Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelOctober 21, 2026 When you're doing small group instruction in first grade there are 3 main areas to consider: how to schedule your groups, the skills you should teach and how to structure your lessons to make the most of your time. After more than 30 years in the classroom, I found a strategy that helped me do all ... read more
5 Tips For Organizing Small Groups: 1st Grade Guided Reading Strategies
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelOctober 14, 2026 On a good day, you might get 15 full minutes for each group during small group instruction. But when you’re searching for books or teaching materials, the minutes tick by while your students wait. So, if you're planning your guided reading strategies, the first place to start is organizing your ... read more
Best Early Finisher Ideas for First Grade Classroom Management
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelOctober 7, 2026 Have you ever had students working quietly when someone calls out, “I'm done!” Suddenly, quiet work time is filled with interruptions as others finish. One of your first grade or kindergarten classroom management strategies should include teaching kids what to do when they finish early. Early ... read more
10 Easy Halloween Classroom Ideas for First Grade
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelSeptember 30, 2026 These Halloween classroom ideas give kids something they’re excited to read, write, and talk about while practicing the skills you’re already teaching. Some have a little spooky Halloween vibe, and some are just great for fall. If October ever feels like all your first graders want to talk ... read more
6 Helpful Classroom Management Strategies for Kids Who Blurt
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelSeptember 23,, 2026 Effective classroom management strategies can make a big difference when you have students who shout out every answer or constantly interrupt while you’re teaching. One child’s blurting can quickly take over a lesson, distract the entire class, and make it difficult for other students to ... read more
5 Ways To Quiet A Noisy Classroom With Attention Getters
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelSeptember 16, 2026 If you’ve ever stood in front of a noisy classroom thinking, “How am I ever gonna get these kids to quiet down?” you are definitely not alone! Knowing how to quiet a noisy classroom can make a huge difference when the noise level goes from perfectly fine to completely out of control in a matter ... read more
Classroom Behavior Expectations for Kids Who Won’t Stop Talking
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelSeptember 9, 2026 Classroom behavior expectations can be especially tricky when it comes to talking. If you feel like you spend your entire day saying, “Stop talking” and “Shhh,” you’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest challenges in elementary school is getting kids to understand when it’s okay to talk and ... read more
5 Effective Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelSeptember 2, 2026 If you’re constantly reminding your students to listen, follow directions, or stop talking, you may be wondering what you can do to make classroom management a little easier. After 35 years of teaching, I learned that some of the most effective classroom management strategies for teachers are ... read more
5 Quick & Easy Morning Meeting Activities For 1st Grade
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelAugust 19, 2026 Did you know that morning meeting activities in first grade can build a stronger classroom community, practice academics, and even make your entire school day run smoother? And you can do it in just 15 minutes a day! After three decades of teaching, I found five things that made morning ... read more
Don’t Make These 5 Simple Mistakes at Meet the Teacher Night
Written by Molly Schwab, host of the Firstieland Podcast and YouTube channelAugust 12, 2026 Meet the Teacher Night is one of the most important nights of the new school year. It’s the first time most parents will meet you, see their child’s new classroom, and get an idea of what the year is going to be like. And one of the biggest mistakes teachers make is thinking it’s all about having a ... read more
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