ELM 251- Strategies to Increase Motivation and Engagement by

Morning Meeting Circle

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 21:31:49 UTC

Explanation: Begin each day with a morning meeting where students share thoughts, greetings, and positive affirmations. This fosters a sense of belonging and builds strong relationships!

Impact: Encourages active participation, support social-emotional development, and motivates students with a positive and interactive start to the day.

"One signature component of the Responsive Classroom approach is the Morning Meeting, a daily tool used to build communication, community, and content skills in concert" (Evertson et al., 2022)

Interactive Read Aloud

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 21:42:20 UTC

Explanation: During an interactive read aloud, the teacher reads a text aloud while pausing to ask questions, highlight vocabulary, and connect to students’ prior knowledge. Encourage students to discuss with peers and share their ideas throughout the reading. This fosters listening comprehension, builds vocabulary, and creates opportunities for positive social interaction.

Impact: Supports active engagement by involving students in questioning and discussion, while also allowing kids to build positive relationships to those around them.

"Research has shown that read alouds improve comprehension (Duke & Pearson, 2008), vocabulary (Massaro, 2017), and fluency (Trelease, 2001)" (Okello, 2021).

Sources

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 21:47:48 UTC

Evertson, C. M., Emmer, E. T., & Poole, I. R. (2022). Classroom management for elementary teachers (11th ed.). Pearson Education. https://bibliu.com/app/?bibliuMagicToken=Fl63sBiKjU6DoBeI2YdpdWCMPYZwbhko#/view/books/9780136833666/epub/OPS/xhtml/fileP70010172680000000000000000015AF.html#page_214

28, J., & Okello, Dr. B. (n.d.). The power of read alouds // how to perform an effective interactive read aloud. The Power of Read Alouds // How to Perform an Effective Interactive Read Aloud | Institute for Educational Initiatives. https://iei.nd.edu/initiatives/notre-dame-center-for-literacy-education/news/the-power-of-read-alouds-how-to-perform

Gamified Learning

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 21:57:43 UTC

Explanation: Use Kahoot! (https://kahoot.it/) ( for gamified lessons. It can also be used for quizzes and reviews in a competitive way.

Impact: Gamifying lessons helps keep students excited to learn. It also provides immediate feedback to the educators and students.

"Gamification can help students focus better, work together with others, and stay excited about their progress. It also gives quick feedback so they can see how well they’re doing and what they need to work on" (USD, 2025).

Goal Setting Journal

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 22:05:59 UTC

Explanation: In the beginning of the week, have students create 3 goals for that week, whether it be academically, or helping a friend on the playground during recess. Then at the end of the week, have students read through their journals and highlight what they have accomplished. With those that they did not accomplish that week, encourage them to write it again for next week, and to work towards that!

Impact: This encourages kids to set real goals throughout their schooling. It teaches them responsibility and sets a tone of determination in their little minds!

Sources

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 22:06:33 UTC

Administrator. (2025, August 18). 10 gamification in education ideas to make learning fun. University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education. https://pce.sandiego.edu/gamification-in-education/

Socratic Seminars

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 22:16:02 UTC

Explanation: These are structured, student led discussions centered around a text, question, or topic. Instead of the teacher providing answers, students engage by asking questions, sharing perspectives, and respectfully challenging one another’s ideas. The teacher’s role is to act as a facilitator, guiding students to think deeply and use evidence to support their reasoning.

Impact: Students gain confidence in expressing their ideas, which increases self motivation and engagement. Socially, Socratic Seminars creates collaboration, respect, and empathy as students learn to listen to peers’ perspectives and respond constructively. These skills extend beyond academics, preparing students for real world problem solving and teamwork.

"Through this type of discussion, students practice how to listen to one another, make meaning, and find common ground while participating in a conversation" (Facing History, n.d.).

Project Based Learning

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 22:19:03 UTC

Explanation: Have students work with a partner to create a project and presentation using a slideshow on a digital tool like padlet (https://padlet.com/) about the lesson being taught.

Impact: This teaches students how to collaborate and work with others, and the presentation will help them with speaking skills and organizational skills. It will also help with digital learning as well.

Sources

alaing3259 — 2025-09-28 22:19:19 UTC

Socratic seminar teaching strategy | facing history & ourselves. (n.d.-h). https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/socratic-seminar