Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers

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 show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it’s about your interview energy. In today's episode, I'm discussing what that means, practical ways to show it, what you need to avoid, and why it's the key to gett...

The transition from student teacher to full-time teacher can be overwhelming, and many new teachers feel stressed during their first year. This is often due to the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in university and the practical skills needed in the classroom. In this episode, I discuss how to bridge that gap and how to gain support from adminstrators, schools, and districts. 

When new teachers are met with feelings of isolation, unprepared realities of the classroom, and unsupportive guidance or mentorship, it often leads to teacher attrition. In today's episode, I dive deeper into how these obstacles contribute to educators leaving the profession, the cost it has on the education system, and what we can do now to prevent teacher burnout. 

Show Notes: ...

New teachers often leave university feeling unprepared for the realities of the classroom, struggling to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In this episode, we explore three of the biggest challenges they face, based on research, and how to best support them. From managing student behavior to overcoming feelings of isolation, we’ll discuss actionable strategies to help new teachers build confidence and establ...

Are you struggling to keep your students focused? In this episode, I’m sharing simple, research-backed strategies to help students build their attention skills in fun and meaningful ways. You'll learn how to naturally integrate focus-boosting activities into your daily routine, incorporate mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, and implement gradual, intentional strategies to strengthen concentration.

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 students after taking the big test? If you have this question, you're not alone! I'm sharing five ideas for how to structure your day after taking exams. 

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/test-taking-in-elementary 

When it comes to preparing students for state standardized tests, learning and reviewing academic content is just part of the preparation. The other big piece is mindset. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 strategies that will help your students become calm and confident when taking taking assessments. 

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mindfulness-for-elementary-stude...

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 sharing five powerful test-taking strategies to help students tackle math challenges with confidence.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/math-test-taking-skills-in-elementary 

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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: standardized testing. These tests bring high stakes, with scores affecting decisions at the state, district, and school levels, putting pressure on teachers to help students perform their best. In this episode, I’m kicking off a four-part series on practical test-taking str...

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 episode, I'm sharing why school is the best place to take the pressure off and how you can easily accomplish this with a few mindset shifts. 

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/take-the-pressure-off 

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 this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to help you feel supported so you can not only survive February but thrive through it!

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/teacher-support 

Teachers are great at showing kindness to others but often struggle to extend it to themselves, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout. In this episode, we explore why self-kindness is essential and how it can help you navigate the demands of teaching with more energy, joy, and resilience. You’ll learn practical, research-backed strategies to reclaim your time, protect your emotional energy, and cultivate restorative j...

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 students every day. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple and fun ways to model kindness in classrooms, helping to reinforce the positive behaviors you want to see.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/kindness-in-classrooms 

Focusing on respect and kindness can transform your classroom management and foster a stronger sense of community. While academics are important, weaving fun and creative ways to teach kindness to kids into your daily routine is just as essential. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple and enjoyable strategies to help you bring more kindness into your classroom.

Show Notes: https:/...

With limited opportunities to release energy during the school day, it’s no surprise that focusing, retaining information, and staying engaged can be a challenge for students. Your first instinct might be to contain this energy, but instead you can harness it in a way that makes your lessons more fun and effective. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss why movement in the classroom is so critical and how to incorporate it ...

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 learn how to reframe those thoughts. In today's episode, I share how your thoughts impact your feelings, actions, and results and share a simple four-step process to reframe negativity.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/po...

Focusing on the positive can transform your classroom by highlighting students' strengths and fostering a supportive environment. In today’s episode, I share 10 simple strategies for shifting your focus to what’s going right, backed by research showing that positivity boosts relationships, behavior, and academic achievement.

Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/find-the-p...

Incorporating humor in the classroom is a small strategy that has the power to transform your classroom atmosphere. Humor isn’t just telling knock-knock jokes whenever you have time to fill between activities. Instead, there are so many more ways you can use humor to build connections and create a positive and engaging environment for your students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 15 of my favorite creative ways to inf...

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 shifts to help you streamline your planning, set boundaries, and create more time for life outside the classroom. These actionable tips may feel challenging at first, but they’ve made a lasting difference for me, and they can for you too. Start small, implement one strategy a...