Libsyn Directory

357. Classroom Management Coaches: Advice for Elementary Teachers - Part Two

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Release Date: 07/16/2025

381. Today’s Apathetic Kids: What to Do When Kids Just Don’t Care

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

You know the look: the blank stare, the shrugged shoulders, the quiet “I don’t care” that shows up no matter how engaging the lesson or activity is. When students feel apathetic, it can be one of the most discouraging challenges in the elementary classroom. But apathy isn’t a lack of ability; it’s a disconnect. In today’s episode, I take a deeper look at why this is happening and share practical, simple strategies you can start using with your apathetic students right away. Show Notes: 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: FREE Live Event: How to Prevent 2-3...

380. Documentation: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

There’s a moment every elementary teacher experiences - the one where a behavior repeats, a parent asks a question, or an administrator says, “Can you tell me when this started?”. Suddenly, you’re replaying weeks of memories in your head, wishing you had written it down. Documentation may not feel like teaching, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your time, your students, and yourself. In today’s episode, I’m sharing clear guidelines for documentation, along with practical ideas for creating a system that’s manageable and sustainable throughout the...

379. Helping Kids Build Executive Functioning Skills in Your Elementary Classroom

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

If you’ve ever watched a student stare at a messy desk, forget a direction you gave 10 seconds ago, or melt down at the sight of a multi-step task, you’re witnessing something bigger than “behavior” - you’re seeing developing executive functioning skills in action. The good news? These skills can be taught, strengthened, and practiced every single day in the elementary classroom. In this episode, I explain what executive functioning skills are, and share simple, effective ways to strengthen them in your classroom. Show Notes: 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: How...

378. Making After Recess & Lunch Transitions Calm, Fun, and Focused

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

There’s a certain chaos that walks back into your classroom after recess or lunch with the buzzing energy, side conversations, and constant movement in students’ seats. But what if those notoriously tricky transitions could become some of the calmest, most focused moments of your day? With the right strategies, those post-playtime minutes can shift from stressful to smooth...and even a little fun. In today’s episode, I’m sharing simple, effective ideas for creating classroom transitions that help students reset and refocus in ways that feel fun, easy, and enjoyable. Show Notes:...

377. When Admin Promised Support - But You’re on Your Own

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

The beginning of the year is always full of promise and hope for a successful, smooth school year - and that same optimism often extends to the support we expect from our administration. But when the reality sets in that you’re suddenly navigating everything on your own, the question becomes: What now? In today’s episode, I’m sharing strategic steps you can take to regain your power, protect your boundaries, and build a support system even when your administration isn’t showing up the way you need them to. Show Notes: 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: “Help!...

376. When Students Hijack Your Classroom: How to Stay in Control & Still Teach Everyone Else

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

When a handful of students seem determined to derail your lesson plans, it can feel like your classroom is running you instead of the other way around. But the most successful teachers know how to redirect chaos into cooperation by understanding what’s driving the disruption and transforming it into engagement. Doing so not only protects the learning environment for all students but also turns disruptive behavior into positive leadership opportunities. In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tools and strategies you can use when your energy feels consumed by managing challenging...

375. Should I Handle This Myself or Call in Backup? Knowing When It’s Time to Involve Admin

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Teachers naturally want to manage everything that happens in their classrooms and handle student behaviors independently. But when the tension between wanting to do it all yourself and knowing you’ve reached your limit starts to spill over, you’ve reached that pivotal moment every teacher faces, when you wonder, “Is this something I handle, or is it time to bring in admin?” In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to confidently know what you can and should manage in the classroom, and the red-flag moments that signal it’s time to involve admin. Show Notes: ...

374. Gratitude that Sticks: Fresh & Inspiring Ways to Teach Thankfulness This Fall

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Imagine walking into a classroom where students greet each other with smiles, celebrate one another’s efforts, and notice the small things that make each day special. That’s the power of gratitude - it transforms the classroom atmosphere from ordinary to uplifting. In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven fresh, practical, and engaging ways to weave gratitude into your classroom, and why it matters so much for your students. Show Notes: Free Gratitude Goodies Gift Tags: Classroom Management Club Waitlist: Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: ...

373. Needy Kids? How to Teach Kids to Be More Independent

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Some students seem to need your help every few minutes, whether it’s finding a pencil, getting assistance with an assignment, or asking what to do next. While their constant need for reassurance can feel overwhelming, these moments are golden opportunities to teach independence. In today’s episode, I’m exploring why needy kids are showing up more often in classrooms, what research tells us about supporting them, and practical strategies to help students become more independent. Show Notes: R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational...

372. Staggered Starts, After Recess & Lunch Transition Ideas

Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Mornings and transitions can be tricky moments for teachers, but they don’t have to stay that way. By establishing clear routines and teaching students exactly how your classroom runs, you create a calm, structured, and predictable environment that leads to more engagement and productivity. In today’s episode, I’m sharing several practical, low-prep strategies to help you keep your mornings, and your after-recess and lunch transitions, smooth, calm, and productive. Show Notes: R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page: ...

More Episodes

When you’re part of the Classroom Management Club, you’re not just exchanging ideas and strategies; you’re sharing purpose, strength, and the kind of support that only fellow educators can offer. Last week, we kicked off our conversation with three of our fabulous coaches—Alicia, Michelle, and Becca—who shared their experiences as members of the Club and offered tips for improving classroom management. In part two of this conversation, they're discussing why they love being coaches, everything the Club has to offer, and their advice for beginning teachers on managing their classrooms.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/classroom-management-coaches-part-two

Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk

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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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677

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

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