"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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Does being consistent mean treating every student exactly the same? In Part 6 of the Impossible Standards series, Dr. Lori explains how teachers can maintain clear classroom expectations while providing individual students with the support they need.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why consistency means stable expectations and reliable follow-through, not identical treatment
• How to separate the expectation from the flexible support a student needs
• A simple Band-Aid lesson to help elementary students understand fairness
• What to say when students ask, "How come they get to?"
Listen now for practical ways to balance fairness, classroom expectations, and individual student needs. Subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you don't miss the next episode in the Impossible Standards series.
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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori
418: Relationships Don't Replace Boundaries
Episode 418
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 27:49
Strong student relationships matter, but they do not eliminate the need for clear boundaries and consequences. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explains how calm, consistent follow-through can protect student relationships, strengthen trust, and prevent small classroom management problems from becoming emotional power struggles.
What You'll Learn:
• Why a student's poor choice or refusal does not mean your relationship with them has failed
• The difference between natural consequences, logical consequences, and punishment
• How to determine whether a student is unwilling to complete a task or unable to do it successfully
• Why delaying consequences can turn a small behavior problem into a larger, more emotional response
• How to plan a respectful, related, and reasonableconsequence before the behavior happens again
You do not have to choose between being kind and holding students accountable. Listen to this episode to learn how calm classroom boundaries and logical consequences can help students repair their choices, return to the group, and trust that your words mean something. Then follow and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management support created especially for elementary teachers.
417. Not Every Student Will Like You (& You Won't Like Every Student)
Episode 417
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 35:08
Not every student will like you, and you will not naturally like every student you teach. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori releases the guilt surrounding difficult student relationships and explains why professional care is an action, not a feeling or an effortless personal connection.
What You'll Learn:
• The difference between wanting students to feel caredfor and needing them to like you
• Why a difficult connection does not prevent you from treating a student with dignity, fairness, and respect
• How the need for student approval can weaken classroom boundaries and consistent follow-through
• How one honest positive observation or neutral relational action can begin shifting a difficult pattern
• Why a dependable classroom management system can protect student relationships when emotions are running high
You do not have to force affection, ignore challenging behavior, or wait until you feel differently before improving a difficult student relationship. Listen to this episode to learn how curiosity, clearboundaries, and small, intentionalactions can help you remain compassionate and steady, then follow and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management support.
416: Quiet Is Not the Same as Managed: What Good Management Actually Sounds Like
Episode 416
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 30:42
A chatty classroom is not necessarily out of control, and a quiet classroom is not automatically well managed. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explains why quiet is not the same as managed, and how to create a classroom where students understand when talking supports learning, when quiet protects learning, and how to movesuccessfullybetween the two.
What You'll Learn:
• Why a quiet classroom is not always a well-managed classroom
• How to match the sound, movement, and participation to each activity
• Why clear boundaries and expectations support a shared learning space
• How to teach a chatty class when talking is invited and when it is time to listen
• How fresh attention-getters can strengthen predictable classroom routines
You do not need to silence your students all day to have a well-managed classroom. Listen to this episode to learn how purposeful talk, clear boundaries, and predictable attention routines can help you create a classroom where students use their voices responsibly and learning remains the focus, then follow and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management support.
Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:
415: Every Student Will Not Be Engaged Every Minute - And That Doesn't Mean Your Lesson Failed
Episode 415
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 27:03
If you are exhausting yourself trying to keep every student entertained during every minute of every lesson, it may be time to release an impossible standard. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori explains why student engagement naturally fluctuates, and how clear classroom management systems can help students return to learning without requiring you to turn every lesson into a three-ring circus.
What You'll Learn:
• Why a student losing focus does not automatically mean your lesson failed
• How trying to make every lesson more exciting can create additional classroom management challenges
• Why student engagement depends on clear routines, boundaries, and expectations, not entertainment alone
• How to use three simple questions to identify which students are engaged, who is drifting, and how to bring them back
• How to teach students practical re-entry strategies so they can return to learning more quickly and independently
You do not need to become louder, stricter, funnier, or more entertaining to improve student engagement. Listen to this episode to learn how small cues, clearer participation routines, and calm follow-through can help students find their way back to learning, then follow and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management support created especially for elementary teachers.
414: The Impossible Standards Series: You're Not Failing - Your Classroom Just Needs a Reset
Episode 387
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 31:40
If your classroom felt calm during the first week but is already beginning to slide, it does not mean your classroom management plan failed. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori challenges the impossible standard that students should master expectations the first time and explains why your classroom may simply need a focused reset.
What You'll Learn:
• Why students testing expectations does not mean you are failing at classroom management
• How treating behavior and routines like curriculum changes the way you respond
• Why collecting random classroom management strategies creates more overwhelm instead of a reliable system
• How to reset one challenging routine through modeling, practice, specific feedback, and consistent follow-through
• Why calm, related, and predictable consequences can support reteaching while still holding students accountable
You do not need to become a harsher teacher, scrap everything you have created, or wait for a new group of students. Listen to this episode to learn how a deliberate classroom management reset can help you rebuild calm, clarity, and confidence, then follow and subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical support 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.
413. A Back-to-School Pep Talk for the Teacher Who Already Feels Exhausted
Episode 413
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 31:55
If the school year has barely begun and you already feel exhausted, there is nothingwrong with you. In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori offers a reassuring back-to-school pep talk for elementary teachers who feel overwhelmed, depleted, or pressured to have everything figured out from day one.
What You'll Learn:
• Why back-to-school teacher exhaustion is not a sign that you are weak, ungrateful, or failing
• How to separate what is truly essential from what is simply impressive at the beginning of the school year
• Why readiness does not require a perfect classroom, a fully planned year, or endless energy
• Practical ways to simplify your workload, close the school day intentionally, and protect your limited energy
• How small, consistent acts of care, clarity, and connection can create a meaningful school year
You do not need an entire school year's worth of strength today. Listen to this episode for the reminder that you can be tired and still be a wonderful teacher, then subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more warm, practical support throughout the school year.
Ready to make classroom management feel more positive and fun? Try , a free classroom management app that helps you reinforce one specific behavior, strengthen classroom routines, and celebrate your students' progress together.
412. I Built a Classroom Management App in 24 Hours… and THIS Happened
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 21:16
What if classroom management could feel a little more positive and a lot more fun? In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori introduces Feed the Monster, a free classroom management app that helps elementary teachers reinforce positive behavior, build stronger classroom routines, and celebrate progress together.
What You'll Learn:
• How Feed the Monster turns one specific classroom behavior into a fun, motivating whole-class goal
• Why naming and reinforcing the exact behavior you want is moreeffective than simply telling students to "be good"
• How immediate, specific feedback helps students develop successful classroom habits and routines
• Why teachers should "catch the good" instead of spending the entire day searching for problems to correct
• How to use classroom rewards as temporary support for building habits without taking away progress or relying on candy and prizes
Ready to make positive behavior reinforcement simpler, more specific, and more joyful? Listen to this episode to hear the surprising story behind Feed the Monster, discover how to use the app with your students, and learn how one small classroom management tool can help your class build better habits together.
Catch the good. Feed the monster. Celebrate together.
411. Who Threw the Eraser? What to Do When Misbehavior Happens Behind Your Back
Episode 411
Saturday, August 22, 2026 • Duration 28:34
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
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.
410. An Inspirational Song for Teachers to Start the Year
Episode 410
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 20:44
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
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:
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Need to regain control of your classroom? Save your seat at Dr. Lori's 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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori
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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori
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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori
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.
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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly, Dr. Lori
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.
Be sure to follow, rate, and subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast so you never miss an episode.
Warmly,
Dr. Lori
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.
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary Teachers, a podcast by Dr. Lori Friesen, Elementary Classroom Management Tips for New Teachers - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
