Interactive Learning: 14 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged

It's that time of year again when the kids get antsy and can't keep still. So, I've been brainstorming ways to keep the kids engaged. They get so tired of staying inside during this cold weather. So, I've made me a cheat sheet to use during the day to make sure I don't keep them sitting too long and to keep them engaged during lessons.

1. Turn & Talk - Partner students before discussion/read aloud and have them turn and talk when you pose a question. Then you can ease around the room to see what they are thinking. (make notes to clarify, etc)
2. Thumbs up/down: When you pose a quick question, check for understanding with a quick thumbs up or down.
3. Math: Show me with fingers.
4. Tell me on the count of 3: Gives students thinking time
5. 1-2-3 Spelling: 1-Say the word. 2-Spell the word. 3-Say the word again (or write it).
6. Stand/Sit - For quick true/false or yes/no answers
7. Tell me with a whisper voice.
8. Look, lean, whisper: partner discussions/class discussions
9. Act out your answer.
10. Popsicle Sticks (Write numbers/student names on Popsicle sticks and remove when you call on a student. This will ensure you call on students equitably.
11. Spelling: Write 3 times - pencil, maker, crayon
12. Spelling Bee
13. Vocabulary Bee
14. Vocabulary Sticker Tally: Put words you are learning on a large card and each time the word is used in writing, speaking, etc. a sticker is placed on the card and when it is filled, the word is retired.