An Engaged Classroom . . . Dos and Don'ts

I think laughing with your students is so important! They need to see you as a person and that you are engaged in what you are teaching. When you are passionate, they will be also.

I think when discussing classroom management, we sometimes see engagement as the end-all solution. But, in truth, sometimes we have to do some direct-teaching that isn't so fun for anyone.

But I think it's important to be up front with the kids that, no, this is not going to be the most engaging, exciting thing, but here's why we need to learn it and learn how to apply it.

Bargaining can work, as well. For example, "Let's just get through learning how to properly annotate and practicing for the next 20 minutes, then we can spend the last bit of class working in our poetry slam books. Deal?" Students then feel they have a say and there's a reward --however small.

Yes, intrinsic motivation is what we all hope for and strive for, but a little extrinsic motivation is perfectly acceptable.

I always have a joke or 5 up my sleeve.
Knock knock, who's there, boo, boo who, don't cry its only a joke.

Go to a book store, library or internet and get a joke book for the age group you work with. even if a few children aren't listening or paying attention, when they hear the rest of the class laugh, they'll feel like you would if you were THAT table talking at a comedy club and you suddenly heard the place explode in laughter. You would be asking "What did I miss?" Jokes are one form of Pattern Interrupts. SHUA!!!

But, we must not forget that the students need to be taught to have respect for the classroom and their teacher as well. As teachers, we don't need to teach the way a student wants to be taught. We need to teach the way they NEED to be taught...giving them boundaries.

Since I began my teaching career in 1970, I've found that engaging lessons do one or more of the eight things I've listed as Secrets of Good Lessons at http://www.classroomtools.com/secrets.htm

Summarizing them I'd say one needs to present things in unusual ways and ask students to build on skills they already possess.

Engagement requires a positive relationship. While you may have a few students who have a relationship with the topic or subject you are teaching,many will need to first develop a positive relationship with you before they will fully engage. That said, a positive relationship with the teacher is not enough if your goal is to help students be successful learners. Help them create a positive relationship with the learning and develop a picture of themselves as hard-working, successful learners.

Something just happened with my post; I was trying to include a quote from a post that said "As teachers, we don't need to teach the way a student wants to be taught." I guess technically that's true, that we don't HAVE to, but if you were a student, wouldn't you prefer a teacher who taught with respect to your strengths and interests? Gardner's multiple intelligences, differentiated instruction, humor - all have a place in an active, engaged classroom where students are motivated to participate in the learning process.
There are a couple of books that I thought were wonderful:
"The Laughing Classroom: Everyone's Guide to Teaching with Humor and Play" by Loomans and Kolberg; and "If They're Laughing, They Just Might Be Listening: Ideas for Using Humor Effectively in the Classroom, Even if You're Not Funny Yourself" by Elaine Lundberg.
My philosophy is - why not teach the way my students want to be taught? They'll be happier and better behaved because they feel comfortable and confident in their learning style; hence, I'll be happy too.
Just my two cents.

Kim,

100% agree. I have had teachers tell me "We are educators, not entertainers." and then she crossed her arms defensly. I simply asked her "How is that working for her?" She got it and agreed it wasn't. We need to adapt to the new evolution of child. The faster, sharper, quicker and smarter ones that now start their full time socializing in preschools at 6 weeks old. By the time they are 5, they have spent five full years learning how to manipulate their teachers and then go home and practice on their tired, over worked parents.
I have found the secret to engaging children is to give them what they want: Attention. Kings and queens of the classroom will rise up, whether we like it or not. The question is will they be on our side? If we give them leadership roles quickly, and still keep them in check when they occasionally test, the entire energy and environment of the classroom changes. I always like to learn 2 facts about the students in my classes. ie, their favorite tv show, sport, activity, book. That way if they get disengaged from their activity, instead of trying to lead them back, I'll pattern interrupt their thoughts with a quick conversation about the "fact" i know about them, as I walk them back to the activity. Works magically...if a teacher is willing to give the extra effort to learn their children.

Students should not see school as different from reality. That is a place to come to where people talk, talk, talk .. the participatory culture and project based learning and technology infusion has helped.

Contribute to a young child's creativity by not offering your own observation but listen to what the child has to say about their creations. Smile and ask questions. This small action will get the child to open up more and want to create more.