When Half Your Class Seems “Checked Out” — Motivation Strategies That Actually Work

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Show Notes:

If you’re feeling like the “fresh start” you hoped for in January isn’t happening, you’re not alone. For many teachers, student motivation seems to disappear after winter break. Energy is low, and students who were once eager are suddenly dragging their feet and checking out.

But January doesn’t have to be a slump! With the right reset, it can become the moment you reignite connection, rebuild momentum, and help students rediscover their spark for learning. In today’s episode, I’m sharing simple, effective ways to boost student motivation in ways that feel meaningful and rewarding.

After several weeks away from school, it’s no surprise that students’ nervous systems are dysregulated and their executive functioning skills are rusty. That’s why it’s so important to help students take small first steps back into motivation. The key is creating opportunities for success through “mini wins” that spark dopamine, build momentum, and make effort feel rewarding. I share lots of practical ideas you can easily implement to promote positive behavior and increased engagement.

Reengagement isn’t about forcing motivation, but about rebuilding it. Tiny shifts - like starting small, adding more movement, and celebrating effort - can breathe new life into your classroom. And while the spark may not return overnight, every moment of connection, structure, and encouragement lays the foundation for it to grow. January is a chance to restart, refocus, and remind students (and yourself) that it’s never too late to reengage and finish strong.

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

• Why students often lack motivation in January and how it’s connected to their nervous system and executive functioning skills.
• Why starting a task is often the real challenge, and practical ways teachers can help students take that first step.
• Strategies to boost motivation by sparking dopamine, building momentum, and making learning feel rewarding.
• What drives student behavior, and simple ways to recognize and reinforce effort and positive choices.
• Movement-based ideas that help reset students’ brains through energy and novelty.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription
• FREE Class: 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:

• The January Classroom Refresh: Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference
• The Power of Grit for Elementary Teachers
• Helping Kids Build Executive Functioning Skills in Your Elementary Classroom
• Should Teachers Use Rewards in Their Classrooms? Part Two: The Impact of Rewards on Learning Motivation in Schools

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