In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori sits down with pre-K and kindergarten teacher Lindsay Parsons to talk about what classroom management really looks like with today's students. Lindsay shares how simple shifts completely changed the energy in her classroom and helped her feel hopeful again after struggling with student behavior, social-emotional skill gaps, and teacher overwhelm.

• Why so many teachers feel like traditional classroom management strategies are no longer working

• How whole class motivators can improve student behavior and classroom culture

• Simple ways to build student leadership, responsibility, and classroom ownership

• Why small classroom management changes create powerful long-term results

• How supportive teacher communities can reduce overwhelm and help teachers feel less alone

• Whole-class motivators

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure how to support today's students, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. Be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk for more practical classroom management strategies, teacher encouragement, and support for elementary educators.

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, can't set foot in your school, or 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

In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen breaks down the five hidden classroom patterns that quietly drain teachers day after day. If you've ever felt exhausted by constant reminders, difficult transitions, student behavior interruptions, or feeling like you're always playing catch-up, this episode will help you understand why classroom management can feel so overwhelming and what actually needs to change to make teaching feel calmer, smoother, and more sustainable.

• Why small classroom breakdowns create major teacher exhaustion over time

• The real reason transitions, lining up, and independent work often feel so difficult

• How repeated classroom disruptions impact both teachers and students emotionally

• Why most classroom management strategies don't create lasting change

• The mindset and classroom systems shift that helps teachers feel calm, clear, and in control again

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you never miss an episode. And if you know a teacher who's feeling overwhelmed right now, share this episode with them so they know they're not alone.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or 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 Friesen

What if next year doesn't feel easier… not because of your students, but because nothing actually changed? In this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful mindset shift that can completely transform your classroom management and systems before the new school year even begins. If you're hoping for a fresh start, this episode will show you how to actually create one.

• Why a new group of students doesn't automatically create a better classroom experience

• The real reason common classroom management challenges keep showing up

• How to shift from reacting to student behavior to designing effective classroom systems

• Simple examples of how clear routines and procedures can eliminate chaos

• Why planning your classroom systems before August leads to a calmer, more confident start

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If you're ready to stop hoping next year will be different and start building a classroom that actually works, this episode is for you. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and follow along with the full series to set yourself up for your strongest school year yet.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or 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 Friesen

Before you pack up your classroom for summer, there's one simple step that can make next year dramatically easier. In this episode, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful Teacher Debrief Framework to help you reflect with purpose, capture what truly worked, and turn this year's experiences into stronger classroom systems for next year.

What You'll Learn:

• How to identify the classroom routines that created calm, predictable systems

• Why certain lessons or units fell flat and how to adjust them for better engagement

• The key procedures you may have forgotten to explicitly teach and how that impacts classroom management

• How to recognize behavior patterns and triggers so you can plan proactively

• The simple systems and strategies that made your teaching easier and how to build on them

Resources Mentioned:

• The Teacher Debrief Framework (5-step reflection process)

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If you want to walk into next school year with more clarity, confidence, and stronger classroom management systems, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you never miss an episode designed to support you every step of your teaching journey.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or 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 in the Spring Reset Series.

Warmly,

Dr. Lori Friesen

As spring fever sets in and the school year winds down, it's tempting to rush through classroom pack-up just to be done. But in this episode of Beginning Teacher Talk, Dr. Lori Friesen shares a powerful shift in thinking that can transform how you end the year so next year feels dramatically easier. Learn how a simple, system-based approach to packing up your classroom can reduce overwhelm, strengthen your classroom management, and help you start the next school year with clarity and confidence.

• Why end-of-year classroom pack-up is a critical part of effective classroom management and not just a final task

• How to stop saving everything and instead make intentional decisions that support stronger classroom systems

• A simple strategy for organizing your materials by classroom systems rather than random supplies

• How to "leave breadcrumbs" for your future self so you don't feel like you're starting over each year

• The "First Week Box" every teacher should create to reduce stress and set the tone for strong routines

• The Spring Reset Series (Five-part series)

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow teacher who's feeling the weight of spring fever and end-of-year exhaustion. And don't forget to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you can keep building simple, effective classroom management systems that make teaching feel easier and more sustainable year after year.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Need to set up an elementary classroom? Discover how to start next school year calm, confident, and fully in control (without working all summer). Even if you haven't been hired yet, can't set foot in your school, or 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 in the Spring Reset Series.

Warmly,

Dr. Lori Friesen

If you've ever felt like your classroom success depends on having the perfect lesson, this episode may shift everything for you. In this heartfelt and practical episode, Dr. Lori Friesen shares 10 powerful lessons she wishes she had known in her first year, revealing how strong classroom systems and routines are the true foundation of effective classroom management.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why classroom routines and systems matter more than even your best lesson plans

• How improving transitions can instantly create a calmer, more focused classroom

• Why students need to practice expectations repeatedly and how to do it effectively

• The difference between calm authority and reactive discipline, and how it impacts behavior

• How to identify when behavior challenges are actually system problems, not student problems

• Free training: Virtual Teacher Summer Camp

• Upcoming episode: Teacher Debrief Framework (end-of-year reflection process)

• The Spring Reset Series (Part One and upcoming episodes)

• After Recess/Lunch Slides inside the Classroom Management Club

  • Includes breathing exercises, SEL prompts, story starters, and quick reset activities

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

If this episode encouraged you or gave you a new perspective on classroom management, share it with a fellow teacher who might need support right now. And be sure to subscribe to Beginning Teacher Talk so you don't miss the next episode, where Dr. Lori walks you through a simple reflection process to help you finish the year strong and make next year easier.

Save your seat at Dr. Lori's new, free class:

Click here to save your seat! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ready

Ready to Feel Back in Control of Your Classroom?

If your classroom feels a little off right now, these small system resets can make a big difference fast. Tune in to learn how to bring back calm, clarity, and confidence in just a few days.

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 in the Spring Reset Series.

Warmly,

Dr. Lori Friesen

If your classroom suddenly feels noisier, slower, or harder to manage this spring, you're not imagining it, and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, Dr. Lori Friesen shares exactly why spring behavior shifts happen and walks you through five simple classroom systems you can tighten right now to restore calm and focus. You'll also get a practical 3-day reset plan to help you finish the school year strong and set yourself up for an easier start next year.

What You'll Learn:

• How to quickly reset classroom transitions so they become smooth, fast, and predictable again

• Simple ways to re-teach and improve lining up routines without power struggles

• A practical routine to reset student behavior after recess or lunch and improve afternoon focus

• How to re-establish clear voice level expectations in a positive, engaging way

• Strategies to rebuild independent work stamina and reduce rushing or off-task behavior

Resources Mentioned:

• The Spring Reset Series (Part One and upcoming episodes)

• After Recess/Lunch Slides inside the Classroom Management Club

  • Includes breathing exercises, SEL prompts, story starters, and quick reset activities

• Whole-Class Motivators to gamify routines and reinforce positive behavior

• Teacher Summer Camp (Click the link to save your seat!)

• Learn more about Dr. Lori's programs

Ready to Feel Back in Control of Your Classroom?

If your classroom feels a little off right now, these small system resets can make a big difference fast. Tune in to learn how to bring back calm, clarity, and confidence in just a few days.

Save your seat for my free class at the Teacher Summer Camp:

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 in the Spring Reset Series.

Warmly,

Dr. Lori Friesen

As the school year winds down, many teachers feel like they're just trying to make it to summer. But what if May is actually the most powerful month for improving your teaching? In this episode, Dr. Lori Friesen explains why this final stretch of the year is the perfect time for reflection, and how capturing what worked and what didn't can make next year dramatically easier.

You'll learn a simple method to turn this year's experiences into a clear plan for stronger routines, smoother classroom management, and a more confident start next fall.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why May is the most important month for teacher reflection and professional growth
• How noticing classroom "friction points" can reveal the systems your classroom needs
• The routines and strategies that make a classroom run more smoothly
• How to identify patterns in student engagement and behavior
• A simple 20-minute Spring Reset reflection process that can save you hundreds of hours next school year

• READY for School Academy by Dr. Lori Friesen
• Free class at the Virtual Teacher Summer Camp
• More support for teachers at drlorifriesen.com

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another teacher who could use a little support right now. And be sure to subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk so you don't miss the next episode in the Spring Reset Series, where Dr. Lori shares the five classroom systems you should tighten before the school year ends.

Teaching is important work, and you don't have to do it alone. 💛

Stay connected with us!

Follow us on Instagram @beginningteachertalk

Looking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!