One quick scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and it’s easy to spot activities that promote high student engagement. So why isn’t everyone using these strategies if there are plenty of them? Well, to be honest, some of them are time consuming!
When I first started my teacher Instagram account, I got swept up into this idea that I needed to do these huge classroom transformations or dress up in costumes to get my students engaged. I did it a few times, but honestly… I got tired. The students loved it and they were engaged the whole time, but I just knew it wasn’t sustainable for me.
I now do one transformation per year, and then sprinkle in highly engaging activities throughout the year that don’t take a lot of extra work for me! So what are some of the activities that I’ve added to increase engagement? Read on to find out 3 ways I’ve increased student engagement in my classroom this year!
1. Escape Rooms
My all-time favorite engagement tools are escape rooms. Each time I pull out an escape room, my students are PUMPED! Not only do students enjoy them, they also get students collaborating and using critical thinking skills! What could be better?
However, from talking to other teachers, I’ve learned that many are afraid to try escape rooms. Many are afraid of the time needed to plan and prep the activity, as well as the time it takes students to complete it. There are many ready-made escape rooms on Teachers Pay Teachers, but even some of those take a lot of prep!
But, what if I told you that there are escape rooms that only require you to print and maybe do a little cutting? Each of the escape rooms in my store are ready to go and take very little prep! They allow students to review a math concept and work in a group… all while only requiring you to print, cut, and go!
2. Scavenger Hunts
After escape rooms, scavenger hunts are probably my next favorite engagement tool! They are great because they get students moving. They also have a blast finding their next clue!
Scavenger hunts hunts can be as simple or as complex as you want. You also have the option to space clues around the entire school, or stay put in your own classroom. I prefer to stay in my own classroom, so I can monitor all of my students. But it depends on your school set up!
All you need to create a scavenger hunt is to add clues that will lead students to the next question! For example, the answer to a task card might appear on the next task card. Check out some ready-made scavenger hunts here!
3. Digital Tools
The internet is FULL of online resources for students–and many of them are free! Two of my favorite tools right now are Quizlet Live and Quizizz. Both of these resources give you the option to create your own materials or use materials that are already created. What’s better than a fun review game that’s ready to go?
Quizlet Live is a great site when you want to get students working together. Quizlet is an online tool where students can study digital flash cards. But there are many game options on Quizlet, and Quizlet Live is my favorite!
Quizizz is great when you want students to review individually, but still add a little bit of competition. My favorite part of Quizizz is that it is student-paced and points are not based on how fast students answer questions! This is great if you have students who feel pressured or if questions should take longer to answer.
So there you have it, those are 3 simple ways I’ve increased student engagement this year! When planning units, I try to add each of these activities in at least once per unit to “spice” things up.
Want even more ideas to increase student engagement in your classroom? My FREE Low-Prep Engagement Toolkit gives you 16 different strategies to immediately add engagement to your classroom! Click here to get your hands on it and start engaging now!
