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You are looking out at a sea of blank faces (or screens if you are online) and I know what you are thinking (besides wanting more coffee). “I need to increase student engagement. Are they bored? What am I supposed to do about this?”

They totally could be bored. Because let’s face it. School can be boring a lot of the time, especially during a pandemic. As teachers, we feel this pressure to make sure our students are learning and are happy. 
 
But you’re tired! And of course you are. You’ve given so much of yourself over these past few years that there’s not much left. 
 
Here are 3 ways to get your older kids excited about coming to school (even if they don’t leave the house) and increase student engagement. 
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1. Play a game with them

Have you downloaded this Pick 3 Freebie? Lots of teachers tried it and their kids LOVED it. Your students will find 3 random items from around their house (or desk if you are in-person). Give them a scenario and have them choose one of their items. For example, “Which item would you bring if you were stranded on a desert island?”

pick 3 game

Click here to get your free download.

Here are some other games you can play with them:

2. Do something artsy even if you don't teach art

Have you done any directed drawings this year? Art for Kids Hub is a great place to go for these! 

Ice cream cones and Ewoks are great choices. Better yet, have your kids vote on which one they want to do. 

quote about art

Do a found art activity. They have 5-10 minutes to create something just using items around their workspace.

Graffiti art is relaxing and turns out super well! 

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3. Increase engagement by giving them opportunities to talk about themselves without actually having to talk.

You would be amazed at how much you can learn about your students when you give them the chance to share. If you’re virtual, sometimes you’ll find students open up more but other times kids that used to be chatty in class have shut down. 

Be intentional about trying to connect with each student. Having a chance each week to share something that they’re thinking about means a lot. That’s why I’m using these reflection exit tickets at the end of each week to check in with my kiddos.

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These three ideas to increase student engagement are simple, yet powerful. You don’t have to put on a show for your students each day. Just meet them where they are, let them know you care, and have a bit of fun with them!

Read these posts for more ways to connect with your students online:

Make sure you click on the image below to download 3 tools that will really help you to connect with your students – online or in-person. 
tools to connect with students online
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I’m Lauren, from “From Math to Music” – your go-to person for all things Math and Classroom Community.

Being a middle-school teacher and a mom of 3, I know how hard it is for busy teachers to create resources that allow for deep thinking and build classroom community. That's why I love sharing tips and tricks that you can you use in your middle school classroom right this minute.