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Fast Finish Choice Boards for Elementary

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Fast Finish Choice Boards for Elementary

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Teach Like A Champion (FREE videos/modules/practice)

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Teach Like A Champion (FREE videos/modules/practice)

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Newbies and 1:1 Mentors can set up free accounts. The newbie can watch multiple video examples for each strategy and record themselves practicing. The recordings can be shared with the mentor for feedback.

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Improve Your Craft Anywhere, Anytime

Founded by Doug Lemov, Teach Like a Champion is part of Uncommon Schools' commitment to share teaching insights and knowledge that enable all students to achieve at dramatically higher levels. TLAC Online provides a flexible, accessible and proven way to access and learn effective teaching techniques.

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TLAC Online allows teachers to learn, practice, and record their execution of Teach Like a Champion techniques. With one click, teachers can share their videos with coaches or peers for personalized feedback.

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Boost student engagement with this fun and interactive strategy: students pick their favorite from four options, team up with others who share their choice, and collaborate to tackle questions or tasks—fostering connection, critical thinking, and lively discussions!

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Fantastic tips from Cary Fulgham to help organize your Google Drive!

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Cary Fulgham will walk you through creating labels and managing your settings to help organize your email.

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We are creating videos of our classrooms to share and upload to our social media. They are 30 second clips with interview of kiddos and teachers about how that teacher is shining. Our school them is "Watch Us Shine" so that is why we named it that, but you could name it almost anything.

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As an elementary teacher, you understand the importance of keeping your students engaged in the classroom. When students are engaged, they are more likely to learn and retain information, which translates to improved academic performance. However, in today's world of distractions and short attention spans, keeping students engaged can be a real challenge. That's why we've compiled this article to give you seven practical strategies for enhancing engagement in your classroom.

In this post, we'll examine seven unique strategies to boost student engagement. These range from the integration of gamification and technology to innovative teaching methods and student-focused learning. By adopting these strategies, you'll be able to captivate your students' interest and maintain their focus and motivation throughout the academic year. So let's dive right in!

What is student engagement?

At its core, student engagement is all about capturing and maintaining a student's interest in the learning process. When students are engaged, they are more likely to retain information, make connections between different concepts, and apply what they've learned in real-world situations. Engaged students are also more likely to work collaboratively with their peers and contribute positively to a classroom environment. Research has even shown that engagement is a key factor in improving student outcomes and achieving academic success. By fostering engagement in your classroom, you can help your students reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. Let's look at some strategies to get you started.

Strategies for increasing student engagement

Use Technology

Integrating technology into your classroom can be a game-changer when it comes to student engagement. Using gamification and online resources, you can make learning more interactive and dynamic for your students. Gamification in education use point systems, badges, and leaderboards can add a fun and competitive element to the learning experience. Meanwhile, educational games, apps, videos, and interactive websites provide an opportunity for students to explore topics in new and exciting ways. By incorporating technology, you can help your students stay engaged and motivated to learn.

Kodable is one example of an educational app used in over 50% of elementary schools to help teach students the basics of computer programming. You can get started with Kodable by creating your free teacher account today.

Create a positive classroom environment

To increase student engagement, it's crucial to establish a positive classroom environment. Creating a space where students feel safe and comfortable to express themselves is essential for promoting engagement. Collaborative learning is also a powerful tool to enhance engagement, as it encourages students to work together and exchange ideas. One real-world example of this is by implementing a behavior management system tactic of a compliment jar. In this system, students can recognize and praise their peers for positive behaviors or contributions to the classroom. As the teacher you can also add compliments to the jar to help promote positive behavior and interactions among your students.

Create a learning contract with students

Learning contracts are documents created between you and your students that detail what students are responsible for at the beginning of a project or course. These contracts often include behavior expectations, learning objectives, and student reflections to be done once the activity is over. Using learning contracts help empower your students to take ownership of their learning which can lead to students being more engaged in the process.

Incorporate active learning techniques

Incorporating active learning techniques is a proven way to increase student engagement. Project-based learning, where students work on long-term projects that require critical thinking and help develop problem-solving skills for students, can be a great way to keep students engaged in the learning process. Role-playing and inquiry-based learning are also effective methods to make learning more interactive and engaging. By incorporating these active learning techniques in your classroom, you can help your students develop important skills while staying engaged and motivated.

Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning is an approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes student-driven exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This method has been shown to be highly effective in increasing student engagement and achievement. Some strategies for implementing inquiry-based learning in your classroom include posing open-ended questions, facilitating group discussions, providing feedback, and allowing for student creativity.

Give students a choice in their activities

Giving students a choice in the classroom activities that they participate in is a great way to help students foster their own interests and take a more active role in their learning. Using choice boards is a great way to give students options on what activities they want to partake in while still keeping everyone on track for your learning objectives.

Use personalized learning materials

Using personalized learning materials means having flexible classroom resources that can adapt to the needs of all of your students. This includes having additional materials for students to use if they need more of a challenge and materials to help students who are struggling. Kodable's self-paced learning lessons are a great example of how technology can help you keep all your students engaged whether they need more of a challenge or a helpful hint!

Now that we've laid out several strategies for you to try let's take a look at some practice tips to put these strategies into practice.

Tips for implementing student engagement strategies

Start small

Introducing too many changes at once can be overwhelming for both you and your students so be sure to start small with new strategies. Start by incorporating one or two new techniques and gradually building from there. This will allow you to see what works best for your classroom and adjust accordingly.

Focus on student interests

When students are invested in what they are learning, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Take the time to get to know your students and find out what they are passionate about. You can then incorporate these interests into your lessons and make learning more meaningful and relevant. One way to do this is to have students respond to short journaling prompts about themselves for you to read and return to over the course of the year.

Get feedback from students

Finally, it's important to get feedback from your students. Ask for their opinions on what is working and what could be improved. This will not only help you make necessary adjustments, but it will also show your students that their input is valued and that you are committed to creating a positive learning experience for them. Now, K-5 students may not be the most eloquent when it comes to giving you the level of detail you need so you may want to help facilitate this feedback by using exit tickets after an activity to help gauge the overall reaction.

Addressing student disengagement

First, understand the reasons for student disengagement

Let's take a moment to understand the reasons why students may become disengaged in the first place so that we can effectively increase student engagement. Some common reasons for disengagement include feeling uninterested or bored with the material, not fully understanding the content, feeling disconnected from the learning process, and external distractions outside of the classroom. It's essential to identify the root causes of disengagement so that we can develop targeted strategies to address these issues and re-engage our students.

Develop a plan for re-engaging students

To develop a plan for re-engagement, start by assessing your classroom and identifying areas that may need improvement. This can include classroom management strategies, the curriculum, or your teaching style. Then, create a plan that includes specific strategies for increasing student engagement, such as incorporating active learning techniques or using technology to supplement instruction. Remember to start small and build from there, and to regularly check in with your students to assess their engagement levels and make necessary adjustments. By taking a proactive approach to student engagement, you can help create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students.

Review

As an elementary teacher, it's important to remember that student engagement is an ongoing process that requires dedication and experimentation. Focusing on your students is just one part of creating an overall plan for creating an engaging classroom. Don't be afraid to try new strategies and approaches, and be willing to adjust your teaching style to better meet the needs of your students. By staying open to new ideas and taking a proactive approach to c engagement, you can help create a classroom environment that promotes learning, growth, and success for all students. So go ahead, try out some new strategies, and see the difference it can make in your classroom!

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7 Strategies to increase student engagement in elementary school | Kodable

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In this post, we'll examine seven unique strategies to boost student engagement in elementary school. These range from the integration of gamification and technology to innovative teaching methods and student-focused learning.

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I got new teachers a plastic accordion file folder and asked our art teacher to write "Why I Teach..." on the front. New teachers can put letters, cards and art from students in it to look at when they have hard days.

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Ask students how would they like to show their thinking or understanding of a concept or idea.

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MagicSchool.ai - AI for teachers - lesson planning and more!

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Join over a million teachers saving hours of time using the #1 AI Platform for Education, MagicSchool, to help lesson plan, differentiate, write assessments, write IEPs, communicate clearly, and more!

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Super simple, but it works! I use playing cards with student names for each class period. I have students read the reminders, essential question, agenda, etc. to limit my voice. After group collaboration or writing, I use the cards first to amplify student voice during whole class discussion. No one can opt out this way.

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Classroom Management: Name Sticks

Name sticks are a useful, yet effective, classroom management tool. They're also extremely versatile.

Before I really get started here, I want to point out that name sticks are nothing new. Teachers have used them for years. I think that's a testament to how useful they can be.

I recently shared my name sticks on Instagram where I also shared how I use them, and a few friends over there shared how they use them. That's what this post is all about, all the ways you can use name sticks in your classroom.

What is a name stick?
Name sticks are exactly what the name implies, sticks with (student) names written on them. Most often, you'll see teachers using craft sticks like the ones shown below. In my opinion, "jumbo" size is the way to go. That size is just easier when you're trying to write names.

You can use them straight out the package. Grab a stick, write a name (I like to use Sharpie), repeat. Put all of your sticks into a little pail/can.

Sometimes, you might see teachers get kind of crafty with their sticks. I tend to get crafty. This is not necessary. Some teachers like to craft and enjoy making things for their classroom.

Some years, I paint my sticks. And, every year, I glue a bow on them. I like bows. Not sorry.

I'm often asked where I get my bows. I make them! I use 3/8" wide ribbon, tie a bunch of mini bows, and then hot glue them to the top of the sticks.

When I don't feel like painting the sticks, I just add the bow.

The stick shown above has a unique shape. They look like mini paint stirrers. I found this particular stick style at Hobby Lobby, alongside the "regular" shaped craft stick.

The colors of the bows (or sticks, when I paint them) bears no meaning to me. I simply choose colors that match my classroom because that makes me happy. I grab and label the sticks at random. But, if you choose to decorate your sticks, the colors could mean something if you wanted them to.

How can I use them?
There are so many ways you can use name sticks. Let's take a look at all the ways you can use name sticks in the classroom.

Calling on Students
This is probably the most common way teachers use name sticks: calling on students at random. When you notice that the same 3-4 kids are raising their hands for every single question, pull a name stick. This reminds students to really pay attention.

You can even rely on the name sticks. That is, instead of asking for volunteers to answer questions, share ideas, etc, you simply pull name sticks one a time. Again, this will remind students to stay focused, and you can be sure not to call on the same student more than once.

Note: Some people prefer to write numbers on their sticks so they can reuse the same set of sticks every year. If this idea works for you, that's awesome! I personally prefer writing student names because I don't want I call out numbers (too impersonal). Also, I like to know whose stick I'm pulling because my brain can't match names to numbers that quickly on the spot. So, writing names is probably a time saver for me. Hehe.

Grouping Students
Need to make groups quickly? Then, get that little pail of name sticks because you'll be able to group your 27 students in no time at all. Decide the size of each group. Grab that many sticks and BOOM, you have a group. Repeat until all of your students are grouped.

Pairing Students
I know, I know, pairing up students isn't all that different than grouping students. But, the sticks will still be a super quick way to quickly pair up students.

Tip: A sweet friend on Instagram, Marna, shared a great tip for what to do when you have an odd number of students. She lets that person choose which group they join, I absolutely love this idea.

When my kids start getting a little too comfortable in the hallways, I choose one or two mystery walkers. I simply pull a stick, or two, before we leave the room. I do not announce whose names were pulled. I keep an eye on those students and if they do a stellar job in the hallway, I let them know when we get to wherever it is we are going and I give them a Mystery Walker reward tag. Learn more about reward tags here.

If you have a quick task that you'd like a student to do, pull a stick! You could have that student help you with a specific task like passing out papers or materials, erasing the board, helping you with part of a lesson, and so on. You could also have them deliver things like notes to other teachers/office, retrieve a book from the library for you, or take the lunch cards to the lunchroom.

Another sweet Instagram friend, Candace, shared that she uses her name sticks for seating arrangements. The students draw a stick (which she numbers) and then they sit at the desk with that number. Of course she reserves the right to move kids as needed once they choose their seats, but she tries to give them the benefit of the doubt. Love that!

Sub Helper
Substitutes are often overwhelmed when they guest teach in your classroom. They usually have the goal of following your plans, adhering to schedules, and figuring out procedures which can make learning names quickly more challenging. Sharing the name sticks with your sub means they can use them to call on students, choose helpers, and so on without saying, "Yes, you, with the red shirt."

As a Library Marker
Another fellow teacher on Instagram explained that she's used name sticks as library markers. When students remove a book from the shelf, they place their name stick in that space so they remember where their book goes when it's time to put it away. I've seen this done with paint sticks as well. It's a great way to teach kids to be responsible with shared classroom materials.

Taking Attendance
Once upon a time, my students would walk through the door, take their stick and place it in on one side of a pocket chart to indicate whether they brought their lunch from home, or if they were getting school lunch that day. I placed the pocket chart and stick at the doorway so students remembered to do this as they walked in each morning. I loved this system. I could quickly see who was absent and who needed their lunch card that day. Sadly, this set up just didn't work with our pod situation at school. Since we entered the school all at once from the playground, my class was always backing things up out into the hallway and I didn't have any other place to put this chart. So, I stopped using the sticks in this manner. However, many people on Instagram reported that one of the things they use the sticks for is taking attendance and I still think it's a fabulous use of name sticks.

I'm sure there are other useful ways to use name sticks. If you have one that wasn't mentioned here, please share it in the comments below. :)

DON'T FORGET IT, PIN IT!

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Name sticks are a useful, yet effective, classroom management tool. They're also extremely versatile. Before I really get started here, I want to point out that name sticks are nothing new. Teachers have used them for years. I think that's a testament to how useful they can be.

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Want a way for students to practice and learn new skills for writing and grammar? This is a great site for independent practice.

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Premium subscriptions for schools and districts interested in priority technical support, additional reporting, and support from Quill’s professional learning team--plus an option for individual teachers

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Students create a social contract that everyone follows. Capturing Kids Heart

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Save your voice from telling them to get quiet every five seconds. Call your class to attention ONCE and then immediately start silently counting on your fingers (hands up high so they can see). Find a spot on your board to record the wasted seconds and add to it throughout the week. It's also a great way to throw in addition ALL day long. Create a seconds to minutes conversion chart. At the end of the week, have the class sit in silence for the same amount of seconds that they wasted (I do this at the beginning of Fun Friday. If your class is like mine was when I started this, you'll be in the 300s the first week. It will be their goal every week to beat their time from the week before. Come up with some reward for when they reach their goal every week! My class went from the high 300s the first week to less than 20 seconds the last week of school!

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One of our students' favorite early finishers is shared journals. So on the front cover of a journal is a "prompt picture" and there is 6-8 to choose from and with what time they have left they can write or draw on theme, and most of the time they don't finish so someone else gets to finish their writing piece.

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My students work hard for rewards and recognition... but they have a wide variety of things that motivate them. I created a class economy where students earn a standard token that they then can then turn in at a time of their choosing for a "menu item." Items include low cost things such as candy, positive phone calls home, preferred seating, etc.

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We use these simple circles to connect with our students. Would you Rather Questions, Inspirational Quotes, Getting to Know you Questions, etc. This could help with keeping students engaged, and minimizing the behavioral issues of challenging students.

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The page is slow to load and there may have been an error. To fix it, please refresh the page.

1. Windows, Linux or Chromebook: press Ctrl F5.

2. Mac computer:

Safari: press Option Command E and then Command R.

Other browsers: press Command Shift R.

3. Phone or tablet: swipe down from the top of the page.

If this doesn't work, try going to old.wheelofnames.com.

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Free and easy to use spinner. Used by teachers and for raffles. Enter names, spin wheel to pick a random winner. Customize look and feel, save and share wheels.

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If you teach Math and you are using IXL, it will send you certificates that students achieved. You can print them out and give them a prize with them, I used Hershey Bars.

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This is an awesome place to find gamification for lessons. It has an abundance of templates to help incorporate technology and make your lessons engaging.

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Hi, I'm Matt Miller. I love supporting teachers and saving them time. I'm all about deep, meaningful, FUN learning.

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Ditch That Textbook offers technology for teachers that allows them to revolutionize their classrooms. With these educational technology tools, teachers can embrace classroom innovation & creativity.

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At the beginning of the year, I got all my new teachers a teacher survival kit and put chapstick, Tylenol, sonic gift cards, phone chargers, earrings, hair ties, keychains and stickers to give out to their kids.

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Every day I build in a "meditation moment" and "brain break" slide. I use short sound videos/or guided breathing for the meditation (usually for my class that comes right after lunch), and Ted Ed videos or short clips that match up to the themes of our units. We don't need them every day, but it helps to know they are there and ready to use. The more engaging and routine it is, the better the buy in from the students becomes. When I taught lower grades, it looked more like reading a short chapter while students used the restroom or laid their head down for a break after lunch. Pad those tough transitions to make them work for you. The minutes it takes to implement, saves you more time in the long run.

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Why should you read "Don Quixote"? - Ilan Stavans

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Google Keep is one of my favourite resources to keep track of everything I have to get done in a timely manner. TPT has cute headers you can download to customize your notes, and notes can be shared with collaborators (like a student teacher, new teacher, etc.)

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Thinking Routines beyond Lead4Ward Strategies.

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Thinking Routines beyond Lead4Ward Strategies.

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This website has amazing resources in these categories:

Thinking Routines, Digging Deeper into Ideas, Introducing and Exploring Ideas, Investigating Objects and Systems, Considering Controversies, Dilemmas, and Perspectives, Generating Possibilities and Analogies, Global Thinking, etc.