As we enter the long winter months and get settled into a regular routine in our classrooms, it is important to remember how to keep things fun and engaging. However, it is also the time that we are bogged down with extra things, like Christmas shopping and homework, and we are trying to give everything to everyone in our lives. So, I was hoping to find some simple steps to help me in my classroom. I love keeping things fresh, but I also love having a little help coming up with ideas from fellow teachers! Who knows what you will be able to do with a little inspiration!? There was an article on Edutopia entitled, "Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students." The first thing that caught my eye was the word SIMPLE! Thank goodness--it won't be overwhelming! So, I had to read on. Andrew Marcinek suggests ways to excite your students:
1. Have Fun
2. Learn Beyond the Walls
3. Expand Your Audience
4. Collaborate
5. Deconstruct an Issue Transparently
6. Make Many Mistakes Along the Way
7. Share
8. Provide Constructive Criticism
9. Eat a Sandwich
10. Engage Others
He fully explains each of his suggestions on this blog. I recommend taking the time to read it!
This was a great article. Thank you for sharing. I agree that sometimes we need to re-focus our students as well as ourselves. We need to stop teaching for a few moments. It's almost like taking a 15 minute break from work to get refreshed.
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