Throughout my teaching journey—whether it’s handling a room of fourth graders, surviving middle schoolers, navigating high school moods, or even coaching undergrads into becoming teachers—I’ve picked up a thing or two about how to really grab and keep students’ attention, no matter their age.
The Engagement Struggle Is Real
Let’s be honest—getting kids to focus these days can feel like herding cats. One of the biggest challenges is easing up on that comfortable teacher control and giving students a say in their own learning. It might seem a bit daunting, but it can work wonders for engagement in the classroom.
A big part of this is teaching kids how to take ownership and operate in a classroom. Many of the social skills we take for granted must be explicitly taught. Instead of just telling students to “be quiet,” guide them on how to use their quiet voices and manage themselves. Creating a social contract with your students is essential. Involve them in setting classroom expectations. Ask them what tends to disrupt their focus and what strategies they think would help. When students have a role in setting the rules from the start, they’re much more likely to follow through.
Steps toward Student Ownership
Giving students ownership doesn't happen overnight. It's an ongoing process that requires intentionality and practice. You shouldn’t assume students know how to discuss ideas or make their opinions heard—practice it with them. Have them start with simple low-stakes conversations like their favorite movie or color, rather than diving into why the Revolutionary War was fought. This may seem elementary, but embedding student social skills early on can transform your classroom culture.
Cultural Relevance in Teaching
I remember modeling a compare and contrast lesson for a Grade 3 class. The teacher warned me, “The students can’t; the students won’t.” I didn’t know much about the kids beyond the fact that we shared a cultural background, but I knew that connection could make a difference, so I used that to my advantage. I started with something familiar—the Puerto Rican and Cuban flags, which are inverted versions of each other. I had the kids compare and contrast the flags before moving on to something more complex, like a text. Suddenly, they were engaged and eager to participate, and by the end of the class, they didn’t want to stop. This experience really drove home how powerful cultural relevance can be in shifting perspectives and fostering engagement.
Fostering a Supportive Classroom Environment
Creating a classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves and take ownership of their own learning is crucial to engagement, and it requires us to be reflective and intentional. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
- Be Clear with Expectations: Clearly communicate what you expect from students, but keep in mind they’re still learning and may need reminders. Involve them in setting some rules to give them a sense of ownership, and be sure to acknowledge when they’re doing things right to reinforce positive behaviors.
- Show Grace and Understanding: When students act out, try to understand the reasons behind their behavior instead of jumping to punishment. Offering them a classroom responsibility can help them channel their energy positively and build trust. Focus on helping them reflect on their actions rather than just disciplining them.
- Work with Parents/Caregivers: Keep parents updated on their child’s progress and behavior, sharing both the challenges and the successes. Involve them in the classroom experience by inviting their input and participation, and make sure to highlight the small wins to encourage ongoing positive behavior at home.
- Create an Organized, Inviting Classroom: Ensure your classroom is a welcoming space where everything is easily accessible to students. Set up distinct areas for different activities, and make sure your seating arrangement and materials encourage collaboration and independence. The goal is to create a space that feels both organized and inviting.
Flexibility and Recognition
Every class, every period is unique, with its own cultural dynamics that call for our flexibility as educators. Our role is to compassionately steer our students through their educational journey, celebrating each achievement, no matter how minor. By embracing intentionality, cultural relevance, and flexibility in our teaching, we create environments that nurture both the academic and emotional growth of our students.
Want more from Brian? Tune in to the Extraordinary Educators™ Podcast.
