READ and ENJOY these great instructional strategies to engage your students in your classroom!!!
Gallery Walk- Students are given set increments of time to wander around the room to different stations. Each station may contain a different concept to study a different problem to solve. Students may go in groups or individually.
Peppermint- Use peppermint oil while teaching a concept as a scent in the room. During the assessment for that concept, repeat the mint scent. This will draw the memory of a concept from the students becasue they will have associated the scent with the material.
Games- Using games in the classroom is a great way to get the students engaged in reviewing the material. Students are naturally competitive, and this gives them the urge to learn the material so they can win.
Pass the Pen- When choosing students to go to the board, you do not always want the students who can do the problems completely and correctly to go. You want the students who have some difficulties to participate and hopefully learn something. With pass the pen, a student goes to the board and goes as far as he can with the problem. Then, if he gets stuck or you have a teaching point to make, he passes the pen to someone else to help him finish the problem or complete the next strep. This way, the students know they can make a mistake and not be afraid to do so. This will make the less engaged students more willing to participate.
Pair Sharing- Put students in pairs or small groups to have the develop ideas or solve problems together. This allows them access to other's ideas to build on their own. It also helps with students who do not
have the best conceptual understand to learn from others.
Privilege Choice Wheel- A wheel of fortune type wheel that has different rewards posted in the sections. If a student has done a great job, they can spin the wheel to receive a reward. This provides
incentives for students to be on their best behavior and receive a reward.
Red Cup/ Green Cup- When students are in pairs or groups, supply each group with a red cup and a green cup. If the students have a question for the teacher about the work content or procedure, they display the red cup on top. If they do not have a question and are working fine by themselves, the green cup is displayed. This will cut out a lot of the unnecessary noise of the students constantly calling teacher's name. Instead, this is a non distracting way for the teacher to help groups of students.
Analogies- When you are teaching a new concept and trying to develop the basics of the concept with the student, have them create their own analogies. For example, mitosis is like ____________ because__________. This is allow students to create their own connections from the concepts to something outside the classroom world.
Acronyms- A series of initials that help a student remember and understand a concept, acronyms are well known in the classrooms today. Having students develop their own acronyms will give them ownership of the material as well as give them a memorable way to retain information.
Choice Menu- Students are given a choice of activities to complete for class time. This allows students the opportunity to take a little bit of ownership of their work. It also differentiates based on interests because students can choose the activity that they like best.
Graphic Organizers- Students categorize their information in concept map form, where they can make different connections with the material in several different ways. This is a great way to help students organize their thoughts and have notes in a concise order that will help them when reviewing.
Foldable- A foldable is a different type of graphic organizer. Instead of being handed a printed worksheet with pre- made boxes for the concept map, students are instructed how to fold a plain piece of paper in unique ways to create their own boxes with the creases. Students then fill in the boxes with conceptual material.
Punch Points- Every day, walk around and punch a designated bookmark or pass with a decorative punch to show the student was on task with what they were doing. Students have tangible evidence that they were doing well in class and gives them a sense of pride. At the end of the day or week, students with so many punches are rewarded with bonus points or a small treat. This provides incentives to the students to be on task throughout the day.
Toss The Ball- Toss a soft ball to a student and ask them a content question. If they get the question right, they get to toss the ball to another student. If they answer incorrectly, the ball is returned to the teacher. This keeps students attentive and engaged in the review process. It also gives an air of uncertainty because the students do not know who will have to answer a question next.
Reflective Journal- It is great to know about the multiple disciplines and learning styles. However, we as teachers do not always know how our lessons made our students feel. Did they enjoy learning this way? Were they confused by a strategy I used? A reflective journal is a great way to gain insight to how your students feel as you are teaching. Is there something that really resonated with the children? Ask students open ended questions about how they felt while they were learning and what they liked about the day.
Concept in a Bag- Given a certain concept, have students in groups or individually decorate a paper bag and place 10 items in the bag that represent something about the concept. Students get to think outside the box in a creative manner. Also, it allows students to make personal connections with the material.
No Opt Out- If a student gets stuck or is unwilling to proceed, have other students help or prompt them towards the next step. Ultimately the unwilling student ends up arriving at the correct answer themselves rather than simply being told. This gives the student a sense of pride and completion.
Manipulative- All people love to learn with their hands. Manipulative help students see and learn their content in a different way. Using manipulative to help students understand is a multiple representation of the material that takes student thinking outside the box.
Carousel Brainstorming- Allow students time to think through and jot down their ideas on a given concept or problem. Students can do this individually or in small groups. Make sure to ask students to write down even the most minute detail they think of so they can follow their train of thought.
Choose from the Jar- Have students either pull names or concept from a jar to perform tasks at the board. Students will have to remain attentive to the class to ensure they know what is going on when their name is called.
Ask 3 before Me- If students have a question about the material, they must ask three classmates before asking the teacher. This encourages pair sharing and teaching as well as team work. If all four students total still do not understand, this may mean there is an instructional weakness that needs to be addressed with the entire class.
Discussion- Allow students to discuss ideas and opinions with the class. This will encourage students to defend their ideas and build on their understanding.
Partner Sheets- Students form their own partner pairs pertaining to a Unit, Clock buddies, Day of the Week Buddies and so forth. This is a great way to group students in a quick and an organized manner.
Red Rover, Come on over!- Students begin with a moment of individual reflect on the questions asked before coming together in a group to discuss their opinions. Then, the group chooses a "Rover" that will travel to other
groups and share his or her group's ideas with the rest of the groups in the classroom.
Name Tent- Great way to learn the students' names at the beginning of the year. Have students write their names on one side of the tent and put three important pictures abut themselves on the other side. This is a
great was to learn interesting facts about your students you may not have the chance to learn otherwise.
Music- Music is a great way to signal procedures, trigger brain activity, and keep the students engaged. Playing music will spark interest in your classroom.
Technology- Use of technology in the classroom is highly engaging for your students, especially in this generation of learners. Students may even be able to teach you a thing or two about your technology!
Smart Starts/ DO NOW assignments- have something for students to do as soon as they walk in the room. This will give you a chance to do your administrative duties like take attendance. Also, it will give students the opportunity to get their materials, reflect on their ideas, and settle into the routine of learning.
Hand Check- Most students have a doodling fetish. They are writing their names and their boyfriends names, they are drawing pictures, or they are even working on other assignments. A hand check is a great way to impress upon the students the importance of whatever you are trying to say or work on.
Read Children's Books- Reading baby books to your students will not only bring a warm sense of loving, caring atmosphere into your classroom, but it will bring in several ideas of how to implement the structure of the story into your content. Your students will have fun writing about their material in a non- offensive way. Also, reading and writing in an elementary way will help student reading and writing skills.
Physical Barometer- Have students group themselves based on interests or opinions. This is a way for your students to be able to discuss their ideas and defend their opinions in a group of other people who share
commonalities.
Jigsaw- Have students group from pictures or symbols. Then, have students become an expert on their specific content. After an allotment of time, choose an expert to present their content to the class one at a time.
"Hear Ye Hat"- Have an overly decorated hat that demands visual attention. Explain to students at the beginning of the year that the "Hear Ye" hate would be used when the teacher has something very important to say. All students should be very quiet and attentive when they see the "hear ye" hat go on teacher's head.
Highlighter Tape- Students cannot write in their textbooks. With high liter tape students can place visual reminder without defacing their texts. This is a great way to help students remember what they thought was a significant part of what they were reading or working on.
Peppermint- Use peppermint oil while teaching a concept as a scent in the room. During the assessment for that concept, repeat the mint scent. This will draw the memory of a concept from the students becasue they will have associated the scent with the material.
Games- Using games in the classroom is a great way to get the students engaged in reviewing the material. Students are naturally competitive, and this gives them the urge to learn the material so they can win.
Pass the Pen- When choosing students to go to the board, you do not always want the students who can do the problems completely and correctly to go. You want the students who have some difficulties to participate and hopefully learn something. With pass the pen, a student goes to the board and goes as far as he can with the problem. Then, if he gets stuck or you have a teaching point to make, he passes the pen to someone else to help him finish the problem or complete the next strep. This way, the students know they can make a mistake and not be afraid to do so. This will make the less engaged students more willing to participate.
Pair Sharing- Put students in pairs or small groups to have the develop ideas or solve problems together. This allows them access to other's ideas to build on their own. It also helps with students who do not
have the best conceptual understand to learn from others.
Privilege Choice Wheel- A wheel of fortune type wheel that has different rewards posted in the sections. If a student has done a great job, they can spin the wheel to receive a reward. This provides
incentives for students to be on their best behavior and receive a reward.
Red Cup/ Green Cup- When students are in pairs or groups, supply each group with a red cup and a green cup. If the students have a question for the teacher about the work content or procedure, they display the red cup on top. If they do not have a question and are working fine by themselves, the green cup is displayed. This will cut out a lot of the unnecessary noise of the students constantly calling teacher's name. Instead, this is a non distracting way for the teacher to help groups of students.
Analogies- When you are teaching a new concept and trying to develop the basics of the concept with the student, have them create their own analogies. For example, mitosis is like ____________ because__________. This is allow students to create their own connections from the concepts to something outside the classroom world.
Acronyms- A series of initials that help a student remember and understand a concept, acronyms are well known in the classrooms today. Having students develop their own acronyms will give them ownership of the material as well as give them a memorable way to retain information.
Choice Menu- Students are given a choice of activities to complete for class time. This allows students the opportunity to take a little bit of ownership of their work. It also differentiates based on interests because students can choose the activity that they like best.
Graphic Organizers- Students categorize their information in concept map form, where they can make different connections with the material in several different ways. This is a great way to help students organize their thoughts and have notes in a concise order that will help them when reviewing.
Foldable- A foldable is a different type of graphic organizer. Instead of being handed a printed worksheet with pre- made boxes for the concept map, students are instructed how to fold a plain piece of paper in unique ways to create their own boxes with the creases. Students then fill in the boxes with conceptual material.
Punch Points- Every day, walk around and punch a designated bookmark or pass with a decorative punch to show the student was on task with what they were doing. Students have tangible evidence that they were doing well in class and gives them a sense of pride. At the end of the day or week, students with so many punches are rewarded with bonus points or a small treat. This provides incentives to the students to be on task throughout the day.
Toss The Ball- Toss a soft ball to a student and ask them a content question. If they get the question right, they get to toss the ball to another student. If they answer incorrectly, the ball is returned to the teacher. This keeps students attentive and engaged in the review process. It also gives an air of uncertainty because the students do not know who will have to answer a question next.
Reflective Journal- It is great to know about the multiple disciplines and learning styles. However, we as teachers do not always know how our lessons made our students feel. Did they enjoy learning this way? Were they confused by a strategy I used? A reflective journal is a great way to gain insight to how your students feel as you are teaching. Is there something that really resonated with the children? Ask students open ended questions about how they felt while they were learning and what they liked about the day.
Concept in a Bag- Given a certain concept, have students in groups or individually decorate a paper bag and place 10 items in the bag that represent something about the concept. Students get to think outside the box in a creative manner. Also, it allows students to make personal connections with the material.
No Opt Out- If a student gets stuck or is unwilling to proceed, have other students help or prompt them towards the next step. Ultimately the unwilling student ends up arriving at the correct answer themselves rather than simply being told. This gives the student a sense of pride and completion.
Manipulative- All people love to learn with their hands. Manipulative help students see and learn their content in a different way. Using manipulative to help students understand is a multiple representation of the material that takes student thinking outside the box.
Carousel Brainstorming- Allow students time to think through and jot down their ideas on a given concept or problem. Students can do this individually or in small groups. Make sure to ask students to write down even the most minute detail they think of so they can follow their train of thought.
Choose from the Jar- Have students either pull names or concept from a jar to perform tasks at the board. Students will have to remain attentive to the class to ensure they know what is going on when their name is called.
Ask 3 before Me- If students have a question about the material, they must ask three classmates before asking the teacher. This encourages pair sharing and teaching as well as team work. If all four students total still do not understand, this may mean there is an instructional weakness that needs to be addressed with the entire class.
Discussion- Allow students to discuss ideas and opinions with the class. This will encourage students to defend their ideas and build on their understanding.
Partner Sheets- Students form their own partner pairs pertaining to a Unit, Clock buddies, Day of the Week Buddies and so forth. This is a great way to group students in a quick and an organized manner.
Red Rover, Come on over!- Students begin with a moment of individual reflect on the questions asked before coming together in a group to discuss their opinions. Then, the group chooses a "Rover" that will travel to other
groups and share his or her group's ideas with the rest of the groups in the classroom.
Name Tent- Great way to learn the students' names at the beginning of the year. Have students write their names on one side of the tent and put three important pictures abut themselves on the other side. This is a
great was to learn interesting facts about your students you may not have the chance to learn otherwise.
Music- Music is a great way to signal procedures, trigger brain activity, and keep the students engaged. Playing music will spark interest in your classroom.
Technology- Use of technology in the classroom is highly engaging for your students, especially in this generation of learners. Students may even be able to teach you a thing or two about your technology!
Smart Starts/ DO NOW assignments- have something for students to do as soon as they walk in the room. This will give you a chance to do your administrative duties like take attendance. Also, it will give students the opportunity to get their materials, reflect on their ideas, and settle into the routine of learning.
Hand Check- Most students have a doodling fetish. They are writing their names and their boyfriends names, they are drawing pictures, or they are even working on other assignments. A hand check is a great way to impress upon the students the importance of whatever you are trying to say or work on.
Read Children's Books- Reading baby books to your students will not only bring a warm sense of loving, caring atmosphere into your classroom, but it will bring in several ideas of how to implement the structure of the story into your content. Your students will have fun writing about their material in a non- offensive way. Also, reading and writing in an elementary way will help student reading and writing skills.
Physical Barometer- Have students group themselves based on interests or opinions. This is a way for your students to be able to discuss their ideas and defend their opinions in a group of other people who share
commonalities.
Jigsaw- Have students group from pictures or symbols. Then, have students become an expert on their specific content. After an allotment of time, choose an expert to present their content to the class one at a time.
"Hear Ye Hat"- Have an overly decorated hat that demands visual attention. Explain to students at the beginning of the year that the "Hear Ye" hate would be used when the teacher has something very important to say. All students should be very quiet and attentive when they see the "hear ye" hat go on teacher's head.
Highlighter Tape- Students cannot write in their textbooks. With high liter tape students can place visual reminder without defacing their texts. This is a great way to help students remember what they thought was a significant part of what they were reading or working on.