[Minaz Gilani]

To interact with kids to understand them well and then do activity of their interest. To give them safe environment to play independently.

[Trainer]

Minaz, your approach of understanding and engaging children through their interests and providing a safe play environment is spot on!

[Jeannee Winterroth]

1. Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourage curiosity by allowing children to ask questions and explore answers through experiments and research.

2. Project-Based Activities: Let children work on projects that are relevant to their interests and that they can manage with some autonomy.

3. Role-Playing and Dramatic Play: Create scenarios for children to act out, which helps them understand different perspectives and problem-solving.

4. Outdoor Learning: Utilize nature and the playground as extensions of the classroom to teach environmental awareness and scientific concepts.

5. Technology Integration: Use educational apps and digital tools to create interactive and personalized learning experiences.

6. Arts and Crafts: Encourage creativity and expression through art projects that also enhance fine motor skills.

7. Music and Movement: Incorporate music and dance to make learning enjoyable and to help with memory and physical development.

8. Storytelling and Reading: Use stories to spark imagination and discussions, enhancing language skills and comprehension.

[Kylie]

make the learning fun and inviting. be sure the the activities are built with you class in mind and not just what you hope the result will be

[Corinne]

What are some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning?

Some creative ways to get children engaged in active and meaningful learning are two focus where they’re focused and ask them questions. Also find fun ways to show them your interest in what they’re interested in and then make commentary about what is happening. This can be done by being super silly or doing play pretend for example in the pretend kitchen, play pretend skills or senarios that one day in a real kitchen they may be using. Or if during a lesson making sure to have active facial expressions and positive feedback.

[Priyanka Pathak]

Integrating hands-on activities, such as science experiments or art projects, into lessons can make learning more engaging for children. Additionally, incorporating educational games, interactive technology, and real-world experiences can stimulate their curiosity and foster a love for learning. Creating a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages questions and exploration can further enhance children’s active and meaningful engagement in the educational process.

[Tierngo Tadege]

Making sure to make children feel comfurtable around you and others. Building toys instead of using ones that are store bought to make it more valuable.

[Malcolm]

Engage a child with meaningful questions. Give them depth in your explanations. Always answer their questions the best you can or help them investigate. You might even try the socratic method. Use the idea of back and forth, call and response. Play with them, but let them lead the way.

[Cat Ortiz]

circle time, arts and crafts, and group movment activities

[Haizhen Song]

If we are teaching children colors, we will prepare various activities such as color matching activity, beginning sound/letter matching for each color which this activity is more appropriate for preschoolers.

[Theresa Anderson]

Thoughtful questions

Thoughtful questions and conversation about things that children are doing or using, something seasonal that is observed by all, or a favorite book that the children enjoy can all be used to further their thinking or reflecting. It’s good to encourage everyone to have input, not just the talkative few who can take over. Rather than questions, I like to think of this as conversation or wondering. For example, during snack time you can wonder who drinks mile and who doesn’t, and what else they like to drink. This can divert to a discussion about where milk comes from, what cows eat, that cows have udders and two stomachs etc. Again emphasis on that everyone has a chance to voice their thoughts.

[Astrid]

I think engaging them with their senses when appropriate and asking questions around that. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I’ll typically wear my traditional clothing and I’ll ask the kids what color they like on the dress, what patter they like? What they think the material feels like? How they think it moves when I’m dancing? How they would dance in it? Things like that.

[Kalista McCafferty]

I think encouraging each child’s creativity and individuality will help them get engaged in learning. As well as finding a way to involve each child in some way, like giving them each jobs during circle time or when getting ready to go outside, will make them want to participate and engage their attention.

[LOAN]

ngaging children in active, meaningful learning involves incorporating creative and interactive approaches that capture their curiosity and imagination. Here are some creative ways to get children engaged in learning:

1. Hands-On Activities:

   • Provide hands-on activities that allow children to explore and manipulate objects. Examples include sensory bins, building blocks, and art projects.

2. Themed Learning Centers:

   • Create themed learning centers based on topics of interest. For example, set up a “science corner” with magnifying glasses, plants, and simple experiments.

3. Outdoor Learning:

   • Take advantage of outdoor spaces for learning activities. Conduct nature walks, observe plants and animals, or organize scavenger hunts.

4. Storytelling and Dramatic Play:

   • Incorporate storytelling and encourage children to participate in dramatic play. Use props, costumes, and puppets to make stories come to life.

5. Music and Movement:

   • Integrate music and movement into learning. Have dance sessions, use music to teach concepts, and create rhythm instruments for hands-on musical experiences.

[Taylor]

A few creative ways that I have found to get children engaged are by leading by example, whether it’s imaginary play, or building up Blocks and knocking them over I always tend to play with them instead of around them to get them actively engaged. Other things you can do is bring in many different types of toys especially ones that already support creativity and open ended play, furthermore asking questions to children and offering my own answers as well is amazing. One of my favorite things to do to engage them in play is complement the child through a teddy bear or stuffed animal “Mr. bear have you seen Emily’s shirt today? It has flowers on it how beautiful!” Many times, the child will turn to the bear or stuffed animal and smile.

[Molly]

A great way to have children be involved in their learning is so use a discovery or emergent practices. If the kids are super interested in bugs that week maybe bring in some materials so that the children can create bugs like art materials and leaves. Read the children books about bugs. Have them make bug puppets and put on a puppet show. Then if that leads them into a new interest, like wanting to make puppets and do plays, then embrace that and so on and so forth.