Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

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

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, yo...

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

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a certain chaos that walks back into your classroom after recess or lunch with the buzzing energy, side conversations, and constant movement i...

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

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 suppor...

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

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers naturally want to manage everything that happens in their classrooms and handle student behaviors independently. But when the tension between...

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

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine walking into a classroom where students greet each other with smiles, celebrate one another's efforts, and notice the small things that make e...

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

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 nex...

372. Staggered Starts, After Recess & Lunch Transition Ideas

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mornings and transitions can be tricky moments for teachers, but they don't have to stay that way. By establishing clear routines and teaching student...

371. Want to Quit? Me Too

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There comes a moment when even the most passionate teachers whisper to themselves, "I don't know if I can do this anymore". The exhaustion, the negati...

370. How to End Blurting in Your Classroom

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After years of letting interruptions disrupt my teaching, I realized that blurting wasn't usually about disrespect. It was about impulse control. With...

369. How to Keep Your Students Engaged in October

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

October can be one of the most engaging months of the school year when you weave in seasonal themes, keep lessons interactive, and give students owner...

368. When Parents Question You: Staying Confident & Professional

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When parents question your decisions as a teacher, it can feel like your professionalism is on trial, but it's actually an opportunity. Instead of bra...

367. The September Stress Spiral — How to Step off It & Stay Grounded

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every September, teachers get swept into the "stress spiral" - the endless to-do lists, stacks of papers to grade, and the constant feeling of barely ...

366. When Kids Test You in September: How to Reset Routines Without Starting Over

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the start of the school year, everything feels fresh. Students are eager, polite, and full of curiosity. But as the weeks go on, that initial spark...

365. When You Have Mean or Unsupportive Admin — How to Protect Your Peace When Your Admin Doesn't Have Your Back

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When teachers feel like their admin doesn't have their back, it can be exhausting, isolating, and even hopeless at times. But you're not powerless. In...

364. What to Do When Kids Ignore You in Your Elementary Classroom

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a beginning teacher dealing with students who constantly ignore you, here are two things you need to know: you're not alone, and it doesn't ...

363. Top Children's Literature Books to Help You Manage Your Elementary Classroom

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While many of us use books to support lessons or create a calm, engaging moment with our class, did you know there are other powerful ways to use them...

362. When You Experience Fear of Not Being Good Enough

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As you set up your classroom and wait for students to arrive, a different kind of noise often fills the silence: worry. Teachers carry a lot on their ...

361. Classroom Management for Specials Teachers

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Classroom management isn't just a concern for homeroom teachers. Specials teachers face their own unique set of challenges: rotating classes, varying ...

360. 10-Minute Guided Meditation for Teachers: Let Go & Rest

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With such long and exhausting days, teachers need more opportunities to relax and declutter their minds, and meditation does just that. It's a powerfu...

359. Master Your Classroom Management with 2nd Grade Teacher Margaret McLellan

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One thing I always emphasize is that teachers are lifelong learners. They're constantly evolving, growing, and striving to be their best. Because this...

358. How to Use Five-Minute Field Trips to Help Kids Regulate, Re-Focus, and Re-Energize

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tapping into your creative side during summer break is a great way to develop engaging strategies that make a real impact on your students and classro...

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

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

356. Classroom Management Coaches: Advice for Elementary Teachers - Part One

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I always dreamed of creating a space for beginning teachers and the Classroom Management Club has exceeded all expectations. It has grown into a thriv...

355. SPED Teachers: Get Ready for the School Year with Kayla

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beginning teachers imagine that with experience will come more confidence, stronger classroom management, and the ability to handle challenging studen...

354. Get Ready for the School Year with First-Grade Teacher Emily Roberts

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 prepa...

353. Get Ready for the School Year with a Second-Year Teacher

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 inte...

352. The Power of Grit for Elementary Teachers

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 persever...

351. New Teacher Spotlight: Teaching Overseas

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Even with several years of classroom experience working alongside other teachers, stepping into your own classroom comes with a whole new set of chall...

350. How to Fit In with Your Grade Level Team at a New School (Even if They're Already Tight)

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers often pour so much time and energy into supporting their students that they forget about forming strong relationships with their peers. Navig...

Managing Fear and Worry About Next School Year

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 tea...

New Teacher Spotlight: Kelsey Moody

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Setting Up a Classroom: 6 Mistakes to Avoid

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Beginning teachers often get so caught up in the way their classroom looks and forget its true purpose: functionality. Even veteran teachers can benef...

It's Not Just What You Say — It's HOW You Show Up: The Interview Energy Shift That Gets You Hired

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: Transitioning from Student to Teacher (And How Schools Can Help)

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is oft...

The Real Cost of Teacher Attrition (& How to Prevent It)

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When new teachers are met with feelings of isolation, unprepared realities of the classroom, and unsupportive guidance or mentorship, it often leads t...

The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them)

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New teachers often leave university feeling unprepared for the realities of the classroom, struggling to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I...

How to Teach Kids Focus Skills

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I'm sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attenti...

How to Structure the Rest of Your Day After an Assessment

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After preparing for weeks for state assessments, teachers often get to the day and still have one question left to answer - What do I do with my stude...

How to Calm & Prepare Students During the Weeks Leading Up to Testing

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to preparing students for state standardized tests, learning and reviewing academic content is just part of the preparation. The other b...

Test-Taking Strategies for Math in Elementary

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If standardized tests make you anxious, you're not alone! In this episode, we're continuing our test prep series by shifting focus to math. I'm sharin...

Helpful Test-Taking Strategies in Elementary Language Arts

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As spring approaches, both teachers and students look forward to warmer weather and the excitement of summer, but there's one big source of stress: st...

How to Take the Pressure Off

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We feel so much pressure in our work environment, personal life, and from society. It's difficult to manage all of those emotions and demands. In this...

Surviving February: Staying Inspired During the Longest Shortest Month

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

February 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...

Practical Self-Kindness for Chronically Tired Teachers

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers are great at showing kindness to others but often struggle to extend it to themselves, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout. In this episod...

How Elementary Teachers Can Show Kindness & Compassion to Their Students

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Modeling 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 studen...

10 Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Kids Kindness: Practical Ideas You'll Love!

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Focusing on respect and kindness can transform your classroom management and foster a stronger sense of community. While academics are important, weav...

Easy Ways to Involve Movement in Your Lessons (& Increase Student Focus & Engagement)

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With limited opportunities to release energy during the school day, it's no surprise that focusing, retaining information, and staying engaged can be ...

How to Reframe Negative Thoughts (And Why It's Important)

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It'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 l...

10 Research-Backed Ways to Find the Positive in Your Students

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Focusing on the positive can transform your classroom by highlighting students' strengths and fostering a supportive environment. In today's episode, ...

How to Easily Infuse More Humor into Your Classroom

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Incorporating humor in the classroom is a small strategy that has the power to transform your classroom atmosphere. Humor isn't just telling knock-kno...

How to Work Less in 2025: 5 Things I Did to Get My Weekends Back

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of time with strategies to achieve work-life balance as a teacher. In this episode, I share five powerful shift...

Simple, Low-Prep Speaking Activities for ELL Students

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when it comes to building their confidence to speak and pa...

15 Nonverbal Cues Every Teacher Needs to Know

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of straining your voice and managing a noisy classroom? In this episode, I'm sharing how nonverbal cues can transform your classroom man...

All Behavior is Communication: 12 Easy Ways to Build Connections with Your Students

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers in my Classroom Management Club always ask for strategies to help handle student behaviors, which is why classroom management is such a hot t...

How to Guarantee You Will Master Your Classroom Management

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Countless times on this podcast, I've shared tips for improving your classroom management. We've talked about strategies, routines, and engaging activ...

When You Have a Million Interruptions in a Day - How to Still Teach & Keep Kids Focused

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's redirecting students during a lesson, someone asking to use the restroom during a read aloud, the phone ringing while giving instructions...

When Is It Time to Involve Admin for Help with a Challenging Student?

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we know that difficult behaviors are going to happen. But sometimes certain behaviors become too much and we need to involve administrato...

How Gratitude Positively Impacts Learning: 7 Thanksgiving Activities that Teach Gratitude

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With Thanksgiving just around the corner in North America, I wanted to spend some time discussing how to incorporate gratitude and learning in your cl...

Feeling Disenchanted with Teaching? You Aren't Alone

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When 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 episo...

When 4 Students Constantly Disrupt Your Lesson

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When disruptions occur with a small group of students, the way you handle the situation is completely different than with whole class disruptions. Ins...

Handling Challenging Behaviors with Confidence

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When interacting with students all day, it's the defiance, disruptions, and attention-seeking behaviors that teachers tend to struggle with the most. ...

8 Ways to Maximize Instructional Time Throughout the School Day

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've said it many times before, but part of effective classroom management is your time management skills. Just like with most things, time management...

My Favorite Class Halloween Party Games for Elementary

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spooky season is here, and as teachers, we know what that comes with, right? 🎃 Lots of Halloween energy! 🎃 In this episode, I'm giving you sever...

10 Time-Saving Tips for Elementary Teachers

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're a new or veteran teacher, it's important to know how to manage your classroom more efficiently, which starts with time management. By s...

How to Integrate Technology to Differentiate Learning in Elementary

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's world, technology is a constant in our lives, and its impact is growing rapidly. So, how can we continue to utilize technology to positivel...

Teaching a Split Grade: 10 Helpful Tips

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A trend that's happening in education right now is the idea of teaching split grades. Whether this is the effect of Covid-related academic struggles o...

3 Mindset Reminders for the First Weeks of School

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've always found it interesting that our mind can trick us into thinking the opposite of what we know to be true when we're stressed or in survival m...

Quick Lunch & Snack Ideas for Busy Teachers

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm all about learning how to uplevel your classroom management system in all the different aspects of the classroom. I've always said that managing a...

5 Easy Mindfulness Activities For Elementary Teachers & Students

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One thing I've dedicated the last few years to is researching and experimenting with mindfulness activities. Once I saw positive results from being in...

Anti-Anxiety Toolbox for Elementary Teachers: Setting the Foundation for Calm

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the rise in pressure that teachers face, it's no wonder teacher anxiety is at an all-time high and a constant hurdle to deal with on a daily basi...

How to Create a Classroom Community in the First Weeks of School

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Building a classroom community in the first weeks of school will set you up for success with genuine relationships all year long.  In this episode, I...

How to Establish Your Classroom Management Plan at the Beginning of the School Year

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm sharing four clear steps for laying the foundation of an effective classroom management plan. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifries...

An Often Overlooked Classroom Management Tool with Alicia Ulrich

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a beginning teacher, you're worried about implementing the most effective strategies, procedures, routines, and lesson plans. And while th...

Classroom Management Advice from 3rd-Year Teacher Rebecca Stafford

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've been talking on the podcast lately about preparing for the new school year, especially as beginning teachers, and ways to feel ready when the sc...

R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club: What's the Difference & Which One Is Right for Me?

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My main goal in creating and providing all that I do is so that beginning teachers don't have to struggle or feel the overwhelm and stress that come w...

New Teacher Training Series Part Ten: Managing Your Mindset as a New Teacher

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode in the series, I wanted to provide teachers with a way to help themselves mentally to staying positive. So, in today's episode, I'...

New Teacher Training Series Part Nine: Building Your Confidence as a New Teacher

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Even though first-year teachers have gained all this knowledge and experience, there still seems to be a lack of confidence. So, in part nine of the s...

New Teacher Training Series Part Eight: How to Get R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy for Free

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I always want teachers to enroll in the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, but I know it's not feasible for everyone. So, I want to give you ways to make ...

New Teacher Training Series Part Seven: How to Know if R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy Is Right for You

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part seven of our New Teacher Training series, we're talking about a program I wanted to create where beginning teachers could go to learn practica...

New Teacher Training Series Part Six: Why New Teachers Leave the Profession (And How to Avoid Being One of Them)

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All the other episodes in this New Teacher Training Series share practical tips and strategies for setting up your classroom, but this episode might b...

New Teacher Training Series Part Five: 5 Keys to Making the Transition from Student to Teacher

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout this new teacher training series, I've discussed practical topics that new teachers are interested in learning more about when it comes to ...

New Teacher Training Series Part Four: 4 Ways to Prevent Challenging Behavior in Your Elementary Classroom

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the things I was nervous about when I got into my own classroom was how to deal with and manage the challenging behaviors of students.  So, in...

New Teacher Training Series Part Three: 6 Class Jobs Every Classroom Needs

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are well into our new teacher series, where I discuss topics that new teachers should know before running their own classrooms in the fall. So, in ...

New Teacher Training Series Part Two: Choosing an Inclusive and Beautiful Classroom Theme

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the second episode of the new teacher series, I'm talking about a topic most new teachers can't wait to do, but am putting some caution behind it a...

New Teacher Training Series Part One: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Setting up (Or Re-Organizing) Your Classroom

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The start of this new series will help brand new and beginning teachers think about their classroom setup in ways that are functional for the best lea...

Should Teachers Use Rewards in Their Classrooms? Part Three: The Impact of Gamified Learning, Tangible and Intangible Rewards

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For the last two episodes, we've explored the idea of using rewards in the classroom and really examined the research behind it and the ways it motiva...

Should Teachers Use Rewards in Their Classrooms? Part Two: The Impact of Rewards on Learning Motivation in Schools

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In last week's episode, I talked about six beliefs about rewards and what the current research is saying about them now. To further our conversation i...

Should Teachers Use Rewards in Their Classrooms? Part One: A Second Look at Six Beliefs about Classroom Rewards

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As I started to look at research on rewards in the classroom, I was astounded by the amount of research and information that was outdated. I started t...

Teacher Spring Cleaning Series Part Three: The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last two episodes, we've talked about ways you can do some spring cleaning and declutter and organize your teacher desk and filing cabinet. H...

Teacher Spring Cleaning Series Part Two: How to Organize Your Filing Cabinet

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To me, it feels good to clean and get things cleared out, for it provides a clear mental space for the busy time of the end of the school year. To con...

Teacher Spring Cleaning Series Part One: How to Organize Your Teacher Desk

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since cleaning and organization can be a weakness and struggle for many teachers, I thought it was fitting to do a teacher spring cleaning series.  I...

Can We Just Take a Breath? Proof that Mindset Matters

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Instead of filling your brain with more resources and practical ways to be more effective in your classroom, today, I'm filling your brain with positi...

WOW Observation & Interview Lessons – Your 10-Point Checklist

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With interview season upon us, I thought it would be the perfect time to refresh those interviewing skills so you make the best impression and land th...

How to Stop Yelling (and Use Your Voice More Effectively)

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part of our job as teachers is to get students' attention as we transition from one activity to the next, line up from recess, or give further instruc...

Understanding IEPs, 504s, and ELLs

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a new teacher coming into the educational field, it can be overwhelming to remember and understand all of the different acronyms and terms...

Managing the Sunday Night Scaries

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You've finally made it to the weekend where you're able to breathe and relax from a long and stressful week at work. You take full advantage of living...

How Elementary Teachers Can Use ChatGPT to Save Time

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As beginning teachers, we're always looking for ways to save time on things like lesson planning, preparing engaging activities, creating practice wor...

How to Prepare for Field Trips: The Elementary Teacher's Guide

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We probably all remember going on field trips when we were students, but knowing how to adequately plan and execute a field trip as an elementary teac...

12 Ways to Manage ODD Students in Your Elementary Classroom

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

ODD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, is a neurological pattern that is responsible for a person's reasoning, judgment, and impulse control. Teaching...