[Hannah Okamoto]

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

-When it is raining and some children do not have extra clothes or rain gear I like to set out a big paper on the floor after rolling up our circle time rug they will either paint or use crayons on the paper. some children decide they would like to work instead (individually).

We also sing a specific song they all know and will sing together to capture their attention.

[Trainer]

Hannah, your creative use of indoor activities and familiar songs effectively engages children in active learning. Great job!

[Azucena C]

Asking children questions about family activities they like doing that really engages children at circle time asking them questions like what’s their favorite color or snack or where would they like to go in the summer time getting to know the children and the children getting to know you and then we can color about it make a special drawing for a parent or sibling .

[Lucy]

Pay attention to the things they do/their likes and dislikes and work from there.

I like to have the kids “read” books to me, have them tell me what they see instead of me telling them.

Instead of telling the kids everything ask them what they think/see.

[Trainer]

Lucy, excellent approach! Understanding children’s interests and involving them in active learning fosters engagement and critical thinking.

[Ethan Winstead]

I think to get children engaged enough in listening about an activity there could be a call and response, or repeat after me activity to draw their attention, and then as for the activities themselves you could have them help set it up so they feel like they’re a part of it.

[Trainer]

Great suggestion, Ethan! Using call and response and involving children in setting up activities fosters engagement and ownership. Well done!

[Sarah]

Ask them questions, have them work with partners, have students come up and share. Participate in sharing circles. Snacks, art, projects, math, art, reading, play, dress up (any student centered activity).

[Trainer]

Sarah, great ideas! Encouraging collaboration and incorporating different activities can effectively engage children in meaningful learning experiences.

[Mykayla]

Provide opportunities for real-life experiences and hands-on learning outside of the classroom. This could include field trips, visits to local businesses, or inviting guest speakers to share their expertise.

[Annalise]

Interactive activities with the students, games, music, imagination, etc.

[Joan Peters]

I try to pick things that’ll spark their interests. I brought in marbles and a bath mat that had suction cups on it. I cut it into strips and gave each child a strip and some marbles. They loved playing with the marbles and counting.

[Anj Hampton]

In the module I learned some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning are: fostering positive self-identity and a sense of emotional well-being, develop social skills and knowledge, encourage children to think critically, reasons, question and experiment, encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety, and nutritional practice, encourage creative expression, representation and appreciation for the arts. Develop a sense of belonging to the natural environment and ensure the materials and practices of your program reflect the backgrounds and current practices of the children and families enrolled. Some that I like include lesson planning that is not only flexible to each child’s development but also integrating objects or materials from the children’s personal interests and/or cultural background to initiate engagement.

[Trinity]

What are some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning?<div>
</div><div>Some creative ways to get children engaged is to see what each child is they are interested in and how they learn best to incorporate those factors into a lesson plan. If for example a child really likes worms we try to go find worms and even keep them in a box to observe them and talk about what they see and what kind of things we need to get to take care of the worms. I also like to ask open ended question about their families, what they like (food, color, tv show, type of activity, etc.), and about their surroundings to keep them engaged and to start and keep conversations. Even trying to create a group time where they can share and tell something or share their answers to questions I ask to keep them engaged and connected with one another. Also having a wide range of different types of activities(art crafts, sensory bins, exploration trips) to offer that is more hands on and can practice and teach many different skills at once. </div>

[Trinity]

What are some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning?
Some creative ways to get children engaged is to see what each child is interested in and how they learn best and then incorporate those factors into a lesson plan. If for example a child really likes worms we try to go find worms and even keep them in a box to observe them and talk about what they see and what kind of things we need to get to take care of the worms. Then throughout the week we can write down observations and do check ins and see what the children are thinking about regarding the project. I also like to ask open ended question about their families, what they like (food, color, tv show, type of activity, etc.), and about their surroundings to keep them engaged and to start and keep conversations. Even trying to create a group time where they can share and tell something or share their answers to questions I ask to keep them engaged and connected with one another. Also having a wide range of different types of activities(art crafts, sensory bins, exploration trips) to offer that is more hands on and can practice and teach many different skills at once

[Allison]

To engage children based off of what you observe, if a child is not into something maybe add into the activity something that might interest them. To create a fun and open environment for kids to explore and learn about with out the help of an adult. To allow the children to be creative and share with you and peer what they might find while exploring activities or experiments.

[emily]

Ask the children what theyd like to do for the activity and mold it around their thoughts. Make a game out of it, in whatever way you can

[natalie]

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

An example of how I integrate meaningful learning would be engaging with them in imaginative play. I love when I overhear a child playing, using what I had previously taught him/her. An example would be playing Mc Donald’s drive-thru. First I’m the worker, “showing” him/her what they say. “Hi, what can I get for you?” or “Welcome in! How are you today” or “Enjoy your meal ma’am!”. Then after we finish that order, we switch. Now he/ she is the Mc Donald’s worker, saying almost exactly what I said. Next thing you know, you hear him/her and their friends playing that game. Playing these pretend games is a great way to teach kids social situations!

[Tiffany]

I like using art to help express and tell stories. We can also use stickers, stamps, and crayons and talk about why they decided to choose those materials and which they think I should use. I also like picture books and having them explain how things work in the pictures they see.

[Trainer]

Tiffany, your ideas are wonderful for engaging children in active, meaningful learning through art and storytelling. Great approach!