Why 20 Minutes of Daily Reading Matters More Than We Think

In 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 from

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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.

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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.

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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.

The Education Connection with Robin Wilson brings together encouragement, real-classroom honesty, simple academic strategy, and a little faith for teachers who want to grow without burning out. Each episode offers practical literacy and math ideas, student support tips, mindset shifts, and reflective conversations about the heart behind teaching.

Whether you’re navigating reading fluency, January data checks, classroom behavior, parent relationships, or your own emotional load, Robin keeps it real and reminds you that you’re not alone. Expect short episodes you can listen to on the drive to school — equal parts uplifting and useful.

If you’re a teacher who loves kids, loves learning, and wants to stay grounded in peace while doing this work, you’re in the right place.

✨ Listener Bonus: Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for supporting the show.

In this episode, we continue our work with r controlled vowels by diving into ar and or. Building on last week’s lesson with er, ir, and ur, I share how teaching phonics through stories helps concepts stick, especially when students need repeated exposure to truly learn.

You will hear classroom ready activities for teaching ar and or, including a pirate themed ar strategy, an or decision making game, and an easy hands on word sort that works beautifully in small groups or centers. This episode is inspired by the Secret Stories approach to phonics and adapted for real classrooms with real kids.

We also talk about why repetition matters. A typical learner may need to interact with a concept around 14 times before it sticks, while a struggling learner may need many more opportunities. If your students seem to forget phonics skills from one day to the next, this episode will remind you that the learning is still happening.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a five star review. As a thank you, anyone who leaves a review will be entered into a drawing for $25 Amazon gift card. Your reviews help other teachers find the podcast and support this growing community.

Thank you for listening, and I am so glad you are here.

Get Ready for next year with these ultimate resources.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Get Ready for First Grade

Get Ready for Second Grade

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In today’s episode of The Education Connection, Robin shares exactly how she teaches the r-controlled vowels er, ir, and ur in her classroom — and why her students absolutely love it. After hearing Katie Garner explain that all three make the same “errrr” sound, Robin completely shifted her approach. Now she teaches the patterns, using a playful, hands-on activity with toy cars that instantly grabs kids’ attention.

You’ll hear how Robin labels cars with er, ir, and ur, lets students “drive” around the carpet, and then park their cars on matching word cards to build automatic recognition of spelling patterns. She also explains orthographic mapping in a simple, teacher-friendly way and walks through additional routines that help young readers truly understand these tricky vowel combinations.

If you want an engaging way to teach r-controlled vowels — one that feels fun, makes sense, and sticks — this episode will give you the exact ideas you can use tomorrow.

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In this Thanksgiving week episode, Robin offers a gentle heart to heart for every teacher who feels tired, stretched thin, or simply ready for a moment to breathe. Together, we pause to reflect on gratitude, acknowledge the reality of the season, and prepare our hearts for the next three busy weeks leading up to Christmas.

Robin shares encouragement for finding calm, noticing the wins that matter, giving yourself grace for the messy moments, and stepping into December with intention instead of overwhelm. This episode is a reminder that you do not have to conquer the holidays. You only have to be present, steady, and grounded in the work you already do so well.

If you need a peaceful reset before the Christmas countdown begins, this episode is for you.