Teachers spend a lot of their own time and money to create lesson plans and purchase resources to increase student engagement. At AdoptAClassroom.org, we provide PreK-12 teachers with flexible funding for their classrooms through crowdfunding, giveaways, and grants to help them meet their student’s needs.
We recently asked our community of expert teachers how they increase student engagement in their classroom. If you’re looking for new ways to keep your students engaged in their learning, read the six most helpful tips teachers shared.
Six ways to increase student engagement
1. Let the student become the teacher
A role reversal where the students become the teacher is a great way to encourage students to demonstrate their knowledge.
2. Share your educational journey with your students
Many of our educators say that sharing their own educational journey, including the struggles and triumphs, has been a great way for them to connect with their students.
3. Use flexible seating
Flexible seating is one of the most-purchased items on AdoptAClassroom.org, and it can be really helpful for student engagement. Kids are naturally squirmy, and many who have been virtually learning for the last year have had access to flexible seating in their own homes. Flexible seating in the classroom is one way to help your students readjust to in-person learning.
Flexible seating can also be used in collaborative or independent learning spaces.
Want to raise funds for flexible seating? You can register for AdoptAClassroom.org here.
4. Build trust in your relationships with students
Students have a lot going on in their lives that may impact their ability to concentrate in the classroom. When teachers center relationships with students, it increases student engagement.
5. Recognize student diversity….on your calendar as well as your bookshelf!
Diverse books that reflect students’ experiences have the power to increase student engagement and turn them into lifelong readers.
This educator also points out the importance of a diverse calendar that includes a variety of religious and cultural holidays. Your students of all backgrounds will love sharing their holiday traditions with you.
6. Glitter can be a fun, tactile tool to engage your students….if you’re okay with the mess
Glitter is a controversial classroom item, known for delighting students and creating a mess. If you decide to shake it up and use glitter in your classroom, be sure to warn the janitors first!
Whether you’re looking to increase student engagement with flexible seating, diverse books, or extra glitter for the craft cabinet, AdoptAClassroom.org can help you offset material costs. If you don’t have a classroom page on AdoptAClassroom.org, you can register here.
Check out upcoming classroom funding opportunities for PreK-12 teachers here.