Skip to content
Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers podcast artwork

PODCAST · education

Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers

by Kara M. Rickman

Welcome, K-2 Teachers! My name is Kara Rickman, and I'm a 26-year first-grade teacher with a passion for helping fellow colleagues develop their craft in cross-curricular teaching. If you want to take your classroom to the next level for your students, check out my podcast episodes! I will share all about how to easily teach cross-curricular and help your students make better connections! You will learn how to use the gradual release of responsibility using the "I DO, WE DO, YOU DO" cross-curricular approach with reading, math, science, writing, and social studies!

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 12, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. LIVE Unboxing of the Gingerbread & Reindeer Lit Kits

    Join me for a LIVE unboxing in my Facebook Group of my Gingerbread & Reindeer Lit Kit. The cart is now OPEN for new subscribers! Use code LITKIT10 to get $10.00 off at checkout! Reindeer Mini Lit Kit Box Gingerbread Lit Kit Subscription Box Want to watch this Unboxing on YouTube? Click HERE!...

  2. LIVE Coaching Call: SEL & Morning Meeting Activities

    Join me for this Coaching Call from my Teacher Membership Group all about SEL & Morning Meeting ideas with activities and mentor texts. Here are some of the resources mentioned in this episode: The Little Engine That Could Those Shoes The Dot The Recess Queen The King of Kindergarten The Queen of...

  3. LIVE Coaching Call: Bridging the Gap Between Math & Literature

    This was the Live Coaching Call that I gave to my Membership Teachers. I shared how I bridge the gap between Math, Poetry, and Literature during my Math block. Some of the resources that are mentioned in this coaching call are: Stellaluna Ten Timid Ghosts Spookley the Square Pumpkin Bone Soup...

  4. Live Unboxing of the Bat Lit Kit

    Join me as I share all my differentiated, engaging cross-curricular activities in my Bat Lit Kit for October! It includes lesson plans with reading, writing, poetry, math and science lessons for 2 full weeks of instruction! Plus, all the materials and supplies are already laminated, cut out, and...

  5. LIVE Unboxing of my October Writing & Math Center Subscription Boxes!

    This is the LIVE unboxing that I did in my Facebook Group. I share all the games, templates, posters, materials, and supplies for my October Math & Writing Center boxes. Are you interested in subscribing? Click HERE!!! If you subscribe today you will get the first month FREE inside my Teacher...

  6. Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A Episode 2

    Come and listen to teachers' questions who were in my Back to School Bootcamp! Their questions include: Sound Mapping and much more! The First 5 Days of School Student School Supplies Classroom Helpers Differentiation Math Tool Boxes My Teacher Membership and Subscription Boxes If you would like…

    more
  7. Countdown to the Classroom Q&A with Kara Part 1

    Come and listen to teachers' questions who were in my Back to School Bootcamp! Their questions include: Reading Groups Literacy Centers First Year Teacher Advice Sound Mapping and much more! If you would like to watch the video of the Q&A, click here! Connect with me: TPT Store YouTube Channel...

  8. LIVE Unboxing of my Lit Kit Subscription Box

    Why did I create this box? Here's my vision: I've been mentoring and training teachers for 20 years now, and one of the pain points that they all complain about is lesson planning. They complain that it takes too long because they're having to look on Pinterest, TPT, or Google to find quality...

  9. LIVE Unboxing of my Writing and Math Subscription Boxes

    Why did I decide to make a Math and Writing Center box for K-2 Teachers? Here's my vision and purpose... What if I told you that your Writing and Math Center was already prepped and ready to set up? What if I told you that you only had to teach these games and activities ONE time and that your...

  10. Back to School Bootcamp Kickoff!

    Join me in my Bootcamp kickoff, where I share the schedule for the week, what prizes you can win, what to bring to the Make n' Takes, and how to apply for a free subscription box of your choice! Want to learn more about my Subscription Boxes? Sign up for FREE for my Back to School Bootcamp...

  11. My Math Center Subscription Box: What's It All About?

    How many times do you change out your centers each month? I’ve asked many teachers this question about centers, and many of them said that centers are overwhelming, exhausting, unengaging, and not fun for them or their students, especially when they switch them out every week! Let’s face it… I...

  12. My Writing Center Subscription Box- What's It All About?

    How many times do you change out your centers each month? I’ve asked many teachers this question about centers, and many of them said that centers are overwhelming, exhausting, unengaging, and not fun for them or their students, especially when they switch them out every week! Let’s face it… I...

  13. Quick Connection: The First Day of Science

    Want to know how I teach the first day of Science for my first graders? Registration is NOW OPEN for my Back to School Bootcamp happening from July 12-17, where we will be making your back-to-school interactive notebook with the first lesson of reading, writing, math, and science! My first day...

  14. Quick Connection: The First 10 Days of Math Workshop

    This is a quick connection- no intro needed- just a raw episode where I share my amazing interactive notebook we will create during our Make n' Takes in my Back to School Bootcamp! The first day of lesson plans is FREE!!! Register HERE. Are you interested in purchasing the Math Workshop Module,...

  15. Quick Connection: The First 10 Days of Writer's Workshop

    This is a quick connection- no intro needed- just a raw episode where I share the amazing interactive notebook we will create during our Make n' Takes in my Back to School Bootcamp! The first day of lesson plans is FREE!!! Register HERE. Are you interested in purchasing the Writer's Workshop...

  16. Quick Connection: The First 10 Days of Reader's Workshop

    This is a quick connection- no intro needed- just a raw episode where I share the amazing interactive notebook we will create during our Make n' Takes in my Back to School Bootcamp! The first day of lesson plans is FREE!!! Register HERE. If you're interested in purchasing the Reader's Workshop...

  17. Teaching The First Day of Math Workshop

    Want to know how I teach the first day of Math Workshop for my first graders? Registration is NOW OPEN for my Back to School Bootcamp happening from July 13-17, where we will be making your back-to-school interactive notebook with the first lesson of reading, writing, math, and science! My first...

  18. Registration is NOW OPEN for my BTS Bootcamp!

    Attention teachers! Are you new to Kinder, 1st, or 2nd grade? You’re in luck! I'm giving a Back-to-School Bootcamp in July where you can earn up to 9 PD hours and watch the online training whenever you want! Registration is NOW OPEN for FREE! Click HERE to register! When you sign up, you will get...

  19. The First Day of Writer's Workshop

    Want to know how I teach the first day of Writer's Workshop to my first graders? Get on my WAITLIST for my Back to School Bootcamp happening from July 13-17, where we will be making your back-to-school interactive notebook with the first lesson of reading, writing, math, and science! My first day...

  20. The First Day of Reader's Workshop

    Want to know how I teach the first day of Reader's Workshop to my first graders? Get on my WAITLIST for my Back to School Bootcamp happening from July 13-17 where we will be making your back-to-school interactive notebook with the first lesson of reading, writing, math, and science! My first day...

  21. Dramatic Play Kitchen Center for First Grade

    More Than Pretend: How My Dramatic Play Kitchen Center Builds Readers, Writers, Creators, and Problem Solvers.... but it's not all puppets and a theater! When many people think of a dramatic play kitchen center, they picture children pretending to cook meals, serve food, and play house. While…

    more
  22. Let's Survive the First 10 Days of School Together!

    Attention teachers! Are you new to Kinder, 1st, or 2nd grade? You’re in luck! I'm giving a Back-to-School Bootcamp in July where you can earn up to 9 PD hours and watch the online training whenever you want! The Waitlist is open now! Check it out here to sign up to get an email with more info!…

    more
  23. Cross-Curricular Fun for May

    Listen to my FREE webinar from my Facebook Group, all about Cross- Curricular Fun for May. Some topics I shared are: Mother's Day, Oceans/Sea Life, Rocks/Fossils, Fairy Tales, Financial Literacy, and End-of-Year activities for first grade. Want to see pictures of my resources? Check out my YT…

    more
  24. Fairy Tale Writing Unit

    Join me as I break down how I teach my Fairy Tale Writing Unit to my firsties! If you're interested in checking out my Fairy Tale Writing Unit, click HERE! It includes lesson plans with suggested mentor texts, sequencing foldables, writing craftivities, anchor charts, and writing templates all in…

    more
  25. Cross-Curricular Fun for April

    This was the free webinar I gave in my Facebook Group for K-2 teachers. I shared all of my engaging and fun activities for April in Reading, Writing, Math, Poetry, Science, and Social Studies! And, I gave away free resources! Some topics I share are: Patricia Polacco Easter Rainforests Endangered...

  26. Cross-Curricular Fun for March

    This was the free webinar I gave in my Facebook Group for K-2 teachers. I shared all of my engaging and fun activities for March in Reading, Writing, Math, Poetry, Science, and Social Studies! Some topics I share are: St. Patrick's Day Texas Animal Research Texas Symbols Dr. Seuss Reader's…

    more
  27. 120th Day the Texas Way!

    Is your 120th Day coming up soon? If it is, check out this episode all about my team's 120th Day stations for our firsties! They are fun and easy to implement! Show Notes with Pictures of the Stations! Do you want FREE LESSON plans for American Symbols and Presidents??? Click HERE to sign up on…

    more
  28. Cross-Curricular Fun for February

    In this free webinar from my Facebook Group: Create Your Balance with Literacy, I share activities, topics, and engaging fun for February. Topics I share are: Groundhog Day Valentine's Day Famous Inventors Black History Month 100th Day Presidents/American Symbols Presidents' Day Money and much...

  29. Literacy Center Reboot: Day 5

    Today's episode, I answer the burning questions from teachers who attended my Literacy Center Reboot. Questions include: Do you have a list of theme unit displays? When do you start introducing your centers one at a time? Do you model how to fill these pages out when you introduce the center? Do...

  30. Literacy Center Reboot: Day 4

    Join me today as I unpack these literacy centers in my first-grade classroom: Technology, Listening, Finger Puppets, Drama, Theme, Games, and Science! I share how I manage, maintain, if I switch them out, and how I introduce them to my students. Whether you’re a new teacher or just ready to…

    more
  31. Literacy Center Reboot: Day 3

    Join me today as I unpack these literacy centers in my first-grade classroom: Read/Write the Room, Math, Felt Board, Calendar, Author Study, Word Work, and Kitchen!!! I share how I manage, maintain, if I switch them out, and how I introduce them to my students. Whether you’re a new teacher or…

    more
  32. Literacy Center Reboot: Day 2

    Join me today as I unpack these literacy centers in my first-grade classroom: Library, Poetry, Big Books, Geography, Art, and Writing!!! I share how I manage, maintain, if I switch them out, and how I introduce them to my students. Whether you’re a new teacher or just ready to reboot your system,...

  33. Literacy Center Reboot: Day 1

    Join me on day 1 of my Literacy Center Reboot as I unpack my Behavior Management strategies to start streamlining your literacy centers into a well-oiled machine! You can still register for my Literacy Center Reboot HERE!!! Whether you’re a new teacher or just ready to reboot your system, this is...

  34. 2 More Days to Reboot Your Centers!

    Ready to Fall Back in Love with Your Literacy Centers? ✨ Cart is OPEN now until Sunday, Dec. 28th! Snag if for only $10.00! When: Dec. 29-Jan.2: 4 Days of LIVE Trainings with 10 FREE Literacy Center Resources for your classroom! Where: Private Facebook Group- after you register, you will receive…

    more
  35. Special Literacy Center Reboot Offer!

    ✨ Ready to Fall Back in Love with Your Literacy Centers? ✨ Hey teacher friends! 👋 If you’ve ever felt like your literacy centers are more chaos than calm, this is for YOU! I’m giving a Literacy Center Reboot — a fun, practical training designed to help you: 📚 Keep students accountable and on…

    more
  36. Cross Curricular Fun for November

    Join me in my Cross-Curricular Fun for November Webinar from my Facebook Group! Some topics I share include: Voting and Elections, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Turkeys, Scarecrows, and much more! These resources include lesson plans, suggested mentor texts, interactive notebooks,...

  37. Math Workshop Magic- How to Start Your Math Stations

    You can start your math stations any time you want! In this episode from my Facebook Group, I walk you through the steps to starting your math workshop using classroom procedures, time management, what stations to use and what activities you can use in your math block. Check out my Math Workshop...

  38. Cross-Curricular Fun for October!

    Join me in my Cross-Curricular Fun for October Webinar from my Facebook Group! Some topics I share are: Pumpkins, Owls, Bats, Spiders, Charlotte's Web, Halloween, and much more! These resources include lesson plans, suggested mentor texts, interactive notebooks, anchor charts, and writing...

  39. Writer's Workshop vs. Writing Prompts: My POV

    As a teacher, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: when students are given the freedom to write their own stories, their own genres, and their own ideas, their writing blossoms in ways no daily prompt could ever capture. I used to think prompts were the way to go. After all, they…

    more
  40. Blending the Science of Reading with Guided Reading: My POV

    Join me in this episode as I share how I use the Science of Reading blended with Guided Reading to ensure that ALL of my students are getting the reading instruction they need during my reading groups! Check out the Show Notes with pictures! Connect with Me! TPT Store YouTube Channel Facebook…

    more
  41. Cross-Curricular Connections for September

    This is the webinar I gave in my Facebook Group all about Cross-Curricular Connections for September! It includes topics such as: Apples, Johnny Appleseed, Properties, Making 10, Community Helpers, Career Day, Grandparents Day, and much more! Watch my webinar HERE on my YouTube channel! Connect...

  42. 9 Meet The Teacher Tips and Tricks

    Meet the Teacher Night can be a nerve-wracking experience. But with careful preparation, planning, and experience, it becomes easier each year. Here are some things that you need to consider before you start planning for that special night. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first...

  43. Plan Month By Month, Not Minute By Minute with My Teacher Membership!

    Are you ready to plan month by month, rather than minute by minute? Cross-Curricular Connections is more than a resource library—it’s a complete support system to help you balance engaging literature with rigor and relevance, so your students see how every subject connects. Inside, you’ll unlock…

    more
  44. Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A Episode 3

    Hey Teachers! Welcome to “Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A!” I’m here to answer the real questions from real teachers — just like you! Whether you’re prepping your classroom, planning your first week, or tackling routines, I’ve got your back. If you have a burning question for me to...

  45. Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A Episode 2

    Hey Teachers! Welcome to “Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A!” I’m here to answer the real questions from real teachers — just like you! Whether you’re prepping your classroom, planning your first week, or tackling routines, I’ve got your back. If you have a burning question for me to...

  46. Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A Episode 1

    Hey Teachers! Welcome to “Countdown to the Classroom: Back to School Q&A!” I’m here to answer the real questions from real teachers — just like you! Whether you’re prepping your classroom, planning your first week, or tackling routines, I’ve got your back. If you have a burning question for me to...

  47. 6 Ways I Utilize a Star Student in My Classroom

    In this shorty episode, you'll learn how my star student helps me manage my classroom into a well-oiled machine. If you’ve ever wanted to include a Star Student of the Week and weren’t sure how to go about it… You’re in the right place! I’m going to share with you 6 ways that I utilize a Star...

  48. Early Bird Special Offer: 50% Off for my BTS Bootcamp!

    I’ve taught for 25 years and am a mentor and trainer in my school district. If you need summer PD credit, this might interest you! Click HERE to check it out! I’m giving a back-to-school Bootcamp in July for K-2 teachers and would LOVE for you to be a part of it! You will get lesson plans with...

  49. Pack' N Stack: 4 Ways to Nip Your Dismissal Chaos in the Bud!

    A lot of teachers struggle with their elementary dismissal procedures, but I’m here to help you out and give you an easy way to implement a fresh idea with less stress and no mess! And the best part is??? It’s all up to the students and not you to clean your classroom! If you put the...

  50. Cross-Curricular Connections for May

    This is the webinar I gave in my Facebook Group all about Cross-Curricular Connections for May. Topics I shared were: Fairy Tales, Reader's Theater, Financial Literacy, Rocks & Fossils, Mother's Day, Ocean & Sea Life and, End of Year activities! Download my Webinar Here with clickable links!...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome, K-2 Teachers! My name is Kara Rickman, and I'm a 26-year first-grade teacher with a passion for helping fellow colleagues develop their craft in cross-curricular teaching. If you want to take your classroom to the next level for your students, check out my podcast episodes! I will share all about how to easily teach cross-curricular and help your students make better connections! You will learn how to use the gradual release of responsibility using the "I DO, WE DO, YOU DO" cross-curricular approach with reading, math, science, writing, and social studies!

HOSTED BY

Kara M. Rickman

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers have?

Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers currently has 122 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers about?

Welcome, K-2 Teachers! My name is Kara Rickman, and I'm a 26-year first-grade teacher with a passion for helping fellow colleagues develop their craft in cross-curricular teaching. If you want to take your classroom to the next level for your students, check out my podcast episodes! I will share...

How often does Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers release new episodes?

Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers publishes regularly with 122 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers?

You can listen to Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers?

Create Your Balance with Literacy: K-2 Teachers is created and hosted by Kara M. Rickman.
URL copied to clipboard!