Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Spring New Teacher Series #5: Advice for New Teachers from a 2nd Year Teacher: TaiLi Matheny

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine being at a staff meeting and hearing your principal tell everyone that out of all the first year teachers she had worked with, YOU were the be...

Classroom Management Hack: End of Day Routine

30 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How you start and end your day can make a big difference in how your classroom runs. Last week I shared a simple, yet effective, morning routine. This...

Spring New Teacher Training Series #4: How to Get Started with & Make the Most Out of Small Groups in Reading with Alison Ryan & Sara Marye

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Leading small reading groups is an important part of your day whether you're a lower or upper elementary teacher. Yet, it's a skill that many of you p...

Classroom Management Hack: Rock-Star Ready Morning Routine

23 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mornings can be one of the most chaotic times of the day in your classroom, but solid routines help! If you don't have a clear morning routine yet, th...

Spring New Teacher Training Series #3: Classroom Purchases with NO Regrets: What to Invest in for Your New Classroom

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part of setting yourself up for a successful school year is investing in some essential items. It can be so tough to know what you should and shouldn'...

Classroom Management Hack: No More Running to Line Up

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are your students always running to line up when it's time to leave the classroom? I have a hack for you in today's episode that will solve that probl...

Spring New Teacher Training Series #2: Setting Up (or Re-Imagining) Your Classroom

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the first things that become a source of stress as a new teacher is how to set up your classroom. It can be really tough to decide how to divid...

Classroom Management Hack: Magic Word

09 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This magic word classroom management hack is a super simple way to ensure that your students are paying attention during your lessons. You and your ki...

Spring New Teacher Training Series #1: 7 Creative Class Jobs

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode marks episode number one inside our Spring New Teacher Training Series for 2022. Every spring, I like to focus on a series of very s...

Classroom Management Hack: Mystery Learner

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready for another quick classroom management hack? I love this one because it really keeps kiddos on their toes trying to figure out who the m...

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Teacher's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you consider yourself a worrier? Maybe you have students in your classroom who are constantly worrying too. If so, you're not alone. I consider mys...

Classroom Management Hack: The Trick to Keeping Elmer White Glue Fresh

26 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You know how sometimes when you're struggling with something in your classroom every single day and it's driving you crazy, but you cannot figure out ...

15 Ways to Connect with Your Most Challenging Students

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a question that has come up constantly in the Beginning Teacher Talk private Facebook group and inside my R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy. ...

Classroom Management Hack: Make-10 Attention-Getter

19 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As teachers, we are always looking for ideas and strategies that work when it comes to getting our students' attention quickly and easily. That's why ...

How to Help Struggling Readers in Your Classroom

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most challenging parts of teaching is knowing how to support your students who are  struggling with reading. This is especially prevalent ...

Classroom Management Hack: No More Nameless Papers

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of nameless papers being handed in? This week's classroom management hack is going to share a simple solution that your students will lo...

How to Create a Calm-Down Corner in Your Classroom (& Ensure It Works)

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's tough being a kid and learning how to navigate big emotions like sadness, anger, frustration, stress, and disappointment. I'm sure you've notice...

Classroom Management Hack: The Reward Monitor

05 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New teachers often tell me that they have a hard time remembering to use, or keep up with, their classroom management system. This makes it really dif...

Natural Consequences: Part Two

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 159, I broke down what natural consequences are and I gave you some specific examples of how this works in your classroom. If you haven't ...

Classroom Management Hack: Use Sign Language

26 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's quick classroom management is about using sign language in your classroom. This hack will help to eliminate students constantly blurting...

Natural Consequences: What Do You Do When Kids Don't Listen?

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Regardless of all the rules and routines you've put in place in your classroom, you will always have that student who just doesn't follow them. So, wh...

Classroom Management Hack: Ketchup, Mustard, & Pickles Folders

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's quick classroom management hack is ketchup, mustard, and pickles folders! This hack is a super cute and fun way to keep work organized and...

15 Tips for an Outstanding Teacher Interview Lesson

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard of a teacher interview lesson? If you are preparing for interviews, there's a chance that you may be asked to do one of these. An ...

Classroom Management Hack: Hand Sanitizer Bathroom Pass

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's quick classroom management hack is a hand sanitizer bathroom pass. This is such a simple way to keep track of who is using the bathroom wh...

Should I Quit Teaching in 2022? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you considered quitting teaching this year? If you have, you're definitely not alone. Between COVID, school closures, sub shortages, lack of supp...

Classroom Management Hack: Cupcake Points

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

These cupcake points are such a fun classroom management hack! You can use them to keep your kiddos motivated and on-track with your routines and proc...

My Weight Loss Journey: How I Lost 30 Pounds (& Am Keeping It Off)

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm finally ready to talk about something that is deeply personal. I'm sharing my personal weight loss journey of losing 30 pounds and keeping i...

How to Utilize a TA in Your Classroom

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When I was a beginning teacher, I had a teacher assistant and one of the biggest mistakes I made was not being super clear about what her role would b...

How to Handle Critical Observation Feedback

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Formal observations are one of the things about teaching that really scares us as new teachers. They can send you right into panic mode, even if you h...

5 Fantastic Podcasts for the Classroom (& Activities to Use with Them)

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you're reading this then you may be an avid podcast listener, but have you ever used podcasts in your classroom? They are such a fun way to connect...

How to Reset Your Independent Reading in January (with Sara Marye)

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to school after winter break usually presents several challenges. It can take some time to get back into your normal routines after being aw...

9 Fun Ways to Get Parents Involved (Without Having Them in Your Classroom)

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I recently was asked a question by a member of my READY For School Academy that sparked the topic of today's episode. One of my members, Rebecca, aske...

Set Up Centers the Easy Way: 10 Quick Steps

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When I was in the classroom, it took me a long time to figure out how to best set up learning centers for my students. Now I am so excited to be able ...

How to Handle Difficult Parents

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

By the time December rolls around, it's very likely that you have had at least one experience with a difficult parent. Maybe it was during a parent-te...

The Disillusionment Phase: How to Get Relief Now

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the weeks leading up to winter break, you are right in the midst of the disillusionment phase. This is the third phase that beginning teachers expe...

My Sneaky Snowman's Adventure: A Narrative Writing Project

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I am privileged to have the most magical and loving holiday memories from my childhood, and this is why I was always so excited to share the joy of th...

The Phases of First-Year Teaching

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teaching is challenging. There's no doubt about that. As the holidays approach, your job may even feel more difficult than ever. If you are counting d...

7 Ways to Support English Language Learners in Your Classroom

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are new to teaching English Language Learners, it can be challenging to navigate. You may wonder how to best support them and ensure that they ...

3 Strategies that Work with an Out-of-Control, Chatty Class

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Children spent a lot of time learning from home in the past year and a half. Now that they are back in the classroom, it's a difficult adjustment for ...

10 Ways to Uplift & Inspire Your Students this Thanksgiving Season

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot of negativity in the world right now, especially within the education space. Teachers are being challenged like never before, and I get ...

How to Build More White Space into Your Schedule

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to get caught up in the constant rush of the day to day. There's always something more to do, but have you ever thought that maybe you're ov...

10 Fun & Creative Activities for Halloween Literature in Your Elementary Classroom

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many creative Halloween books and activities that you can bring to your classroom during the month of October. You know that I always wan...

Morning Meetings – How to Do Them & Why They're So Important

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If COVID has taught us anything, it's that we all need connection. We want to feel safe, loved, and that we're a part of a community. The same goes fo...

The Art & Practice of Separating School from Life

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling like you are too busy and overwhelmed to even listen to this podcast episode? If the answer is yes, then you most definitely need to l...

Pencil Management 101

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's hilarious that I can devote an entire podcast episode to pencil management, but here we are! Truthfully, having a system in place for students' p...

How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety as a New Teacher

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers, how are you doing? It's the beginning of the year, so I can assume that you are likely feeling a rush of overwhelm. I have been there and I ...

6 Ways to Make October Spooktacular

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Halloween is coming and I am probably just as excited as your students! As October approaches, I'm giving you my 6 most spooktacular strategies to ref...

Top Tips for Substitute & Supply Teaching: Part Two

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Substitute teaching can be an incredible way to gain valuable experience before securing a full-time teaching position. With the helpful suggestions o...

How Teachers Can Purposely Help Develop Kids' Career Interests with Holly Sharp

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to educate your students on all the career possibilities that are available to them! Our special guest t...

Helping Kids Process Big Emotions: A Practical, 4-Step Approach

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As you begin a new school year, you may feel prepared for classroom set-up, curriculum planning, and even behavior management. But do you feel prepare...

7 Hot Tips for Success this September

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a beginning teacher, preparing for the first weeks of school can be extremely overwhelming. You don't have endless files to pull from and ...

How to Fit in (& Stand Out) at Your New School

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I hate to be the one to tell you this, being a new teacher at a new school can sometimes make you feel like you're right back in high school. However,...

4 Ways to Create a Classroom Community that LOVES Reading

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're getting ready to set up your first classroom and you're wondering if you're doing what you need to create a classroom community that loves r...

How to Plan for a Sub

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're getting ready to teach your first (or second, or third) year of elementary school, you will thank yourself for creating a substitute teacher...

6 Steps to Becoming the Teacher You've Always Dreamed of Being

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you're doubting yourself, let's talk about 6 steps to take (inspired by Entrepreneur Magazine) towards becoming the teache...

12 Must-Haves for Your New Elementary Classroom

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I get asked all the time, "What should I be buying for my first classroom?" and so today, I thought it would be fun to talk about twelve of the essent...

Confidence Crushers

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling with confidence as a new teacher, let's talk about 3 things we often tell ourselves as first-year teachers that will help boost y...

Desk Pets in Your Classroom

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been hearing about Desk Pets all over the internet & are wondering if you should try them out in your classroom? Learn how to use desk pets e...

7 Fantastic Classroom Management Hacks

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher who's concerned about classroom management in your first classroom, you're going to love these seven classroom management hack...

How to Organize All Those Ideas for Your First Classroom

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are feeling overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your first year of teaching, let's talk about 6 steps to take right away to start organi...

Bridging the Gap Between College & Your First Classroom

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do new teachers struggle after completing a four-year degree? Why do first-year teachers feel so unprepared when it comes to getting ready for the...

3 Summer Must-Reads for New Teachers

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many fabulous books out there for new teachers. However, the most common topics most first-year teachers struggle with are classroom mana...

How to Choose a Classroom Theme

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When you see a classroom theme that you love, it's easy to commit to that theme right away and build an entire classroom around it. However, here are ...

Your Most Burning Questions Answered

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I've been fielding a lot of great questions about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, and I want to ensure that you get the answers to your most burnin...

5 Ways to Get R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy for FREE!

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new elementary teacher teaching 1st - 5th grade, you're in your first, second, or third year of teaching, and you really want to join R.E....

How to Build Relationships with Your Students

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you're thinking about how to create a fantastic community inside your new elementary classroom, you're going to love these...

How to Create Fantastic Parent Relationships

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you're concerned about how to develop positive relationships with parents (even when you're struggling with imposter syndr...

4 Keys to Ultimate Student Engagement

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're feeling exhausted and overwhelmed and you're having a hard time being creative and finding ways to get and keep your students engaged, grab ...

4 Classroom Management Mistakes New Teachers Make

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a student teacher or an elementary teacher in your first years of teaching and you're struggling with classroom management, let's talk about...

How to Feel Instantly More Confident as a New Teacher

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher in your first years of teaching (or if you're a student teacher) who's struggling with confidence, you're in for such a treat!...

What Your Principal is (Really) Looking for in a New Teacher

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher who's in the midst of the job search process or you are already teaching and you really want to know how to get a permanent co...

3 Secrets to Using Your Portfolio Effectively During Your Teacher Interview

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're in the midst of your teacher job search, this is for you! Learn 3 mistakes teachers often make with their portfolios and 3 secrets to using ...

3 Interview Questions that Might Throw You Off (& How to Answer Them)

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher who's getting ready to start your teacher job search, this is for you. Whether you're looking to land your very first position...

Coping with Covid: 106

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher who's had to deal with switching from in-person to online teaching and back again, all while dealing with the "I'm not doing e...

The Exceptional Data Framework with Dawn Ellis

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you've been struggling with how to collect and organize student data, you're going to love this episode with Dawn Ellis. L...

My Top 11 Tips for Substitute and Supply Teachers 104

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a substitute or supply teacher and you're looking for some great ideas for how to keep the students engaged and manage the class more effect...

Success as a Student Teacher 103

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're student teaching in-person or online, there's a lot to think about and to learn as you learn the skills you need to become the teacher ...

Your Voice is the Secret: 102

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You might be surprised to learn that the level of success of our classroom management system is directly tied to how we use our voice inside our class...

She Was Featured in Forbes: 101

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When I tutored an adorable, 6-year-old student named Doris in Hong Kong more than 20 years ago, I never could have imagined that we would still be con...

My Favorite 100th Day of School Ideas

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to celebrate our 100th episode than with my favorite 100th Day of School ideas? I'll walk you through an entire day of fun ways that y...

How to Talk to Students about Traumatic News Events: 099

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The world watched thousands of Trump supporters storm the U.S. capitol building on January 6, 2021, and the very next day, you were expected to help y...

Developing Your Bag of Classroom Management Tricks 098

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you struggled with your classroom management during your student teaching placement (or in your first few years of teaching), know that you're not ...

How to Help Students Deal with Trauma and Grief 097

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've had a student who has experienced a death in their family due to Covid (or even the death of a pet), let's talk about how children process g...

Why Vision Boards are Especially Meaningful for Students this Year 096

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've never created vision boards with your elementary students, you're in for a real treat! Let's talk about why vision boards are the perfect wa...

Class Auction and Home Communication Books 095

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you're looking for an effective classroom management strategy that also helps you to develop fantastic relationships with ...

When You are Hired Mid-Year 094

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations! You just landed your first elementary teaching job. But wait - how do you prepare for your first classroom when you are hired in the ...

Fast Finisher Challenges that Are NOT Busywork 093

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many fast finisher activities are just designed just to keep kids busy, and I always thought that there must be a better way to use children's time...

Classroom Management 101

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although we learn a lot about the theory of classroom management in college or university, the practical application of classroom management strategie...

Become Your Students' Favorite Teacher this Holiday Season 091

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This holiday season is unlike any other, and I think we all need something special to look forward to. I'll show you how to think outside the box & cr...

IPP's, IEP's and Interventions 090

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new teacher and you're trying to figure out how to schedule enough intervention time for your students who have IPPs or IEPs, here are 5 s...

Infusing Imagination into Your Teaching 089

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Inviting more imagination into our classrooms is one of the most effective ways to truly light kids up and fully engage them in learning. I've had a l...

4 Steps to Get Shy Kids to Engage & Participate 088

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It can be hard enough to encourage shy kids to participate when we are teaching in our classroom, but throw in technical difficulties, a bad internet ...

How to Stop Doubting Yourself 087

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've all doubted ourselves - but how do we stop self-doubt from sabotaging our ability to become the teacher we've always dreamed of being? Join me t...

When You Need to Teach a Subject You Hate 086

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've all been there... most of your student teaching has been in language arts because that was the subject you always wanted to teach, and then when...

Teaching Writing (Online or In-Person) 085

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you dread teaching writing? Are you having a tough time figuring out how to not only get your students engaged in writing but how to improve their ...

Why You're So Tired 084

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been having a tough time getting motivated to keep going… if you're feeling Covid fatigue and you're wondering if you can continue on in t...

A Gentle Reminder for Exhausted Teachers 083

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

September is already the most challenging month of the school year, but Covid and teaching online are extra layers that are pushing teachers to questi...

5 Ways to Keep Kiddos Engaged & Inspired in October 082

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Halloween coming up, it can become increasingly difficult to keep your students engaged in learning. Check out these 5 fun tricks to use both in ...

How to Handle Critical, Angry Parents 081

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you handle critical, angry parents? That nasty email or comment in the chat box during a whole-class meeting can leave you completely reeling.....

What is Fair? 080

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Children are listening: they are listening when we talk about the Black Lives Matter movement when we think they are playing in the other room. They c...