When I first started teaching, like many new educators, I found myself using the same instructional methods with all of my students. With limited resources and the focus of getting through the day , these methods worked- but I quickly noticed that my students struggled to generalize the skills they were learning. And more importantly, they were not as engaged or excited about learning as I hoped they would be.
Over the years, I realized the importance of varying my instructional strategies and offering students new ways to practice and apply skills. By expanding my approach, my students not only improved their ability to generalize skills but they also became more engaged and motivated in their learning.
Here are some effective ways to diversify your instruction and create excitement in your classroom.
Task Cards
Task cards are incredibly versatile and can be used for nearly any subject. Whether it's math, literacy, or science, students love using dry-erase markers or clothespins to engage with task cards. These tools are perfect for small groups, centers, or even independent work. I especially love using task cards for math centers. While I don’t always use recording sheets due to small class sizes and sufficient staff support, they can be a great way to track student progress in larger or more independent settings.
File Folders
File folder activities are another favorite in my classroom. These take some prep time upfront but are reusable for years, making them a practical long-term resource. File folders provide a quick, independent task for students working on foundational skills like matching, sorting, or categorizing.
Incorporating Movement
Adding movement into lessons can really boost student engagement, especially for those who benefit from sensory breaks or physical activity. One strategy I love is Write the Room. Simply tape numbered flashcards around the room, and students walk around writing their answers on a record sheet. For non-writers, pairing them with a para or peer tutor allows them to state their answers verbally. Another way to incorporate movement is through scavenger hunts. Students search the room for task cards, clues, or hidden objects related to their lessons. You can also use station rotations, where students move from one activity or task to another around the room, keeping the learning process dynamic. Incorporating gross motor activities, such as hopping to different stations or using a balance board while solving problems, is another fun way to engage students and get them moving while learning.
Games
Nothing engages students like a game! Everybody responds better to a game than a worksheet! Board games can easily be adapted to reinforce academic skills. For example, you can turn a traditional board game like Sorry or Trouble into a math activity by requiring students to answer a question before taking their turn. You can also create custom games or adapt familiar ones to practice specific skills, such as solving addition or multiplication problems before moving their pieces. Games are not only fun but highly effective for reviewing and reinforcing skills. Just grab a stack of flashcards and a board game that you already have in your classroom. I also use these Uno type card games quite often with my students. They love them! We also have a blast turning instruction into a game show! Grab a buzzer and a whiteboard to keep track of points and you’ve got an easy and fun review activity.
Interactive Teaching
Giving students the opportunity to become the "teacher" is another powerful tool, especially when they are close to mastering a skill. For instance, in spelling, the student-teacher can call out words while the rest of the class writes them on whiteboards. Then, the student checks the answers, providing feedback and corrections. This approach increases engagement and builds confidence while reinforcing the skill in a new way.
Digital Methods & Technology
Technology is a great way to engage students and enhance instruction. Whether using apps, interactive books, or digital activities, technology provides a fun and motivating platform for learning. I enjoy using digital tools like Google Slides or the Easel tool on Teachers Pay Teachers to create or modify activities. Many digital options are available, and technology is a great way to reach students who thrive with interactive, tech-based learning.
By diversifying our instructional strategies and thinking outside of the box, we create an engaging learning environment that reaches all students. Hands-on activities, movement, technology, and games not only foster engagement but help our students grow and generalize the skills they need to succeed.
What are your favorite ways to provide variety in your instruction?
