🎙️Preventing the Summer Slide

📚 Summer is a time for fun and relaxation — but it’s also important to keep those young minds active! In today’s episode, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to prevent the "summer slide" and keep kids learning all summer long. ✨ Whether you're a teacher, a homeschooling parent, or just looking for easy activities to boost skills at home, you’ll find fresh ideas, printable resources, and motivating tips you can start using right away.

👓 Need stylish, affordable glasses that fit your active summer lifestyle? Check out my favorite customizable frames from Pair Eyewear here ➡️http://rwrd.io/pbjadb1?c.

🎯 In this episode:

• Fun learning routines that won’t feel like "school" 🏖️
• Reading and math activities to keep skills sharp 📖➕
• How to set up simple rewards to keep kids motivated 🎉
• Printable ideas you can grab today 🖨️

☀️ Let’s make this the summer where kids have fun and grow their brains! 🎧

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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🎧 Small Groups vs. Whole Group Instruction: What’s Best for Elementary Students? 📌

In today’s episode of The Education Connection, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about debates in elementary education: Should we teach in small groups or stick to whole group instruction?

With the rise of the Science of Reading and a shift away from traditional Guided Reading, many educators are wondering what’s truly best for students—especially when it comes to equity, engagement, and effectiveness.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of both approaches, unpack why the conversation has become so controversial, and discuss why many teachers are finding success with a blended model.

Plus, I’ll share a quick update on my newest adventure—my classroom resource store at firstgradeloves.com, where you can find tools designed to support both whole group and small group instruction!

Whether you’re feeling confident, conflicted, or just curious, this episode is here to support and inspire you on your teaching journey.

I would love to know how you feel? Do you prefer small group or whole group instruction?

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🎉 Big News! 🎉 I have two exciting updates to share with you!

🛍️ 1. My New Store is LIVE! I'm thrilled to announce that the FirstGradeLoves.com store is officially open! If you’re looking for fun, engaging, and easy-to-use resources for your first graders, I’ve got you covered. ✂️📚✏️

✅ Digital downloads

✅ Classroom-tested materials

✅ Designed with love for busy teachers like you!

Check it out here ➡️ FirstGradeLoves.com

🎧 2. I'm Now Part of the Education Podcast Network! I'm honored to be a member of the Education Podcast Network — a community of educators who share inspiring and practical content to support fellow teachers. 🌟

✅ More amazing connections

✅ Even better content

✅ Same heart for helping teachers!

Thank you so much for your continued support — and as always, thank you for all the love you pour into your classroom every single day! ❤️

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Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

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