Needy Kids? How to Teach Kids to Be More Independent

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Show Notes:

Some students seem to need your help every few minutes, whether it’s finding a pencil, getting assistance with an assignment, or asking what to do next. While their constant need for reassurance can feel overwhelming, these moments are golden opportunities to teach independence. By gradually shifting responsibility back to your students, you’re not just freeing up your time, you’re helping them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and the belief that they can do hard things on their own.

Having needy students in your classroom can be challenging for many reasons. But instead of viewing it as a negative, try to get to the root of the problem, developing independence and strengthening executive functioning skills. In today’s episode, I’m exploring why needy kids are showing up more often in classrooms, what research tells us about supporting them, and practical strategies to help students become more independent.

Teachers today are seeing more and more students who struggle with independence and students who rely heavily on adult direction, reassurance, and step-by-step guidance. Research suggests this growing neediness is often linked to several factors such as increased anxiety in children, overly scaffolded learning environments, and well-meaning adults who step in too quickly to prevent struggle.

According to child development experts, independence is built through opportunities to make choices, experience small failures, and practice self-management. When students are constantly rescued from difficulty, they miss out on developing perseverance and problem-solving skills. To nurture independence, I’m sharing practical, effective strategies that encourage students to reflect on their progress and shift their focus from dependence on the teacher to confidence in their own abilities.

Teaching independence in the classroom is one of the most powerful ways to prepare students for succes, both academically and personally. It takes time, patience, and consistent modeling, but the payoff is worth it: a classroom where students feel capable, teachers feel less overwhelmed, and learning flows more smoothly. By intentionally creating opportunities for growth, we’re not just teaching students how to work independently, we’re helping them believe in themselves, one small step at a time.

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

• Reasons why the number of needy students has increased in classrooms over the past several years.
• Research that links a child’s ability to self-regulate with their success and adaptability in school, and why that’s so important for teachers to understand.
• The significant role you play in fostering your students’ independence.
• Four practical strategies you can implement today to build students’ independence and problem-solving skills.
• Why creating structure and providing opportunities to practice executive functioning skills is the key to helping students develop independence in the classroom.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page
• 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:

• 4 Keys to Ultimate Student Engagement
• Classroom Management Mastery Series Part Four: 7 Impulse Control Strategies That Work to Set Your Students Up For Success From the Start
• How to Reset Your Independent Reading in January (with Sara Marye)

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