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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