Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

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to look at research on rewards in the classroom, I was astounded by the amount of research and information that was outdated.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

Achieving Work-Life Balance

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a beginning teacher, there's a good chance that you're one of the last ones to leave the school and one of the first ones to arrive in the m...

Managing Defiant Students: What to Do When a Kid Says NO

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Before we were educators, we dreamt about our students and how they would love and be engaged in all of the lessons and activities we created. But in ...

Plan Your 100th Day of School with Me

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrating the 100th day of school is fun! I've found that the best way to make it a success is to plan early, so I want to share some 100th day of s...

Preparing Your Students for a Sub

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are times throughout the school year when you have to be out of your classroom and will have a substitute in your room for the day. When that t...

Ask Dr. Lori's Husband

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm excited to introduce you to one of my most devoted listeners of the podcast…my husband Keith! I thought it would be a fun episode to not o...

So Many Exciting Things!

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Friends, I have so many exciting, new, and fun things I want to share with you! So many big moments have been happening in both my personal and profes...

My Sneaky Snowman's Adventure: A Narrative Writing Project

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We should all be able to experience the light, gratitude, imagination, and possibility of this season. It's in this spirit that I want to share a very...

10 Ways to Infuse Movement into Your Classroom for Better Engagement and Focus

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we move into the time of year when students are excited about the upcoming holidays and school breaks, they tend to become more restless and less f...

Trauma-Informed Teaching: A Quick-Start Guide

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When getting a teaching job, you prepare for the lessons, activities, classroom management, and setting up your classroom, but knowing how to support ...

Feeling Disillusioned About Teaching? Here's Why

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Research shows you experience six different phases as first year teachers. These phases can dramatically impact your feeling toward teaching and ques...

Ultimate Student Engagement in Your Elementary Classroom: Part Two

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When I was a young teacher, I believed two things about student engagement: kids would automatically be interested in what I was teaching and the role...

Creative Strategies for Ultimate Student Engagement in Your Elementary Classroom: Part One

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Getting your students interested in what they're learning is the key to keeping them engaged in a well-managed classroom. I want your students to enj...

Supporting Autistic Students in Your Elementary Classroom

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I want to make sure that you feel supported and have all the information you need to support students with autism in your classroom. By understanding ...

15 Ways to Use Task Cards in Your Elementary Classroom

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Task cards bring a fresh approach to learning and provide new ways to review concepts as a whole class, small group, or as partners. Additionally, th...

How to Use Data to Drive Instruction

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers need direct and simple ways on how to use data to drive instruction. In this episode I discuss the three types of data and how they can be u...

Understanding ADHD: 10 Strategies for Classroom Management

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we're not responsible for diagnosing a child with ADHD, but sometimes we are the first to notice and identify early warning signs. So if ...

Mastering the Art of Giving Clear Directions in Elementary Classrooms

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Raise your hand if you think you're being crystal clear when giving directions, but afterwards find yourself answering multiple questions about the in...

13 Strategies to Constructively Channel Your Chatty Class's Energy and Enthusiasm

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a chatty class this year? In last week's episode, episode 261, I shared 15 troubleshooting strategies to help figure out how you can prev...

What to Do When You Have a Chatty Class: Part One

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Having a chatty class can definitely be a challenge, but also viewed as a blessing. If you have already learned that you have a chatty class, it's bes...

You're Doing Better Than You Think - Here's Proof

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a few weeks into the new school year, the harsh realities of teacher responsibilities and a constant overwhelming amount of stress have prob...

First Month of School Reminders & Mindset Shifts

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you begin a new school year, there's so much that you need to do that you can often feel overwhelmed which can lead to working too much and thoug...

When Things Don't Go as Planned

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we're natural planners, both professionally and personally. That's why it gives us immense stress when aspects of our life aren't planned...

How to Manage Imposter Syndrome as a New Teacher

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've spent four years working towards your degree, completing student teaching, and now you finally have your own classroom. But even with all this ...

How to Improve Your Classroom Management with 2nd Year Teacher Natalie Sanfelippo

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you take the steps to do what you need to do and make the changes you need to make, you can create a classroom you truly love. New teachers can f...

What Principals are REALLY Looking for During Observation Lessons

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Observation lessons are nerve-wracking, especially for new teachers. It can be hard to know exactly what principals are looking for when they're obs...

Interview Advice from a Principal: 5 Things Admin is Looking For During Interviews

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are a new teacher looking to land your first teaching position or a veteran teacher looking to make a change, interviewing can be incredib...

Classroom Management Mastery Series Part Four: 7 Impulse Control Strategies That Work to Set Your Students Up For Success From the Start

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready to say goodbye to blurting, tantrums, and interruptions? These are challenges that every teacher faces and they have only increased in t...

Classroom Management Mastery Series Part Three: How to Stay Positive AND Consistently Deliver Natural Consequences

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amazing classroom management starts on the very first day of school. We all know building genuine relationships, focusing on the positive, and consis...

Classroom Management Mastery Series Part Two: "But My Kids Just Don't Care" 5 Strategies to Change That

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can I effectively manage my classroom when my students just don't care about praise or natural consequences? This is a question that so many teac...

Classroom Management Mastery Series Part One: How to Lay the Foundation for Your Classroom Management Plan in 4 Clear Steps

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you worried about classroom management when you take on your own classroom in the Fall? If that's you, this 4 part mini-series is perfect for thin...

How to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Writing Instruction with Sara Marye

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which subject are you least excited to teach? Is it writing? If so, you are in good company! Many new (and experienced) teachers find teaching writi...

What if You Had $1,000 for Your New Classroom?

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if you were given $1,000 to spend on your classroom? 🤯 I'm sure your mind is filled with ideas of everything you want in your cla...

New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Five: Beth Bowe

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The path to your first job as a teacher may not go how you expect it to and that is absolutely okay! Sometimes the unexpected and nontraditional paths...

New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Four: Kelsey Moody

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is something so comforting about hearing another teacher share about their struggles, what they've gone through, and how they worked through the...

New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Three: Teresa Grosboll

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You got your first year of teaching out of the way but you are realizing that you just survived the year and you are ready to up your game in year two...

New Teacher Spotlight Series Part Two: Rebecca Stafford

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've spent four years at college in a teacher prep program but you still aren't feeling prepared to handle all the non-academic tasks that come alon...

New Teacher Spotlight Series Part One: Jenna Barron

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's always so exciting and inspiring to hear other teachers share their experiences, struggles, and accomplishments. That's why I am so excited for ...

Social Media Best Practices for New Teachers

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One unexpected but real change that comes with moving into a classroom teacher role is the importance of being professional on social media. Up until ...

Making the Shift from Student Teacher to Teacher

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The first year of teaching is so memorable and exciting, but also challenging. Nothing can fully prepare you for the realities and responsibilities of...

What If I'm Not Cut Out for Teaching?

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Has the overwhelm and struggle of the last few months left you wondering if you are actually cut out for teaching? If you're feeling defeated, frustra...

Restorative Circles in Your Classroom: How to Get Started

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Improving and preventing challenging behaviors starts with creating a safe and consistent, caring space for all students. As much as we love fun seas...

How (and Why) to Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning Into Your Day

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Social-Emotional learning is here to stay and we can expect to see it become a more formal part of our curriculums in the near future. SEL is so incre...

How to Talk to Your Admin & Co-Workers About Transferring Schools (& Get Reference Letters)

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the time of year when we start thinking ahead to the next school year and maybe this is the year you've decided you'll be transferring schools. ...

Top 10 Tips for Managing Spring Fever in Elementary

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Spring fever is hitting classrooms everywhere. The warmer the weather gets, the more restless students are becoming. If we're being honest, as teacher...

Testing Week in Elementary: How to Structure the Rest of Your Day after an Assessment

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do I do with my students for the rest of the day after taking a big test? Should I play a movie? Have extended recess? Review content? 🤔 If th...

The Weeks Leading Up to Testing in Elementary: How to Calm & Prepare Students (& Why This Matters)

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're continuing our conversation about how to prepare your students for state standardized testing. In part one of this se...

5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Math for 2nd – 5th Grade

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does the idea of standardized testing leave you feeling stressed? You're not alone, and that's why this week we are going to be continuing our four-p...

5 Must-Know Test Taking Strategies in Language Arts for 2nd – 5th Grade

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again. Spring is quickly approaching, and that means that all kinds of testing is just around the corner. With testing comes lo...

10 Enrichment Ideas (for High Achieving Students in Math and ELA)

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching a class full of students means that you're always going to have a wide range of ability levels. Over the years, we've talked on this podcast ...

10 Simple & Easy Exit Ticket Ideas for Elementary Teachers

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You are only one person leading a class of 20-30 students. How can you ensure that some students aren't falling behind in their understanding of the ...

Maternity Leave: Your First 5 Steps

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about a topic that many of you may currently be planning for, or will be planning for in the near future, and that is maternity le...

24 Fun & Easy Indoor Recess Activities for Elementary Classrooms

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are two words that can quickly turn any teacher's day upside down. Indoor recess. 😳 If you know, you know!  Indoor recess often comes with a...

How to Support Your Speech & Language Students with Hallie Sherman

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When we see a student struggling, we often feel like it's our fault and that we need to have all the answers, but I want to encourage you to lean on t...

How Walt Disney Would Manage Your Classroom - Part Three

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today marks episode three in our three-part series on how Walt Disney would manage your classroom. In part one, we talked about creating a legendar...

How Walt Disney Would Manage Your Classroom - Part Two

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Inside episode #224, we kicked off our Walt Disney classroom management series by talking about the foundational elements included in thinking through...

How Walt Disney Would Manage Your Classroom - Part One

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's just something about being at Disney World that is completely magical. ✨ 🏰 The world feels brighter, and even as an adult, it brings ba...

Teachers Are Not Classroom Therapists with Elizabeth Peterson

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we wear so many hats every single day. We are organizers, facilitators, cheerleaders, coaches, nurses, janitors, and so much more. Ofte...

15 Ways to Use Timers to Streamline Your Classroom Management

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk about a very underrated classroom management tool…timers. Specifically, using timers in your PowerPoint slides. This is one of my favori...

What to Do When Parents Say, "My Child Hates School!"

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"My child hates school."  Ouch. Have you ever had a parent say this to you before? If not, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's most likely ...

Teaching Today's Kids: Best Practices

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of the term 'digital native'?  Our guest, Rachael Parlett, explains that 'digital native' is a phrase that describes our students in t...

How to Handle Missing Work & Absences

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The fall and winter months come with lots of sick children, and in turn, absent students from your class. You know what that means - extra work for y...

5 Planning Tips to to Help You Achieve Work-Life Balance

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can teachers really get all of their lesson planning done during their contract hours? This is probably the holy grail of teacher questions. Is it act...

When You Get a New Student Mid-Year

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever received an email from your school's secretary letting you know that you're getting a new student? Getting this news can sometimes caus...

Is Your Admin Supportive? How to Ask for the Help You Need

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling with classroom management, or something else that is holding you back from becoming the teacher you've always dreamed of being? If ...

How to Reduce Overwhelm & Stop Imposter Syndrome

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you spent your entire weekend working and then resented having to go into work on Monday morning? When you show up, you're comple...

22 Halloween Class Party Games for Elementary Classrooms (& How to Manage Seasonal Halloween Energy)

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spooky season is here and as teachers, we know what that comes with, right? 🎃 Lots of Halloween energy! 🎃 Inside this episode, I'm going to gi...

How to Plan for a Sub (So You Can Take a Day Off)

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been sick, but still showed up to teach anyway? Teachers do this so often, and it's usually for one of two reasons. They feel like it's ...

How to Be Happier (& Enjoy Teaching More)

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel genuinely happy in your day to day life, both in and out of the classroom? Happiness is something that we all long for, and I think it's o...

12 Ways to Keep the Rest of the Class on Task When You're Working with Small Groups

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Raise your hand if you've ever experienced the struggle of running small groups. 🙋🏻‍♀️ You spend so much time planning and prepping for ...

Why You're Struggling with Classroom Management: What Nobody Told You

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past couple of weeks on the podcast, we've been talking about a couple of different topics. One of them was how to set up your teacher plann...

How to Manage All That Student Data

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I don't know about you, but when I first started teaching elementary school, "student data" was the one term that struck fear in my heart. The phrase...

How to Set Up Your Teacher Planning Binder: Your Essential Classroom Management Tool

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do your eyes light up when you walk through the office supply aisle at Target? As teachers, the colorful flair pens, sticky notes, and art supplies ar...

What to Do When You Get Your Curriculum (and Start Freaking Out)

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's always so much to do at the beginning of a new school year. The busyness comes with stress, overwhelm, and way too little sleep! Then there's ...

What to Do When You're Asked to Change Grades at the Last Minute

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine you've spent all summer preparing to teach second grade. It's the position you were hired to teach, and you're ready to start in a week and a ...

5 Fantastic Activities for the First Weeks of School

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best ways that you can create a sense of community in your classroom from the very beginning is by being intentional about the activities y...

How to Get Planned, Prepped, and Organized Without Working 24/7 with Stephanie Palovchik

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you take your school work home every weekend? Do you check work emails on the weekend? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may think ...

14 Things to Tell Parents on the First Day of School

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you know that I recommend that you do a monthly newsletter for parents every single month of the ...

10 Must-Have Resources for First-Year Teachers

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody talks about how much time and effort it really takes to set up your first classroom! It's a lot of work. If you are a first-year teacher, one w...

READY for the School Year with First-Year Teacher Kelsey Moody

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a beginning teacher getting ready for your very first year of teaching? If so, you're going to love today's episode because I am talking to Ke...

Classroom Management Hack: Level Up When You Have a Chatty Class

16 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's classroom management hack is an amazing hack to use at the beginning of the school year to help your students all get on track towards bui...

New Teacher Spotlight: Rebecca Stafford

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I have a special treat for you in today's episode because I am interviewing one of my R.E.A.D.Y for School Academy students, Rebecca Stafford. Becca j...

Classroom Management Hack: Maybe Box

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have students who constantly bring toys to school that end up being a big distraction? This week's classroom management hack will help!  Sig...

How to Know if You're Ready for the School Year

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher, do you feel ready for the upcoming school year?  After student teaching, we quickly realize that much of the theory that we ...

Classroom Management Hack: The Desk Fairy

02 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's classroom management hack is a fun way to add a little magic to your students' day (and encourage clean desks)! Sign up for my free master...

Find Your Tribe & Prepare Ahead for Crazy Back-to-School Busy

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The following sentence just might qualify as the understatement of the century...I think we might have a tendency to underestimate how hard it is to...

Classroom Management Hack: Lucky Ducks

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's classroom management hack is a super cute one, and a great way of randomly selecting a student to answer questions. If you are enjoying these ...