What engages you? What makes you feel joy?
This summer I have been trying to build healthy habits. So I have been trying to find engaging activities that make exercising joyful!
I’ve been doing strength training 3 days a week and Zumba 2 days a week. In addition my dog and I walk together as often as possible. These engaging activities are helping me to build healthy habits.
As I think about next year, I ask myself
How can I engage my students?
Here are my top 5 ways that I will engage my students from the first day of school.
- Great each student at the door every day. I give them choices on how they can greet me-hug, handshake, high five or just a smile.
- During morning meetings, I ask students questions such as “what is your favorite book, movie, food etc.?” Here is a free list of Would You Rather Questions.
- During the first week I ask students to respond to the following questions: What do you want to learn this year? What are you good at? What do you want/need help with this year? These questions guide some of my activities through the year.
- One of my favorite techniques is what my students call “lunch bunch.” On Fridays I invite 5 students to have lunch with me in the classroom. (Students normally eat in the cafeteria.) I rotate through my class list so each student get a turn.
- Finally at the end of the day, I say good-bye to my students. I give them choices-hug, handshake, high five or just a smile.
I hope you are having a joyful and engaging summer.
I also hope that you find ways to engage your students as you welcome them back this fall!l
