary Classroom Teachers
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab, shares her favorite read-alouds and activities to help you kick off the first week of school in kindergarten or first grade. 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 fr
4. Six Must-Doโs for a Smooth Elementary Meet The Teacher Night
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab walks you through everything you need to know to make your Meet the Teacher Night feel calm, organized, and welcoming, for both you and your families.You'll learn: โ๏ธ Why this night is one of the most important of the entire year โ๏ธ How to set up your room to make a great first impression โ๏ธ What to include
3. 40 Elementary Classroom Routines To Start The Year Off Right - Part 2
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, host Molly Schwab shares 40 essential classroom routines and procedures every elementary teacher should teach at the beginning of the year. These simple systems help create a calm, organized, and productive classroom that can improve your classroom management.Youโll learn: โ Which classroom routines to teach during morning a
2. Elementary Classroom Routines And Procedures: Setting Teachers Up For Success - Part 1
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares how to set up simple routines and procedures that help your classroom run smoothly from day one. She explains how predictable routines create a calm, structured environment that can improve your classroom management.Youโll learn: โ๏ธ What types of routines and procedures to introduce right away โ
1. Elementary Teacher Tips To Prepare For The New School Year
In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, Iโm sharing my favorite tips to help you prepare for the new school year feeling confident. Whether youโre a brand new primary teacher or youโve been doing this for years, these simple strategies will help you create a calm, organized classroom from day one.Youโll learn:โ๏ธ Why itโs important to start slow and build staminaโ๏ธ
Welcome To The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers
If youโre an early elementary teacher, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Molly Schwab, a former primary teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers gives you simple, actionable ideas to help you feel more confident and in control of your kindergarten or first grade classroom.From planning meaningful read-alouds to managing routines and
