Exploring new ideas for learning and teaching
Even though there are endless teaching strategies and ideas available, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and only do what you know. Taking time to embrace creativity in the classroom can be difficult while juggling the academic requirements of the curriculum, classroom management, and other demands on teachers. However, exploring new ideas for teaching and learning can help create a more motivating and stimulating classroom environment for both you and your students. Start by setting aside a few minutes a day for free-thinking and inspiration gathering. Brainstorming with colleagues can also be a great way to explore some new ideas.
Mental health activities for the classroom
Using mental health activities in the classroom is a great way to encourage calm among your students. Staff and student well-being should be encouraged, just as much as academic progress and achievement. As part of your classroom activities, you could encourage your students to keep journals. These could include a combination of reflective writing and goal setting or planning. When your students feel they’re achieving positive things, they will feel motivated about their progress. Another way to promote calm is through the science-backed method of meditation. Meditation-style activities can be as simple as grounding students in their breath or encouraging them to focus on their five senses.
Equality and diversity teaching activities
Children need to be prepared for life beyond school. This includes learning to embrace living and working in a diverse community. Diversity in the classroom builds better thinkers by challenging students to listen and appreciate different perspectives on various issues. It’s your role as a teacher to represent a wide variety of voices in the curriculum, to ensure students see themselves represented in content, materials, and resources. So as you plan, it’s crucial to factor in the diverse learning needs of your students.You can make sure your classroom stays accessible and equitable by using adaptive technologies, implementing a wide range of teaching strategies, and ensuring all students have an opportunity to participate and be heard.FAQs
What are the best class activities for substitute teachers?
You may turn up to a classroom without a lesson plan ready to go, so it’s helpful to have some activities and ideas up your sleeve. While it’s great to continue the teacher’s work, keeping students occupied and focused is essential. There are countless skills a group of students can develop through playing various games. These include critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, listening, and speaking. You can use prepared trivia questions and set the class up into teams. Have them take turns answering questions while you or another student keep score. Rebus puzzles are fun and challenging visual word puzzles that will keep students busy in teams or individually. Pictionary without the cards also works if you have a whiteboard or blackboard at your disposal. Split the class into two teams, and take turns guessing what the teammates are drawing on the board.
How can I use games in the classroom?
Games have a valuable role in teaching and learning in the classroom. They can develop skills in reading, writing, listening or speaking, problem-solving, and working with others. However, the game design and inclusion in the lesson must be crafted with deliberate thought to make sure students remain engaged and motivated to learn. When games are linked back to curriculum content, you can use them to review and informally assess key concepts and ideas. For a game to be an effective whole-class activity, make sure it involves all students in some way.
What should I consider when planning games as classroom activities?
Students can become more engaged in their learning through games in the classroom. Playing games is also an opportunity to reinforce content and generate a positive classroom atmosphere. Incorporating strategy into your classroom games requires students to play smarter each time rather than going through the motions. Even better, allow students to design an entire game from scratch before playing.
How can I use games for teaching Math?
Math games in the classroom should always be coupled with reflection to maximize the learning opportunity. This reflection should consider the mathematics involved in the game, any challenges faced, and the strategies involved. Some verbal or written reflective questions could include:
- Cognitive: Can you connect the math in this game to something you already know?
- Affective: What about the game made it fun to learn?
- Operative: What were your strengths when playing this game?
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