Students today are accustomed to fast-paced, interactive entertainment. Daily exposure to such stimuli means teachers must match this excitement in the classroom to capture their attention. Competing with television, video games, social media, and more, teachers face a real challenge.
However, with proper planning and execution, they can meet the energetic demands of students by implementing dynamic lesson strategies. Here are some ideas to help you engage students from the start of your lesson.
Pass the Ball
Most students love sports! Even if they aren’t athletes or team players, they enjoy playing a sport when given the chance. Some students, however, are so focused on sports that they need help to stay engaged in the classroom. This activity appeals to both types of students. Using a small, soft ball, the teacher asks a review question from the previous lesson and tosses the ball to a student.
The student catches the ball and attempts to answer. A correct answer allows the student to toss the ball to someone else for the next question. An incorrect answer lets the student “phone a friend” by throwing the ball to another student for help. The teacher sets a time limit for responses, such as fifteen or thirty seconds. The aim is to answer quickly and keep the ball moving!
Music and Dance Video
Students get excited when teachers use music and dance in the classroom. Start class with an upbeat, interactive music video that reviews the current concept. YouTube, GoNoodle, and other sites offer a plethora of videos perfect for this strategy. Use the same video daily while teaching the concept to help students learn through repetition and have something to look forward to.
Four Corners
Four Corners is a game students love, and it’s beneficial for all ages. To play, label each corner with a response or explain what each represents. Students respond to a teacher’s question by walking to the appropriate corner. Use this at the start of a lesson to assess prior knowledge or review material. For example, display a multiple-choice question and label each corner A, B, C, or D. Students walk to the corner corresponding to their answer.
Teachers can then ask students to explain their choices to deepen understanding. Adding music while students choose their corners makes the game even more engaging; they must be in a corner when the music stops!
Beat the Bell Bellringer
Many teachers use bellringers to help students focus at the start of class, but the routine can sometimes become monotonous. To make it more interactive, have students first complete their bellringer individually.
Then, they should share their responses with at least two other students, summarizing each peer’s response and adding it to their own. This process helps students understand the concept better and see it from different perspectives.
Encourage students to share with as many classmates as possible before time runs out. Teachers can track participation and reward the most active students to boost engagement. While bellringers are common in upper grades, this strategy can be adapted for younger students by using a timer or countdown clock on the board.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is it essential to start lessons with engaging activities?
Engaging activities capture students’ attention from the beginning, making them more receptive to learning. They set a positive tone for the class and help maintain students’ focus throughout the lesson.
How can I use sports to engage students at the start of a lesson?
Incorporate a small, soft ball to review previous material. Toss the ball to a student with a question; if they answer correctly, they pass the ball to another student. If incorrect, they “phone a friend” for help. This active participation keeps students engaged and makes learning fun.
What are some practical ways to integrate music and dance into my lessons?
Start with an upbeat, interactive music video related to the lesson’s concept. Sites like YouTube and GoNoodle offer a variety of options. Repeating the same video daily during the lesson’s concept helps reinforce learning through repetition.
How does the Four Corners game work in a classroom setting?
Label each corner of the room with a different response (e.g., A, B, C, D). Pose a multiple-choice question and have students walk to the corner representing their answer. This movement-based activity helps assess prior knowledge and keeps students actively involved.
How can I make traditional bellringers more interactive?
After completing bellringers individually, have students share their responses with at least two classmates, summarizing and adding their peers’ insights to their own. This collaborative approach deepens understanding and keeps the activity dynamic.
Can these strategies be adapted for younger students?
Yes, all these strategies can be adapted for younger students. For example, use a timer or countdown clock for activities like bellringers or Four Corners to help manage time and keep younger students engaged.
Conclusion
Incorporating engaging and interactive strategies at the start of your lessons can significantly enhance student focus and enthusiasm for learning. These methods tap into students ‘ natural interests and energy through sports-related activities, music, dance, or student narrative games like Four Corners.
By varying these strategies and continuously seeking student feedback, teachers can create a vibrant learning atmosphere that captures attention and reinforces critical concepts. Ultimately, these approaches pave the way for more effective and enjoyable learning experiences, setting a positive tone for the entire class period.
