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

Are your students able to read sight words… but struggle to spell them in their writing?Or maybe they can pass a quick sight word check, but don’t recognize those same words in a sentence?In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach sight words (or trick words) so students can both read and write them with confidence.As we head into the final 6 to 8 weeks of the school year, this is not the time to add complicated routines. Instead, I’m sharing a simple, repeatable weekly system that helps build automaticity without overwhelming your students.You’ll learn:• Why sight words should not be taught through memorization alone• How to help students identify the “tricky” parts of words• A day-by-day routine for teaching sight words Monday through Friday• How often students should be writing sight words (this is key!)• A balanced approach to sentence writing that builds confidence without frustration• How to do a quick, low-pressure Friday check that actually shows what students knowThis routine is quick, effective, and easy to stick with during the busy end-of-year season.If you’re looking for a practical way to strengthen both reading and writing with sight words, this episode will give you something you can use right away in your classroom.Link for this free resource: Weekly Sight Word Routine👉🏼Click to sign up for my weekly email, with FREEbies included.👈🏼Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing how I teach one, two, and three syllable words in first grade. You’ll hear a simple explanation of syllables and three easy, hands-on activities that help students hear the beats in words and build stronger phonics skills. If you are teaching first grade syllables and need practical ideas for introducing 1, 2, and 3 syllable words, this episode is for you.What are you working on this week. I'd love to hear about it. Reach out and leave me a message on one of the following platforms.Also, leave a 5 star review for a chance to win a Amazon Gift Card for $20.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin shares an important update about the podcast schedule and a simple classroom strategy for supporting students who are close to reaching grade level.Beginning next week, new episodes of the podcast will be released on Saturdays. Robin explains why this change will help her continue sharing thoughtful and helpful content for teachers each week.Robin also discusses a group of students many teachers know well, the “bubble kids.” These are students who were once considered for retention but have made meaningful growth during the second half of the school year. With just a little extra support, they can continue moving forward with confidence.In this episode, Robin explains how she uses independent reading time to call these students back daily to listen to them read, coach them through tricky words, and strengthen their fluency and comprehension. She also shares how she balances that time with students who still need deeper remediation.If you are looking for a practical way to support struggling readers during the final months of the school year, this episode will give you a simple idea you can use right away.Robin closes the episode with scripture and prayer to encourage teachers as they continue the important work of guiding their students each day.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson explores one of the most powerful phonics patterns for early readers: Silent E. Some teachers call it Magic E, and in Secret Stories it’s known as Mommy E. No matter what you call it, this small letter has a big job because it makes the vowel say its name.Robin shares a fun classroom approach where she dresses up as Mommy E and teaches students how this silent letter changes words like cap to cape and tap to tape. When phonics becomes memorable and engaging, students are much more likely to understand and retain the pattern.You’ll also learn three simple small group activities teachers can use to help students practice reading and building Silent E words, including word building, word changing, and sorting activities that reinforce the difference between short and long vowel sounds.

Are you teaching suffix -ing in your classroom? In this episode, we break down what -ing really means, how it strengthens decoding and fluency, and three simple activities you can use right away. Plus, we connect -ing to glued sounds like ing, ang, ong, ung, ink, ank, onk, and unk to help students see patterns inside bigger words. Practical, structured literacy strategies you can use tomorrow.Leave a 5-star review to be entered into a $25 Amazon gift card.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

This week on The Education Connection, we are breaking down one tiny suffix that can cause big confusion in the classroom… -ed.Did you know -ed makes three different sounds? It can say /t/, /d/, or /ed/. If your students are reading “jump-ed” or adding an extra syllable where it doesn’t belong, this episode is for you.In this episode, I walk you through simple, practical ways to teach the three sounds of -ed so your students can hear it, feel it, and apply it confidently in both reading and writing. I share clear word examples, easy sorting activities, and a hands on strategy using the “throat check” trick to help students determine which sound -ed makes.If you are teaching past tense verbs and want your instruction to stick, this episode will give you ready to use ideas you can implement immediately.Let’s build strong readers together.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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 awayYou’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 DownloadI’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 GuideUse 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:FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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 KindergartenGet Ready for First GradeGet Ready for Second GradeConnect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:Find Reading Comprehension Strategies BundleFind Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

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.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading Matters More Than We ThinkIn 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 fromLeave a 5-Star review for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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.

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.FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestCoachingBlogTeachers Pay Teachers:

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.