Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

Dr. Lori Friesen, Elementary Classroom Management Tips for New Teachers
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated weekly

"Just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one." Welcome to Beginning Teacher Talk, the weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lori Friesen, where we talk about all of the things you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school. We feature kid-tested classroom management techniques, organizational strategies, creative ways to motivate your students, how to work with colleagues, seasonal gems, and how to de-stress and eliminate the overwhelm that too often accompanies your first years of teaching.

  1. 10 hr ago

    411. Who Threw the Eraser? What to Do When Misbehavior Happens Behind Your Back

    What should you do when classroom misbehavior happens but you do not know which student was responsible? In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori shares a calm, fair approach to classroom management that protects students' dignity while still promoting student accountability and teaching responsibility. Instead of punishing the entire class, demanding a confession, or ignoring the behavior, you'll learn how to create a predictable process that encourages honesty, repairs harm, and helps students make better choices moving forward. What You'll Learn: • How to respond fairly when you did not see who was responsible for a classroom behavior • Why consistency in classroom management is about following a predictable process, not catching every misbehavior • How to invite students to take responsibility privately without using public accusations or humiliation • Why natural and logical consequences are more effective for teaching responsibility than unrelated punishments • How stronger routines, active supervision, and environmental adjustments can prevent covert behavior from becoming a pattern Resources Mentioned in This Episode: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs You do not need to see everything or become louder, stricter, or more intimidating to manage your classroom effectively. Listen to this episode for a practical plan you can use the next time something goes wrong while your back is turned, and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more supportive classroom management strategies for elementary teachers. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    411. Who Threw the Eraser? What to Do When Misbehavior Happens Behind Your Back

  2. 3 days ago

    410. An Inspirational Song for Teachers to Start the Year

    Episode Summary: As you step into a new school year, you may feel excited, hopeful, nervous, and unsure of yourself all at once. In this special episode, Dr. Lori shares a few thoughts about the growing impact of AI and her decision to use it to create One Child at a Time, an inspirational song for teachers and a reminder that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Your patience, kindness, and the way you help each child feel safe, seen, and valued matter more than you may ever know. In this episode, you'll be reminded: • You don't have to be a perfect teacher to make a meaningful difference • The small moments of kindness, patience, and connection you create with students matter • Teaching is a practice, and every day is another opportunity to learn, grow, and begin again • You are competent and capable, even on the days when you question yourself • Your impact may not always be visible, but you are changing the world one precious child at a time Resources Mentioned: • Listen to One Child at a Time on YouTube • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you need a little encouragement before stepping into your classroom this year, let these teacher affirmations be your reminder to believe in yourself, be gentle with yourself, and leave room for magical things to happen. Listen to One Child at a Time, and then share this song with a teacher who might need to hear these words today. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    410. An Inspirational Song for Teachers to Start the Year

  3. 12 Aug

    409. I Feel Like a General with All These Strict Rules and Expectations

    Many teachers want calm, well-managed classrooms, but they also want students to feel trusted, creative, and independent. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explores why strong classroom routines and student autonomy don't compete with one another. Instead, she explains how thoughtful structure gives students the confidence, clarity, and support they need to become more independent. What You'll Learn: • Why structure and student autonomy are not opposites, and how thoughtful routines actually build independence • Questions you can ask yourself to evaluate whether your classroom routines are creating independence or encouraging compliance • Dr. Lori's Structure-to-Autonomy Ladder, a five-step framework for gradually transferring responsibility to students • Practical ways to add choice, creativity, and play into classroom routines while maintaining clear expectations • How to evaluate your classroom management systems so they create a calm, supportive learning environment where students develop lasting independence Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you've ever wondered how to balance clear expectations with student independence, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged and equipped with practical strategies you can use right away. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for a successful school year. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    409. I Feel Like a General with All These Strict Rules and Expectations

  4. 5 Aug

    408. When Students Refuse to Work: How to Use Reflection Forms Without Creating a Power Struggle

    When a student refuses to work, it's easy to feel like you have to win the battle, but power struggles rarely lead to lasting change. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori shares how refusal-to-work reflection forms can help teachers respond calmly, protect instructional time, and guide students toward accountability without escalating the situation. What You'll Learn: • How to use refusal-to-work reflection forms without creating a power struggle • When a student needs support versus when they are choosing to refuse an assignment • Why calm accountability is more effective than arguments, lectures, or unrelated consequences • How to create logical work-completion plans that keep students responsible for their learning • Practical strategies for classroom and specials teachers to document behavior, identify patterns, and respond consistently Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs. Student refusal doesn't have to derail your lesson or leave you feeling frustrated. This episode will help you respond with confidence, maintain positive teacher-student relationships, and create systems that support both accountability and compassion. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    408. When Students Refuse to Work: How to Use Reflection Forms Without Creating a Power Struggle

  5. 29 Jul

    407. Classroom Mascots: An Amazing First-Weeks Community Builder

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori shares one of her favorite back-to-school community-building strategies: using a simple classroom mascot to help students feel connected, safe, and excited to be part of your classroom family. She explains why classroom mascots are about so much more than a stuffed animal; they're a powerful tool for building relationships, teaching routines, supporting emotional regulation, and creating a strong classroom community during the first weeks of school. What You'll Learn: • How a classroom mascot can build community during the first weeks of school • Simple ways to use a class mascot to teach routines and classroom expectations • How classroom mascots can support emotional regulation and problem-solving • Easy ideas for creating a shared classroom identity through your mascot • Why keeping your classroom mascot simple makes it more meaningful and sustainable Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you're looking for a simple, meaningful way to strengthen classroom community and help students feel like they belong from day one, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start using right away. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for the first weeks of school. Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    407. Classroom Mascots: An Amazing First-Weeks Community Builder

  6. 22 Jul

    406. If Last Year Was the Hardest Year of Your Teaching Life, Listen to This

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares an encouraging message for every teacher who ended the last school year feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or questioning whether they were cut out for teaching. Through three powerful mindset shifts, she explains how a growth mindset for teachers can transform the way we view classroom management challenges, difficult seasons, and our own ability to grow. What You'll Learn: • How a growth mindset can help you move forward after a difficult school year • Why classroom management is a set of skills and systems that can be strengthened • Three mindset shifts that will help you build confidence and leave self-doubt behind • How to learn from last year's challenges without letting them define your future • Why small, intentional changes can create a calmer, more joyful teaching experience Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs  If last year left you feeling exhausted, discouraged, or wondering if teaching was still the right path, this episode is a reminder that one difficult year does not define you. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a teacher who needs a little hope before the new school year begins. Need to set up an elementary classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    406. If Last Year Was the Hardest Year of Your Teaching Life, Listen to This

  7. 15 Jul

    405. Before You Quit Teaching, Listen to This: With Middle School Teacher Amber Duane

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen sits down with middle school teacher Amber Duane to share how she went from nearly leaving teaching after her first year to feeling confident and excited about heading back to school. Amber opens up about the classroom management struggles she faced as a beginning teacher, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical strategies that helped her build a calmer, more successful classroom. What You'll Learn: • Why strong classroom management starts before students ever walk through your door • How preparing your classroom before back to school can reduce stress and build teacher confidence • The classroom management systems that helped Amber transform her teaching • Why asking for support and investing in professional development can accelerate your growth • Simple ways to start the school year feeling calm, prepared, and ready for success Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you're getting ready for back to school and wondering how to create a calm, confident classroom from day one, this episode will encourage you and remind you that you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another teacher who's preparing for a successful school year. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start the next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, you can't set foot in your school, or you don't know what grade you'll be teaching. Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    405. Before You Quit Teaching, Listen to This: With Middle School Teacher Amber Duane

  8. 8 Jul

    404. Specials Teachers: Why Classroom Management Feels So Different (And Why Most Advice Doesn't Work)

    In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori speaks directly to art, music, PE, library, STEM, and other specials teachers who often feel overlooked when it comes to classroom management advice. She explains why classroom management for specials teachers is fundamentally different from homeroom teaching and shares simple strategies to reduce behavior challenges through stronger transitions, predictable routines, and effective classroom systems. What You'll Learn: • Why classroom management for specials teachers requires a different approach • How transitions—not behavior—are often the root cause of classroom disruptions • Three simple strategies to create smoother transitions and maximize instructional time • Why predictable routines and classroom systems help students feel calm, confident, and ready to learn • How strong systems can reduce stress and improve classroom management Resources Mentioned: • Classroom Management for Specials Teachers Course (coming soon) • Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs If you're a specials teacher who's ever felt frustrated because traditional classroom management advice doesn't seem to fit your classroom, this episode will remind you that you're not doing anything wrong—you simply need strategies designed for your unique teaching environment. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with another specials teacher who could use a little encouragement and support. Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class: Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at the tropical island virtual teacher retreat, where we'll talk about how to prevent challenging behaviors from derailing your entire day—even if you feel like you've already tried everything, you don't have admin support, and parents don't seem to care. Click here to save your seat! Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel! Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode. Warmly, Dr. Lori

    404. Specials Teachers: Why Classroom Management Feels So Different (And Why Most Advice Doesn't Work)
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About

"Just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one." Welcome to Beginning Teacher Talk, the weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lori Friesen, where we talk about all of the things you wish you learned in college about teaching elementary school. We feature kid-tested classroom management techniques, organizational strategies, creative ways to motivate your students, how to work with colleagues, seasonal gems, and how to de-stress and eliminate the overwhelm that too often accompanies your first years of teaching.

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