About Teaching Firsties
Made by a first grade teacher, for first grade teachers.
Hi, I’m Rachael Hull. I spent more than 20 years in the classroom, teaching in Title I schools in Northwest Indiana, and Teaching Firsties is where I share the ideas that worked.
Many of my students came to school with less, and every minute of instruction mattered. That shaped how I teach and how I build resources: they need to be flexible, low-prep, and ready to support the way you already teach.
20+ years in the classroomTitle I schools, Northwest IndianaCreator of Literacy Stations4.77★ from 906 TPT reviews
What you’ll find here
Classroom-tested ideas you can use tomorrow
Teaching Firsties is where it all started: my blog for first grade teachers. I write about literacy instruction, classroom organization, and bringing technology into your routines in a way that actually works.
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Reading & close reading
Standards-based reading activities, close reading and comprehension strategies.
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Fluency & readers theater
Readers theater, poetry centers and repeated reading routines that build expression.
How I write
Every article starts in a real classroom
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Written for real classrooms
From setting up stations to teaching comprehension strategies, each article is written with real first graders in mind.
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Clear, useful strategies
My goal is to give you strategies that build confidence and consistency, and save you planning time.
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No flashy programs
Good teaching doesn’t require complicated prep. It takes consistency, structure, and resources that work.
Two sites, one goal
Help first grade teachers teach literacy without the overwhelm
Where it started
Teaching Firsties
My blog of classroom-tested ideas for first grade teachers: literacy instruction, classroom organization, seasonal activities, and technology that fits your routines. Plus free printables every season.
The resource library
Literacy Stations
Everything teachers told me they needed most, in one place:
- No-prep and low-prep activities
- Consistent formatting for student independence
- Materials for small groups and centers
- Differentiation for a range of reading and writing levels
- Printable and digital options, including Google Slides
I’m glad you’re here.
Along with the teaching ideas, you’ll find the occasional real-world story and a few laughs when we all need them most. Have a question? Email me at [email protected] or use the contact form. I read every message.
Free for first grade teachers
Free writing papers for every season
Seasonal writing paper for first grade, ready to print. Plus one new idea for your literacy centers each week.