Episode
384. When Half Your Class Seems "Checked Out" — Motivation Strategies That Actually Work
- Published
- Jan 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1556
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.drlorifriesen.com/
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Summary
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. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/student-motivation 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/5-minute-field-trips FREE Class: How to Prevent 2-3 Students from Derailing Your Entire Day: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/need-this Classroom Management Club Waitlist: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/membershipwaitlist Subscribe to the Beginning Teacher Talk YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beginningteachertalk 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 : https://amzn.to/3w3zZJ7 Lung Cancer Free: One Couple's Journey Through a "Lungs in a Box" Double Lung Transplant: https://www.lungcancerfree.com/ Check out Lori's TpT store (Beginning Teacher Talk): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beginning-Teacher-Talk Connect with Lori on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drlorifriesen/ Connect with Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beginningteachertalk If the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast is helping you in your teaching and if you're feeling extra loving, I would be so grateful if you would leave a positive review for the show! Your kind words mean the world to me. Just click here to leave your review now (and be entered into our draw for a $25 Amazo…