Synopsis
Welcome to Beginning Teacher Talk, the weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lori Friesen, where we talk about all of the stuff you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school. Each week, we feature ideas and topics that have been classroom-tested and actually work, including amazing classroom management techniques, organizational tips and strategies, creative ways to motivate your students, how to work with colleagues successfully, seasonal gems, and how to de-stress and eliminate the overwhelm that too often accompanies your first years of teaching.
Episodes
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Surviving February: Staying Inspired During the Longest Shortest Month
19/02/2025 Duration: 25minFebruary can feel long and gloomy, leaving teachers unmotivated. That’s why it’s so important to bring excitement, joy, and purpose into your days. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to help you feel supported so you can not only survive February but thrive through it! Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-support Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Tea
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Practical Self-Kindness for Chronically Tired Teachers
12/02/2025 Duration: 28minTeachers are great at showing kindness to others but often struggle to extend it to themselves, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout. In this episode, we explore why self-kindness is essential and how it can help you navigate the demands of teaching with more energy, joy, and resilience. You’ll learn practical, research-backed strategies to reclaim your time, protect your emotional energy, and cultivate restorative joy—because prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for both you and your students! Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/chronically-tired-teachers Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginni
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How Elementary Teachers Can Show Kindness & Compassion to Their Students
05/02/2025 Duration: 28minModeling kindness is a powerful way to make a lasting impact, which is why it’s essential for teachers to show kindness and compassion to their students every day. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple and fun ways to model kindness in classrooms, helping to reinforce the positive behaviors you want to see. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/kindness-in-classrooms Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beg
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10 Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Kids Kindness: Practical Ideas You’ll Love!
29/01/2025 Duration: 22minFocusing on respect and kindness can transform your classroom management and foster a stronger sense of community. While academics are important, weaving fun and creative ways to teach kindness to kids into your daily routine is just as essential. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple and enjoyable strategies to help you bring more kindness into your classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kindness-to-kids Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset 21 Children's Books that Teach Diversity and Compassion: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/21-children-s-books-that-teach-diversity-and-compassion Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher
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Easy Ways to Involve Movement in Your Lessons (& Increase Student Focus & Engagement)
22/01/2025 Duration: 22minWith limited opportunities to release energy during the school day, it’s no surprise that focusing, retaining information, and staying engaged can be a challenge for students. Your first instinct might be to contain this energy, but instead you can harness it in a way that makes your lessons more fun and effective. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss why movement in the classroom is so critical and how to incorporate it into your lessons. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/movement-in-the-classroom Learn more about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com
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How to Reframe Negative Thoughts (And Why It’s Important)
15/01/2025 Duration: 31minIt’s human nature to think negative thoughts, but the key to not letting it make you feel defeated, frustrated, or doubt your ability to teach is to learn how to reframe those thoughts. In today's episode, I share how your thoughts impact your feelings, actions, and results and share a simple four-step process to reframe negativity. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/positive-mindset-for-teachers Learn more about R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-club-vs-the-academy Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen
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10 Research-Backed Ways to Find the Positive in Your Students
08/01/2025 Duration: 27minFocusing on the positive can transform your classroom by highlighting students' strengths and fostering a supportive environment. In today’s episode, I share 10 simple strategies for shifting your focus to what’s going right, backed by research showing that positivity boosts relationships, behavior, and academic achievement. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/find-the-positive Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.insta
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How to Easily Infuse More Humor into Your Classroom
01/01/2025 Duration: 29minIncorporating humor in the classroom is a small strategy that has the power to transform your classroom atmosphere. Humor isn’t just telling knock-knock jokes whenever you have time to fill between activities. Instead, there are so many more ways you can use humor to build connections and create a positive and engaging environment for your students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 15 of my favorite creative ways to infuse humor in the classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/humor-in-the-classroom Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www
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How to Work Less in 2025: 5 Things I Did to Get My Weekends Back
25/12/2024 Duration: 27minThis Christmas, give yourself the gift of time with strategies to achieve work-life balance as a teacher. In this episode, I share five powerful shifts to help you streamline your planning, set boundaries, and create more time for life outside the classroom. These actionable tips may feel challenging at first, but they’ve made a lasting difference for me, and they can for you too. Start small, implement one strategy at a time, and watch how small changes lead to big results! Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/achieve-work-life-balance Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect wit
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Simple, Low-Prep Speaking Activities for ELL Students
18/12/2024 Duration: 25minTeaching English Language Learners (ELLs) can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when it comes to building their confidence to speak and participate in class. In this episode, I’m sharing simple, low-prep speaking activities that make language practice fun and stress-free for your students. Whether they’re just starting out or advancing in their language skills, these adaptable strategies will help them grow from listening to confidently speaking. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/activities-for-ell-students Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Insta
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15 Nonverbal Cues Every Teacher Needs to Know
11/12/2024 Duration: 27minAre you tired of straining your voice and managing a noisy classroom? In this episode, I’m sharing how nonverbal cues can transform your classroom management. Silent signals can lower noise levels, create a calmer environment, and save your voice. Tune in to learn 15 practical examples of nonverbal cues to add to your teaching toolkit! Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/nonverbal-cues Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're
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All Behavior is Communication: 12 Easy Ways to Build Connections with Your Students
04/12/2024 Duration: 28minTeachers in my Classroom Management Club always ask for strategies to help handle student behaviors, which is why classroom management is such a hot topic on this podcast. While I will continue to provide you with new tips you can use in your classroom, in today’s episode, I want to reiterate a perspective that will change how you address behavior issues with your students. Although student behaviors can be challenging, it’s important to remember that all behavior is communication. Since students are trying to tell us something, it’s our job as educators to figure out what that something is, and it all starts with building strong connections. Today I’m sharing 12 practical and easy ways to build connections with your students. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/behavior-is-communication Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset “Teacher-Student Relationships: Impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports”: https://files.er
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How to Guarantee You Will Master Your Classroom Management
27/11/2024 Duration: 34minCountless times on this podcast, I’ve shared tips for improving your classroom management. We’ve talked about strategies, routines, and engaging activities that create a streamlined classroom management system specific to your needs. And while all of those small and consistent changes add up to huge results, there’s one thing missing to mastering your classroom management: your mindset. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the importance of believing in yourself and your ability to persevere during difficult times in the classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/master-your-classroom-management Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset James Wedmore's "Mind Your Business" Podcast: https://www.mindyourbusinesspodcast.com/ Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms: https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk):
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When You Have a Million Interruptions in a Day - How to Still Teach & Keep Kids Focused
20/11/2024 Duration: 24minWhether it’s redirecting students during a lesson, someone asking to use the restroom during a read aloud, the phone ringing while giving instructions, or the unexpected sound of the fire alarm, interruptions are a constant in the classroom. In today’s episode, I’m going to share some very concrete strategies and a few mindset reminders that will keep you teaching and your students focused when interruptions occur. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-with-interruptions Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a pos
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When Is It Time to Involve Admin for Help with a Challenging Student?
13/11/2024 Duration: 28minAs teachers, we know that difficult behaviors are going to happen. But sometimes certain behaviors become too much and we need to involve administrators. In today’s episode, I’m going to break down the steps to take so you can confidently know what to do before reaching out to administration for help and signs for when they need to intervene right away. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/involve-admin Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click
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How Gratitude Positively Impacts Learning: 7 Thanksgiving Activities that Teach Gratitude
06/11/2024 Duration: 29minWith Thanksgiving just around the corner in North America, I wanted to spend some time discussing how to incorporate gratitude and learning in your classroom. I provide research-based evidence that shows what can happen when you cultivate a genuine attitude of gratitude amongst your students and seven ideas to implement in your classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/gratitude-and-learning "Raising Children With an Attitude of Gratitude" Article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/raising-children-with-an-attitude-of-gratitude-1387839251?tesla=y "Grateful Schools, Happy Schools" Article: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/grateful_schools_happy_schools "11 Tips for Instilling True Gratitude in Your Students" Article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/11-tips-for-instilling-true-gratitude-in-your-kids_b_4708019?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAbtz-FWgv_9kkAHuq4rOPJ3Gfq4Ix2g1lntUTdAwU-1eqCeZHOWnfTrWxHSD8SpOJwQFZP1uKz0-DJCwByu1v
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Feeling Disenchanted with Teaching? You Aren’t Alone
30/10/2024 Duration: 32minWhen our expectations of being a teacher don't align with our realities, that's when we're in the disillusionment phase of teaching. In today's episode, I’m diving into what the disillusionment phase is and then providing you with practical strategies that will help you get relief. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/disillusionment-phase-2 Chatty Class Rescue Bundle: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/rescuebundleSP Phases of First-Year Teaching by Ellen Moir: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4298/JCPS/4089317/Phases_of_First_Year_Teachers.pdf Sleep and Mental Health Article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with L
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When 4 Students Constantly Disrupt Your Lesson
23/10/2024 Duration: 28minWhen disruptions occur with a small group of students, the way you handle the situation is completely different than with whole class disruptions. Instead of punishing every student, I’m going to provide you with strategies that will turn those individual interruptions back into focused work. With my five step process, you will walk away with techniques that you can use to manage those behaviors that will ultimately bring more peace to your classroom. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/constant-interruptions Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so
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Handling Challenging Behaviors with Confidence
16/10/2024 Duration: 26minWhen interacting with students all day, it’s the defiance, disruptions, and attention-seeking behaviors that teachers tend to struggle with the most. In today’s episode, I’m discussing the root causes of those challenging behaviors and practical strategies so you can address behavioral struggles during your school day. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/handling-challenging-behaviors Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click here to leave you
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8 Ways to Maximize Instructional Time Throughout the School Day
09/10/2024 Duration: 27minI’ve said it many times before, but part of effective classroom management is your time management skills. Just like with most things, time management is a practice that will get better over time. I’ve come up with some time-saving hacks that you can start using in your classroom. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 8 ways you can start maximizing your instructional time throughout your school day. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/time-saving-hacks Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Yo