Why Mystery Works (And Why Kids Are So Bored Right Now)

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Show Notes:

I remember a time when my lessons were planned, routines were in place, and activities were ready, but during instructional time, everything still felt flat. My students were checked out, and I felt like a one-woman show at the front of the room. Even though everything looked right, I knew something was missing. That’s when I decided to make one small shift in how I delivered information: I started creating a little mystery.

There’s something powerful about not giving students the whole picture right away. The moment you lower your voice, cover part of the board, or hint that something exciting is coming, heads lift and curiosity sparks. Small doses of mystery tap into a child’s natural drive to wonder, question, and discover...and when curiosity is activated, engagement follows.

So if you’re looking for a spark to reignite the energy in your classroom, you’ve come to the right place. In this brand-new series, I’m exploring why adding small moments of mystery works and sharing simple ideas you can try right away. In this first episode, I explain how strategic uses of mystery can transform classroom energy, increase engagement, and make learning feel exciting again (without adding more to your plate).

In the elementary classroom, curiosity is one of your most powerful classroom management and instructional tools. When students are curious, they lean in, ask questions, and stay mentally present. Adding intentional moments of mystery creates anticipation and gives students a reason to care about what comes next. I share five simple ways to add mystery throughout your day that build connection, acknowledge effort, and keep students engaged.

Instead of feeling like you’re dragging students from one activity to the next, imagine sprinkling in a little mystery. When you intentionally create moments of wondering, predicting, and discovering, students shift from passive to engaged. And when curiosity leads, attention naturally follows, turning your classroom into a place where students don’t just show up, they lean in. Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we’ll explore the balance between structure and surprise!

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

• Why adding intentional moments of mystery increases student engagement and anticipation.
• How the brain responds to unexpected moments, and how to use curiosity to your advantage in the classroom.
• Why predictability is essential, and how to intentionally add variation to keep students engaged in learning.
• Five simple ways to incorporate mystery that build connection and acknowledge student effort and character skills.
• A preview of next week’s episode, where we’ll explore how to balance structure and surprise in the classroom.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription
• FREE Class at the Virtual Teacher Ski Lodge: How to Prevent 2-3 Students from Derailing Your Entire Day
• 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.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• When Half Your Class Seems “Checked Out” —  Motivation Strategies That Actually Work
• Today’s Apathetic Kids: What to Do When Kids Just Don’t Care
• Classroom Management Hack: Mystery Learner
• 4 Keys to Ultimate Student Engagement

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