Firstieland Podcast For Elementary Teachers: Education Teaching Tips And Ideas For Kindergarten And First Grade

What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop Talking

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just won’t 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 don’t worry. In this episode we’re sharing real-life strategies that actually work in a Kindergarten or 1st grade classroom.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why student talking isn’t always a bad thing

Teaching Reading & Writing With The Snow Globe Family – Book Bite Episode 1

In 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 O’Connor. You’ll learn simple ways to turn this charming winter story into meaningful lessons for reading comprehension, writing, and even a little science. Instead of feeling pressure to come up with activities for every subject in January, you’ll discover how one picture book can anchor multiple lessons and make pla...

What To Do Your First Week Back to School After Winter Break

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab shares simple, realistic things every K–2 teacher should focus on during the first week back to school after winter break. Instead of jumping straight back into academics and feeling overwhelmed, you’ll learn how to reset your classroom in a calm, intentional way that helps both you and your students ease back into routines.

January is the perfect time for a fresh start, and this episode walks you through exac...

Happy Holidays Message From Molly At Firstieland

In 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 year in the classroom.

Let’s Stay Connected

JOIN THE FREE WINTER READ ALOUD CHALLENGE - https://firstieland.com/challenge

Visit our website: www.firstieland.com

11 Things Elementary Teachers Should Do Before Leaving For Winter Break

In 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, you’ll discover easy ways to set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free return to the classroom.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to organize and refresh your classroom before break

✔️ Smart tips for prepping January lesson plans and materials in advance

✔️ Easy ways to res...

How To Survive (And Enjoy) December In Your Elementary Classroom

In 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 doesn’t have to leave you drained.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why slowing down and simplifying your plans will save your sanity

✔️ How to make meaningful classroom memories your students will never f...

9 Fun Ideas For Your December Classroom Morning Meeting

In 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, you’ll discover simple ways to bring cheer and connection to your classroom - all while keeping students calm, focused, and engaged.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Fun holiday morning meeting greetings

✔️ Simple Christmas jokes that get kids giggling and set a positive tone for the morning

✔️ Sea...

Fun Holiday Activities In The First Grade Classroom

In 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, you’ll learn how to embrace the season with meaningful, low-stress lessons that still hit your standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to use Gingerbread stories to teach comparing and contrasting while keeping kids engaged

✔️ A creative Gingerbread Baby adoption project that teaches responsibility and inspires...

How To Build A Year-Long Read Aloud Plan In First Grade

In 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. You’ll discover how to choose books that align with your curriculum, support your monthly themes, and make learning more meaningful for your K–2 students.

By planning ahead, you’ll always have the perfect book ready, whether you’re teaching comprehension, writing, science, or social-emotional skills. Molly walks yo...

Best Picture Books And Read Alouds For Teaching Gratitude

In 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, it’s the perfect time to help students slow down, notice the good around them, and practice thankfulness in simple, meaningful ways.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why teaching gratitude helps reduce entitlement and negative attitudes in the classroom

✔️ How books like Thank You, Omu! and Those Shoes make thankfulness relatable for young ch...

Creating Thanksgiving Magic With The Turkey Hands By Susan Fairchild

In 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 make in November! But in Susan’s story, the turkey handprints come to life at night and cause all kinds of mischief around the classroom.

Susan shares what inspired her to write Th...

Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary Students Using Balloons Over Broadway

In 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 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Perfect for November lessons, you’ll discover how to connect this book to reading, writing, STEM, and even social studies.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to teach reading comprehension strategies with Balloons o...

Teaching Elementary Writing In First Grade: Procedural Writing

In 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, you’ll discover how to make writing engaging, hands-on, and fun.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why procedural writing is the perfect next step after sentence writing

✔️ How to use picture books to model writing step by step

✔️ A gradual releas...

Classroom Management Tips For Elementary Teachers In First Grade

In 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, you’ll discover ways to set expectations, build positive relationships, and create a classroom environment where learning can thrive.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why setting clear expectations on day one is the key to long-term success

✔️ How picture books can help teach behavior in a gentle...

Elementary Classroom Halloween Party Fun And Games

In 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, you’ll discover how to keep students engaged with math and literacy games that feel like play but still hit your standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to set up 8 spooky-themed stations that double as math and literacy practice

✔️ Creative ide...

Teaching Elementary Reading, Writing & Math With Pumpkins

In 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, you’ll see how pumpkins can help you fit in fun without sacrificing standards.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to use Spookley the Square Pumpkin to teach reading comprehension and story elements

✔️ A fun way to connect pumpkins to math through shapes, measuring, and graphing

✔️ How...

Teaching Grammar In The Elementary Classroom: Nouns

In 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, you’ll hear practical tips for introducing nouns in a way that actually sticks with your kindergarten and first grade students.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What nouns are and why they’re important in early writing

✔️ Picture book recommendations for teaching nouns

✔️ Easy anchor chart ideas for each typ...

What To Do When Your Class Won't Stop Talking

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast for Elementary Teachers, your host Molly Schwab tackles one of the most common classroom struggles - kids who just won’t 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 don’t worry. In this episode we’re sharing real-life strategies that actually work in a Kindergarten or 1st grade classroom.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why student talking isn’t always a bad thing

How To Teach Sentence Writing In An Elementary Classroom

In 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 writing, Molly shares exactly how to support your Kindergarten and first grade writers and set them up for success.

You’ll learn:

✔️ The key skills kids need before they c...

The 4 Parts of Morning Meeting Every Elementary Teacher Should Know

In 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 grade classroom and why it might become your favorite part of the day too.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to structure a consistent and calm morning meeting

✔️ Fun greeting routines t...

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. You’ll 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 from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why picture labeling is the perfect first writing lesson

✔️ How to model labeling with anchor charts

✔️ Easy ways to help kids stretch out words and sounds

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.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Easy ice breakers to help kids connect

✔️ Picture books that teach friendship

✔️ Simple SEL lessons for kindness and empathy

✔️ Quick routines and group projects to build teamwork

✔️ Tips to help every child feel seen...

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 students’ favorite part of the day and stress free for you!

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to choose and set up your classroom learning centers

✔️ Tips for modeling and introducing...

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 and help your students grow as readers, thinkers, and kind classmates.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How reading aloud builds rich vocabulary 

 ✔️ Simple ways to strengthen comprehension through stories

✔️ How to model flu...

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 love.

You’ll learn:

✔️ How to build your classroom library on a budget

✔️ Tips for organizing books

✔️ Simple rules to keep your library neat and running smoothly

✔️ Easy...

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 from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ 5 picture books that are perfect for the first week of school

✔️ How to use read-alouds to teach classroom rules and routines

✔️ F...

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:

✔️ Why this night is one of the most important of the entire year

✔️ How to set up your room to make a great first impression

✔️ What to include in a parent presentation

✔️ Simple ways to collect supplies and contact info

✔️ Easy ideas for student treats and volunteer sign-u...

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.

You’ll learn:

✔ Which classroom routines to teach during morning arrival, transitions, and dismissal

✔ How to handle fast finishers, bathroom breaks, and supply management

✔ Tips for introducing safety drills and emergency procedures

✔ Ways to cut down on interruptions and keep your day flowin...

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.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What types of routines and procedures to introduce right away

✔️ How to use visuals to help students remember what to do

✔️ Tips for teaching transitions, bathroom breaks, and lining up

✔️ How to involve parents in understanding your daily schedule

In this episode of The Firstieland Podcast For Early Elementary Teachers, I’m sharing my favorite tips to help you prepare for the new school year feeling confident. Whether you’re a brand new primary teacher or you’ve been doing this for years, these simple strategies will help you create a calm, organized classroom from day one.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why it’s important to start slow and build stamina

✔️ How to prep and organize materials to stay ahead

✔️ The value of teaching every procedure clearly

✔️ Tips for creating classroom rules w...

If you’re 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 staying organized, each episode is packed with strategies you can use right away. You’ll learn how to make your classroom a place where learning feels like play - and kids are excited to be ther...