We believe student engagement is critical to student learning. 

Make it fun and learning happens.

Build routines and everyone knows what to expect.

Keep students involved and they stay out of trouble.

Make it real and students are interested.

Work together and everyone accomplishes more.

WAYS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS...

Technology

• Smart Board
• Virtual manipulatives, field trips, experiments...
  
• Calculators/Navigators
• Computers
• Visual images
• WebQuests 
• Electronic portfolio, presentations
• Web Navigation/Development 

Hands-on/Minds-on Activities

• Project-based Learning 
• Centers
• Manipulatives
• Physical Activity (EX: Kagan Structures)
  
• Multiple Intelligences 

Help Students Make Connections to...

• Hobbies
• Extracurricular activities
• Animals/Pets
• Current events/issues 
• Real World Applications 

Required Thinking vs. Passive Compliance 

• Sorting/Classifying
• Discussions
• Debates
• Organize information for themselves
• Generate new ideas
• Simulations
• Challenging projects
  

Positive Classroom Environment

• Respect/rapport 
• Teacher knows and acknowledges student interests, learning style, strength/weaknesses 

Fun

• Learning activities with high student participation
• Sense of humor, but not sarcasm
• Use variety and novelty in lessons
• Promote creativity

• Use games/simulations to target specific skills (EX: Jeopardy, Deal or No Deal, etc.)