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

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

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, 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.

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Blog

Teachers Pay Teachers:

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

Leave a 5-Star review for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Connect with me on any of these Social Media Platforms.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

Coaching

Blog

Teachers Pay Teachers: