In this episode of The Education Connection, I’m sharing how I survive the last week of school in first grade while still keeping students engaged, calm, and learning. If you are looking for last week of school tips for elementary teachers, simple end of year classroom ideas, or ways to keep structure during the final week of school, this episode is for you.

I talk about why I keep our classroom schedule as normal as possible during the last week of school, how I use gentle spiral review in reading and math, and how I turn memory books into meaningful reading and writing activities instead of just filler time. We’ll also talk about keeping students emotionally regulated during the excitement of the end of the school year and why teachers do not need Pinterest-perfect plans to make the final week special.

Inside this episode:

• Last week of school tips for elementary teachers
• End of the school year classroom management ideas
• First grade reading and math review ideas
• How to keep structure during the last week of school
• Memory book ideas for elementary classrooms
• Low stress end of year teaching strategies
• Encouragement for tired teachers during the final week of school

If the last week of school feels overwhelming, chaotic, emotional, or exhausting, I hope this episode encourages you and reminds you that calm, connection, and consistency matter more than perfection.

For an End of Year Memory Book, click on the following link.

End of Year Memory Book

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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.

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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.

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Teachers Pay Teachers:

Find Reading Comprehension Strategies Bundle

Find Genesis Bible Stories Bundle