So many possibilities!
Students want to be known, for us to know that they are in the room, that they matter!
- Greet them daily - high fives, fist bumps, handshakes
- Know their interests - ask about the game, the concert, the artwork, their weekend
- Use that time right before the bell rings to chat a bit casually with students
Passion is infectious!
- Students take cues from us ... get excited about the concepts
- Use math riddles, puns, puzzles to generate interest
- Love the work students do ... post it around the room!
Novelty and variety ... the spice of life!
- Routine and structure have their place in our work but don't overdo!
- Talk less ... let students do more!
- Organize lessons so that students collaborate with one another
- Use multiple activities in a class period (2, 3, 4 ... depending on the length of class)
Try a variety of strategies ... check out Learning to Love Math: Teaching Strategies That Change Student Attitudes and Get Results or Math Tools, Grades 3-12: 60+ Ways to Build Mathematical Practices, Differentiate Instruction, and Increase Student Engagement
- Try these ...
- Card Sorts
- Desmos Activities
- Circuits (or Loops or Scavenger Hunts)
- Row Games (Partner work that matches)
- Speed dating
- Kahoot, Quizizz, Socrative, Plickers
- Hole Punch (stickers, stamps)
- Mini Projects
- Math Labs
- Giant whiteboards - group work
- Search MTBoS Blogs for ideas for how to teach difficult concepts ... the search engine is a life saver!
Check out these resources ...
Global Math Department Cultivating Mathematical Reasoning
Algebra's Friend Phrasing to Engage All Learners in the Math Classroom
Fawn Nguyen's Seven Deadly Sins
ASCD Article: Strengthening Student Engagement: What Do Students Want
Blog by a student: 4 Engagement Tips