Most people have fond childhood memories of elementary school. These are the times when they would spend time playing with their friends on the playground, gossiping, and hanging out with the monkey bars. Today, many people are talking about Common Core standards and how schools prepare students for college. In the past, elementary school was a time when kids were free and could have fun; now, teachers and parents are pushing their kids to achieve even higher learning standards.
Making learning exciting is very important for kids as it allows them to participate and remember their lessons. Creating an engaging and stimulating school environment can help improve student performance. Having fun in school can provide children with a lifelong love of learning. It can also help keep them motivated and engaged. Here are ten ways to make learning more exciting for your students.
1. Break up Your Lessons
Most lessons, especially those that involve introducing a new topic, can be boring for young kids. You can keep the students engaged and excited by breaking up the lecture. After introducing a new topic, try an activity or group exercise. Then, go back to talking. After a couple of minutes, finish the class by having a discussion. Even a short break of around 30 seconds can help keep the students engaged and motivated. Try to vary the way you teach and introduce new material. Doing so can help keep the students focused on the learning material.
2. Give Your Students Choices
Most kids don’t have many choices in their daily routines. Having them have a say can help them become more engaged and motivated. It can also help them develop their decision-making skills. For instance, let them choose the activity that will be used in your lesson. This can make learning more fun and encourage them to participate in the learning process.
3. Incorporate Games
One of the most effective ways to add instant engagement to a lesson plan is by incorporating games. These can be used for various activities, such as reviewing time and memorization drills. They don’t require much preparation time, and there are thousands of free games online.
4. Create Group Time
Having students work together can help them retain information much faster. It can also help them develop their communication skills and critical thinking. Group time can help break up the monotonous routine and make learning more enjoyable.
5. Get up and Move
Most elementary school kids don’t like to sit still for long periods of time. It’s time to get moving and get active. If the students lag behind, give them a brain break or introduce movement into the lesson to make it more engaging and fun. These breaks can provide your students with a quick two minutes of downtime.
6. Incorporate Hands-On Learning
Teachers have long been known to incorporate hands-on activities into their lessons to make them more engaging and fun. These activities can be used in various subjects such as math and English. Hands-on learning is similar to active learning, which allows students to develop their ideas and improve their skills. Unlike traditional lectures, hands-on activities can encourage students to think critically. They can also receive feedback from instructors, which can help them improve their performance. One of the most meaningful assignments that your students will remember is an action-oriented project, such as making arts and crafts.
7. Be Open to Creativity
One of the easiest ways to teach from the same plan year after year is by following the same curriculum. However, it’s important to remember that new students are always coming in. Having a variety of activities and projects can help keep learning fun.
You should be open to the students’ creativity. Give them the freedom to modify their projects and assignments as long as they follow your instructions. This can help them develop unique ideas that will enhance the lessons they’re learning. It’s also more meaningful for them to develop their own ideas as they can improve their decision-making skills.
8. Schedule Field Trips
Class field trips are fun ways to introduce your students to the outside world. These trips provide them with an opportunity to connect with the learning material and develop their own unique perspectives. From historical sites to museums, these trips can be very memorable.
If your school’s field trip budget is insufficient, try taking an online field trip instead. You can also take advantage of walking distance opportunities near your building. Regardless of your chosen method, it’ll be a fun way to introduce your students to the world.
9. Make Technology Part of Your Lesson
Today, kids have a wide variety of devices and software available to them. With the help of technology, you can make learning more fun and accessible. It can help them develop their individual skills and connect with the world around them.
You can give your classroom a boost by stocking it with tablets that have educational apps. You can also show your students a short clip from YouTube or TeacherTube. Technology can be used to meet the needs of your students.
Students will be able to develop the skills they need for the workforce if they integrate technology into their education. Most careers require people to know how to use various forms of technology, so students should be familiar with popular programs early on.
10. Take the Fun Outside
Outdoor trips can make the in-class experience more engaging and fun. Recess also brings immense joy to a student’s heart.
Despite the benefits of recess, many schools have chosen to do away with it in favor of academics. Research shows that playing on the playground, engaging with friends, and getting outdoors can help children develop their brains.