In this episode of The Education Connection, Robin Wilson shares simple and effective ways to teach prefixes and suffixes in first grade without overcomplicating the skill.

If teaching prefix and suffix feels tricky with young learners, this episode breaks it down into clear, manageable steps that help students understand how words change. Robin explains what prefixes and suffixes are in a first grade-friendly way and walks through how to introduce them so students can actually apply the skill.

You’ll also hear 3 easy phonics activities that can be used right away in the classroom or at home:

• Matching base words like happy, jump, and play with new words
• Acting out words to build meaning and engagement
• Sorting words to identify prefixes, suffixes, and base words

These prefix and suffix activities for first grade are designed to build confidence, increase vocabulary, and help students start recognizing patterns in words.

As always, this episode ends with a scripture and prayer to encourage and support teachers in their daily work.

Whether teaching in a classroom, tutoring, or working with children at home, this episode will give practical ideas for teaching first grade phonics in a simple and meaningful way.

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

For Freebies connected to this podcast, click on the following link to sign up for my email.

***Sign up for my Weekly Email:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Blog

Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

In this episode, I share a classroom system inspired by Robert J. Marzano that focuses on one goal: making sure every student truly learns—not just receives instruction.

I walk through how I introduce new concepts using “I do, we do, you do,” and how I intentionally listen, track understanding, and respond in real time. Instead of moving on when some students don’t get it, I build in time to reteach, revisit, and provide targeted support throughout the week.

From small group reteaching to peer support and ongoing check-ins, this approach creates a classroom where no student falls through the cracks—and where learning is expected, supported, and achieved.

I also reflect on how this process connects to Psalm 1:1, reminding us that true growth comes from returning again and again to what matters.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from simply teaching content to ensuring real understanding, this episode is for you.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Sign up for my Weekly Email

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Blog

Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle

In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing exactly how I teach contractions in my first grade classroom in a way that actually sticks.

If you’ve ever introduced contractions and realized your students aren’t quite getting it yet, this episode walks you through a simple, step-by-step approach you can use right away. I’ll show you how I scaffold the skill so students move from seeing two separate words to confidently building contractions with understanding.

I’m also sharing three easy, low-prep activities I use in my classroom:

• Contraction Mix and Match for movement and engagement

• Guided whiteboard practice to build understanding step by step

• Quiz, Quiz, Trade to give students meaningful repetition with partners

These strategies work whether you’re in a classroom, small group, tutoring setting, or working with your own child at home.

As always, I’ll wrap up with a scripture and a quick prayer to encourage you in the work you’re doing every day.

If you’re teaching contractions in first grade or looking for engaging phonics activities that actually work, this episode is for you.

(Use words for) only what is helpful for building others up…” — Ephesians 4:29b (NIV)

Sign up for my Weekly Email

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Blog

Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle