How to Teach Kids Focus Skills
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Release Date: 04/02/2025
Get Ready for the School Year with First-Grade Teacher Emily Roberts
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
When you’re just starting out as a teacher, there’s so much to learn and never quite enough time. So, what can you do to help yourself feel more prepared and ready to tackle the back-to-school season? My guest on today’s episode, Emily Roberts, had the same question. She’s sharing how the Academy shaped her preparation, helped her manage challenging student behaviors, and supported her in building strong student relationships. Show Notes: Index Card Flipbook: Classroom Prizes: Variety Pack: Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher...
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Get Ready for the School Year with a Second-Year Teacher
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Your first year of teaching often feels like pure survival mode. It’s usually not until your second year that you can finally take a breath, make intentional plans, and start growing as an educator. My guest on today’s episode, Teresa Grosboll, knows that feeling all too well. She’s sharing what it really takes to not just survive, but thrive in your second year—and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy helped boost her confidence and get her classroom organized as she headed into year two. Show Notes: God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person: Like Me: A...
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The Power of Grit for Elementary Teachers
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Let’s be honest: teaching gets tough. As a beginning teacher, you're stepping into a world where success isn’t defined by perfection, but by perseverance. There will be challenges — tough students, long nights, and moments of doubt — but grit is what will carry you through. In today’s episode, inspired by Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, I’m sharing why grit is so important in teaching and offering a few practical ways you can begin to develop it. Show Notes: Angela Duckworth's book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance:...
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New Teacher Spotlight: Teaching Overseas
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Even with several years of classroom experience working alongside other teachers, stepping into your own classroom comes with a whole new set of challenges. From classroom setup and organization to behavior management and building routines, there are so many things a university program doesn't prepare you for. In today's teacher spotlight, Jenna Barron is sharing her struggles, what she wish she knew going into teaching, and how the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy changed her perspective and approach to teaching. Show Notes: Sticky Flip Chart Paper: Book Bins for Centers:...
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How to Fit In with Your Grade Level Team at a New School (Even if They’re Already Tight)
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Teachers often pour so much time and energy into supporting their students that they forget about forming strong relationships with their peers. Navigating adult connections can be unexpectedly tricky. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing practical advice for how you can fit in at a new school or with your grade-level team. These strategies will show you that with patience and a positive outlook, you’ll not only find your place, but begin to build lasting, supportive relationships with your coworkers. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: ...
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Managing Fear and Worry About Next School Year
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Our brains are wired to worry, so it’s only natural for you to wonder how you'll handle the unknown of the coming school year. Using two real-life teacher examples, I’ll show how fear and worry about potential challenges can be addressed with simple, actionable strategies. Each concern is valid, but by focusing on what’s true and what’s working, you’ll start to recognize your growth and reframe the fear. You’ll also see how making small, strategic adjustments can make next year feel far more manageable. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube...
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New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
The first year of teaching is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of questions. So if you’ve just graduated and are looking for a supportive way to prepare and feel a little less stressed, this episode is for you! Today, I’m chatting with Kelsey Moody, a fellow teacher and graduate of my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: 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...
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Setting Up a Classroom: 6 Mistakes to Avoid
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benefit from reflecting on their current classroom setup to find better ways to organize the space and better serve their students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing six of the most common mistakes teachers make when setting up their classrooms and how to avoid them. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: Free Masterclass - How to Get Ready for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less: Grab a copy of my...
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It’s Not Just What You Say — It’s HOW You Show Up: The Interview Energy Shift That Gets You Hired
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
Teacher interviews can be intimidating and often feels like you're stepping into the unknown. But the hidden secret to a successful interview doesn’t show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it’s about your interview energy. In today's episode, I'm discussing what that means, practical ways to show it, what you need to avoid, and why it's the key to getting you hired. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: Preparing for Elementary Teacher Interviews Resource Library Bundle:...
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Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: Transitioning from Student to Teacher (And How Schools Can Help)
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers
The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is often due to the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in university and the practical skills needed in the classroom. In this episode, I discuss how to bridge that gap and how to gain support from adminstrators, schools, and districts. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: Learn about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy: Free Masterclass - How to Prepare for the School Year in 5...
info_outlineAre you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I’m sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attention skills in fun and meaningful ways. You'll learn how to naturally integrate focus-boosting activities into your daily routine, incorporate mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, and implement gradual, intentional strategies to strengthen concentration.
Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teaching-kids-to-focus
Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/the-5-step-reset
Love Notes for Your Kiddos - Bookmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Notes-for-Your-Kiddos-Positive-Bookmarks-Surprises-5111445
“Active Breaks and Cognitive Performance in Pupils: A Systematic Review”: https://revista-apunts.com/en/active-breaks-and-cognitive-performance-in-pupils-a-systematic-review/#:~:text=(2019)%20also%20uncovered%20beneficial%20effects,are%20capable%20of%20carrying%20out
“Mindfulness-Oriented Meditation for Primary School Children: Effects on Attention and Psychological Well-Being”: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00805/full
“How Does Chunking Help Working Memory?”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29698045/#:~:text=(b)%20Is%20the%20chunking%20benefit,APA%2C%20all%20rights%20reserved
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/
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I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one.
Xo Lori
P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist