[Madison A]

In my class, I engage the children by asking them to help clean up before transitions. We have pictures on our bins and i take each bin out ask children where the items for the box have gone. Children love to play this game as it helps them feel apart of the success of the class as they help clean while learning math skills as they identify materials around the classroom.

[April]

To engage a child in meaningful learning is using a picture cards, for example they are looking at a spider. I would talk to them what a spider is and how it uses its web to catch insects and bugs. Plus, I would read a book about spiders, and go outside and see if the children can look for a spider or a spider web. These children are very visual learners.

[Anna]

Learning new songs, bringing in new library books, planning new art and science projects that further our learning of themes each month.

[Kadija]

Creative ways to get children engaged in active meaningful learning would be to first let the kids get to know each other so that they can be more comfortable around each other. Next would be to ask them what they enjoy doing, for example if a child enjoys painting you can get them to paint and ask them what they are painting or suggest them an item or object to paint. You could also teach them what colors can be mixed to make another and teach them about primary colors.

[Megan]

try to build your lesson plans in a way that will get you kids excited about what they are doing. the more they see you excited about, the more excited they will be.

[ashley]

i would say to know what age and kids you’re working with. once you understand that then you start to add certain things you think they might like for example, books, toys, some music time and more things like that too.

[Raychel Parker]

Adding fun ways of learning such as challenges, treat games (m&m math), physically acting out the activity, etc.

[Diana]

Reading time is a great way to engage with the children. Example, I was reading about the 4 seasons with a group of children the other day. We talked about the color the sky changes and why, about how the air feels in the summer verses the winter or fall, about how the leaves are different colors on the trees in the spring than the fall, and how in the winter there are no leaves on some trees.

[Callie]

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

• Relate the curriculum to student’s interests.
• Provide more opportunities for small-group and child-initiated activities and interactions.
• Keep large group instruction brief to maximize engagement.
• When large group instruction occurs, provide breaks and opportunities for partner discussion.

[veena]

• Make learning a game. We mentioned that active learning isn’t just about games, but that doesn’t mean that games don’t have any place in the classroom — quite the opposite!
• Make learning hands-on. People learn best by doing.
• Collaboration and debate.
• Give students a choice.

[Alexis]

Asking questions about what they are doing! For example, if a child is playing at the toy kitchen I would ask them questions like, “What are you cooking?”, “Who are you cooking this food for?”, “What did you eat today for lunch?” And I would play with them and engage with them with the toys that are a part of the kitchen center. Asking them detailed questions on what they are doing keeps them engaged and excited because you are giving them your undivided attention.

[Jamie]

Thank you, the one to one interaction is very important to the children.

[Brooklyn]

To get kids to engage in an active, meaningful learning expeirience, you need to have activities that are developmentally appropriate, you need to preplan, provide the supplies and be a role model.

[Sadiyah Ebo]

ways to keep children engaged with learning, id say first show interest in their interests, ask them questions and for them to explain what they are doing in their activities, id also say have children get to know each other, that way they can find similar interests between each other, have children participate in activities like show and tell, that will give children a chance to learn about each other and potential interests as well as getting children to be confident and independent when it comes to speaking in front of others.

[Priya Anand]

We can engage them with colorful shapes puzzles like rectangle, square, traingle etc. we can have 10 colorful jars with 1st jar having one small soft ball, 2nd jar haveing 2 soft balls and so on…..

We can hand out the jars to each child and ask how many?. When they count , we can help them with their counting. Fun way to teach counting.

We can thematic art work.

[Fabian]

Using hands on materials and manipulatives, incorporating music and movement into lessons, allowing children to make choices and take ownership of their learning, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and discovery, using technology as a tool for learning, and creating a safe and nurturing environment that supports children’s social and emotional development. Also connecting learning to children’s interests and cultural backgrounds can help make learning more engaging and relevant.