When Students Hijack Your Classroom: How to Stay in Control & Still Teach Everyone Else

Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:

Show Notes:

When a handful of students seem determined to derail your lesson plans, it can feel like your classroom is running you instead of the other way around. This likely leaves you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and completely out of control. But the secret to regaining control and protecting your learning environment isn’t about cracking down - it’s about tuning in.

The most successful teachers know how to redirect chaos into cooperation by understanding what’s driving the disruption and transforming it into engagement. Doing so not only protects the learning environment for all students but also turns disruptive behavior into positive leadership opportunities. In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tools and strategies you can use when your energy feels consumed by managing challenging behaviors, so you can refocus it on learning.

It’s easy to give all your attention to the few students displaying disruptive behaviors, but when you lean on strong systems and structured routines, you can manage those behaviors while maintaining a positive learning environment. Along with effective classroom management strategies, it’s equally important to find moments of positivity and recognize leadership qualities in your students. I’ll share how redirecting a student’s disruptive energy into a leadership opportunity provides a structured, positive outlet that teaches them how to gain attention in a healthy, constructive way.

Successfully managing a disruptive group of students often begins with a mindset shift, from seeing them as problems to viewing them as untapped leaders. When you channel their energy into meaningful roles, give them responsibilities that matter, and recognize their strengths publicly, you transform disruption into contribution. By offering structured opportunities to lead and relying on established classroom systems, you not only reduce disruptions but also build a positive, empowering classroom culture. In the end, your students gain purpose and your classroom regains balance.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• Practical tools and effective strategies for managing a group of disruptive students in your classroom.
• Why managing challenging behaviors is essential, not only for the students involved but also for protecting instructional time for the rest of the class.
• Ways to rely on your classroom systems and routines to create stability and calm, rather than spending all your energy on disruptive behavior.
• How to use leadership opportunities and positive recognition for responsible behavior as part of your classroom management approach.
• A reminder that setting firm boundaries with students isn’t a sign of failure, but a key responsibility in protecting the learning environment for everyone.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page 
• Classroom Management Club Waitlist
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen on Audible.

Click here to listen on other apps.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

• When 4 Students Constantly Disrupt Your Lesson
• New Teacher Training Series Part Four: 4 Ways to Prevent Challenging Behavior in Your Elementary Classroom
• How to Handle Difficult Students in Your Classroom
• Natural Consequences: What Do You Do When Kids Don’t Listen?
• Natural Consequences: Part Two

Follow:

Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛  Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.

Leave a Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching. 

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!

To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.