386. Why Mystery Works (And Why Kids Are So Bored Right Now)
Wed Feb 04 2026
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. In today's episode, I explore how strategic uses of mystery can transform classroom energy, increase engagement, and make learning feel exciting again.
Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mystery-in-classrooms
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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 Amazon Gift Card)!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677
I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one.
Xo Lori
P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist
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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. In today's episode, I explore how strategic uses of mystery can transform classroom energy, increase engagement, and make learning feel exciting again. Show Notes: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/blog/mystery-in-classrooms 5-Minute Field Trips Subscription: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/5-minute-field-trips FREE Class at the Virtual Teacher Ski Lodge: 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 Amazon Gift Card)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beginning-teacher-talk/id1456137677 I hope you have a wonderful week, and remember - just because you are a beginning elementary teacher, there is no need for you to struggle like one. Xo Lori P.S. Do you have your copy of my FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist? Get yours by clicking here now! https://www.drlorifriesen.com/ultimate-classroom-management-checklist