Are you teaching suffix -ing in your classroom? In this episode, we break down what -ing really means, how it strengthens decoding and fluency, and three simple activities you can use right away. Plus, we connect -ing to glued sounds like ing, ang, ong, ung, ink, ank, onk, and unk to help students see patterns inside bigger words. Practical, structured literacy strategies you can use tomorrow.

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This week on The Education Connection, we are breaking down one tiny suffix that can cause big confusion in the classroom… -ed.

Did you know -ed makes three different sounds? It can say /t/, /d/, or /ed/. If your students are reading “jump-ed” or adding an extra syllable where it doesn’t belong, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I walk you through simple, practical ways to teach the three sounds of -ed so your students can hear it, feel it, and apply it confidently in both reading and writing. I share clear word examples, easy sorting activities, and a hands on strategy using the “throat check” trick to help students determine which sound -ed makes.

If you are teaching past tense verbs and want your instruction to stick, this episode will give you ready to use ideas you can implement immediately.

Let’s build strong readers together.

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This week, we are tackling three consonant blends like string, spring, strong, and shrimp — words that look simple but require serious brain work for young readers.

In this episode of The Education Connection, I break down:

• What three letter blends actually are

• Why students sometimes drop a sound when reading them • How to slow down instruction to build confidence

• Why we should build words before asking students to read them

• Four simple, no purchase at-home activities parents can use right away

You’ll learn how to help students tap each sound, isolate the blend, and slide into the full word without losing a consonant along the way.

Because when sounds stack up, we don’t rush. We build it before we read it.

I also share encouragement from Isaiah 61:3 about putting on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness — because stretching into harder reading skills takes patience for both kids and adults.

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I’ve created a free “Three Consonant Blend Guide” practice worksheet to go along with this lesson.

You can grab your free copy here:

👉 Three Consonant Blend Guide

Use it in small groups, send it home for extra practice, or use it as an intervention support tool.

If you’re teaching blends this week or supporting a young reader at home, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement to keep going.

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In this episode, Robin Wilson breaks down a common phonics mystery: why some students know their letter sounds but still struggle to blend words. Blending is not just one skill. There are different reasons a child might get stuck, and each one needs a different kind of support.

Robin explains three specific blending breakdowns teachers see in early readers: sound production, sound linking, and sound memory. You will learn how to recognize each one and, more importantly, what to do about it. This episode is packed with simple, hands-on classroom activities like mirror mouth work, sound trains, and sound buttons that help students physically connect sounds into words.

If you have students who freeze when reading, guess instead of blend, or get frustrated during decoding, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement. Growth takes time, and you are planting seeds every day.

Scripture encouragement from Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, because the harvest comes in its season.

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 this episode of The Education Connection, we’re talking about a simple phonics pattern first graders are learning to notice — two vowels together. I share how to teach EA, EE, OA, AI, UE, and UI using easy, no-prep classroom activities you can start this week. I also share a personal reflection after missing last week due to sickness and a reminder from Romans 8:26 that even when we don’t know what to do in our classrooms, the Spirit helps us. Practical teaching and encouragement for the heart.

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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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