What does it really mean when we ask first graders to write about the events in a story? Before students can write about what happened, they need to understand plot, identify important events, and put those events in sequence.

In this episode of The Education Connection, we continue the Writing About Reading series with Story Events, Part 1: Understanding Plot and Sequencing. We’ll talk about the difference between plot and sequencing and how to scaffold instruction from sequencing pictures to using oral language and provided sentences.

You’ll learn practical ways to help young readers determine which events matter, put those events in order, and build the comprehension and language they’ll eventually need for a written retell.

Because before we ask students to write about what they read, we have to teach the thinking that comes first.

This episode closes with encouragement from Isaiah 28:10 and a prayer for teachers as we remember that learning happens little by little, one step at a time.

For the FREEBIE that accompanies this episode, click HERE!

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Sign up for my Weekly Email

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Website

Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

Do you ever feel like you're spending more time correcting behavior than actually teaching? I've been there.

In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm taking a short break from my Writing About Reading series to talk about something that's on every teacher's mind this time of year...classroom procedures.

After 20 years in the classroom, I've learned that classroom management doesn't begin with consequences. It begins with intentionally teaching procedures. I'll share the simple three-step process I use in my first-grade classroom: Explain, Rehearse, and Reinforce. I'll also talk about why it's so important to teach students the why behind our expectations and how taking the time to teach procedures now will save you time all year long.

Much of what I've learned has been influenced by Harry and Rosemary Wong's The First Days of School, and over the years I've adapted those principles to fit my own classroom. I'll share practical examples, encourage you to make procedures fit your classroom, and remind you that teaching procedures isn't taking time away from instruction...

Teaching procedures is instruction.

🎁 As a thank you for listening, I've included my Classroom Procedures Checklist as a free download. I hope it gives you a great starting point as you prepare for a new school year!

If this episode encourages you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who could use a little encouragement this back-to-school season.

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Sign up for my Weekly Email

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Website

Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

How do you teach setting in a way that is simple, meaningful, and easy for young learners to understand?

In this episode of The Education Connection, I'm sharing exactly how I teach setting through my Writing About Reading framework. You'll learn my step-by-step routine for introducing the skill with a mentor text, engaging students in meaningful discussions, modeling the writing process, and gradually releasing responsibility so students can complete the activity independently.

I'll also explain how this routine helps me assess student understanding while creating opportunities to meet with small groups for additional support.

Whether you're a first-grade teacher or work with other primary students, you'll walk away with a practical lesson you can use in your classroom right away.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to introduce setting with a simple anchor chart
• How to use a mentor text to model thinking
• A four-day gradual release routine for success
• How to use writing as a reading comprehension assessment
• Ways to support students who need extra practice

🎁 Download the free Setting Activity

This episode is part of the Writing About Reading Series, where each episode focuses on one reading comprehension skill and provides practical strategies to help young readers become confident writers.

For more FREEbies and content, subscribe to my email!