5 Ways Engage Students

Thanks to Michelle Doman, a guest blogger at the Simple K-12 blog, I learned about a few interesting ways to “wake” students up in class. I like the ideas to increase engagement and excitement related to a lesson. Thanks Michelle. I can’t wait to try them in 2012!

Here are a few ideas I would like to try:

1. When responding to a writing prompt, have the students drop their pencils on the ground when they have completed the task. You won’t believe how MANY giggles and guilty looks you will get. classroom management

2. Play a sound clip of the Mission Impossible theme, have them act as 007 until the music stops. Then, whoever they end up next to, that is their partner for the activity, or that is the person that they share their Think-pair-share answer with. This is most defiantly a middle school idea!

3. Place random discussion or reading comprehension questions on sticky notes underneath a handful of desks. When you are ready to ask questions, ask them to peek and read-aloud the questions. This works really well for introverted or shy students. Plus, they LOVE secret note passing. Another great idea

4. Have each student call on the next student to answer your lesson questions. This motivates them to stay focused, and they enjoy calling on others! Great idea…. I can’t wait to try it.

5. At the beginning of class on Mondays, ask if anyone has any crazy stories to share from the weekend.  I do this with my high school classes and students love to share.

print

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
One Comment
  1. Love these ideas, and very adaptable to elem. students as well. It will keep them on their toes, not knowing what to expect from their teacher!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *