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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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!

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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 tags
• 8:30 AM – Independent coloring & begin putting away supplies
• 9:00 AM – Teach rug expectations & read aloud
• 9:15 AM – Dance break or playground procedure practice
• 9:30 AM – Continue supply organization
• 10:00 AM – Block play & practice sharing
• 10:50 AM – Practice lining up for lunch
• 11:35 AM – Recess
• 12:00 PM – Practice lining up after recess
• 12:10 PM – Read aloud & rug routine review
• 12:30 PM – “Get to Know You” activity or block station rotation
• 1:00 PM – Practice lining up & attend specials (Music)
• 2:00 PM – Afternoon recess
• 2:20 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 favorite
• What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker
• Better 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.

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Back-to-School Reset: A Fresh Start for Teachers and Parents

In this episode, we're turning the page from summer to school with a practical and encouraging conversation about how to reset for the new year. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or both—this episode is your gentle nudge to breathe, refocus, and move forward with clarity.

We’ll reflect briefly on the 4-part Reset Series we just wrapped up and talk about what it means to truly feel ready—mentally, emotionally, and practically—for the back-to-school season. I’ll also share how my Get Ready resources can support your students as they transition back into routines, build confidence, and review important skills.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, behind, or just plain tired—this one’s for you. Let’s reset together.

👉 Grab the “Get Ready” packets in the links below!

🎧 Catch up on the 4-part Reset Series the last 4 episodes

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

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Spiritual Rest: Reconnecting with God in Everyday Moments

Description: In the final episode of our 4-part rest series, we’re talking about the kind of rest that truly restores: spiritual rest. This isn’t about naps or time off—it’s about slowing down enough to reconnect with God. Whether through nature, devotionals, quiet reflection, or even church community (yes, even when it’s complicated), spiritual rest invites us back to our source of peace and purpose.

In this episode, I’ll share ways to look for God in your everyday routines—even in the midst of lesson planning, caregiving, or prepping for a new school year. I’ll also reflect on how I’ve felt God’s presence while creating things that bring calm and clarity to both kids and families.

Plus, I’ll leave you with a powerful scripture, a prayer, and a gentle reminder: God is with you—right now, right where you are.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

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