Like it or not, back to school time is here. For some, this is the first time back in the classroom since spring of 2020. You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed as a new year is upon you. However, this could be a time to revamp some of your current teaching methods and change things up a bit. If there was ever a time a fresh start was needed it is now. So make a vow to create the most engaging and fun learning environment ever! Brain research indicates that fun is beneficial for authentic learning and long term memory. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Ideas for Keeping It Fresh…
Be a learner as well as a teacher. It’s more fun for students and teachers when both parties can learn new information together. Don’t continue to do the same activities where you always know the end result. Switch it up. Do new art projects, ask different questions, and of course science always offers opportunities for different outcomes.
Let the students know you. Tell them funny stories about yourself. What is your favorite food? What were you like as a child? Make an effort to find out new information about your students daily and share with them.
Switch it up! Obviously, a certain amount of routine is inevitable and needed for younger children, but don’t be afraid to change things up a bit. Kids get bored and so do teachers. Change the daily routine once in awhile.
Be a storyteller. Research states that teaching through storytelling allows students to retain information for a longer period of time. When possible, teach by telling a story! It’s more fun for both the teacher and students.
Read out loud. Even if you are a teacher of older kids, the benefits of reading orally are numerous. Vocabulary development, critical thinking opportunities, and increased processing skills are just a few.
Provide interactive activities and participate with the students. Science activities are great ways for kids to work together. Don’t sit behind your desk. Get involved. The Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Science literacy series teach science through storytelling. Each book has two hands-on activities that correlate to the story. It’s all right there for you. We like to start with Inquisitive Inman in our Quirkles series and/or Who Stole Herman Tweed in the Fuddlebrook Science Series.
Last school year is over. Make a pact to make this the best school year ever. It was awesome that virtual opportunities were available for students. But let’s take advantage of being back in the classroom and get off to a fresh new start.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2021-22 school year!