If there is one thing that we teachers all want is every student to be blissfully about school and learning. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I’ve had times when I thought I’ve just had prepared the perfect lesson plan or engaging activity, to then find out that my students were unfocused.
Aside from presenting material to students in a way that they can understand, we teachers also need to be focused on making them actually want to learn. For this, there are many ways and supplies that we can try to keep our students on their toes and excited about learning. Some of them are known to be quite effective while others, not much. Here are some classroom essentials that many teachers have found to be great at keeping their class interesting and their students engaged all the time.
Whiteboard
With all the hi-def monitors and touchscreen digital devices of every size, you may be wondering why use a traditional whiteboard? It will give you a few convincing reasons. A whiteboard is one of the most versatile things you can add to your classroom. You can use it to write or project on them and even attach material with magnets. Whiteboards come in a variety of sizes, don’t need to be powered to work, and are quite affordable. However, the main thing that makes the whiteboard a powerful learning tool is its ability to engage both the body and the brain in the learning process.
Using a whiteboard offers both kinesthetic and visual benefits. The writing and drawing acts engage the student physically and mentally, which aid learning. Research has shown that neural activity in kids was far more enhanced in those who practised writing by hand than in those who simply looked at letters. That is because there is a direct connection between the hand and the brain when an individual composes thoughts. According to studies, finger movements activate regions of the brain involved in language, thinking, and working memory.
But the benefits don’t stop here. Writing information and ideas on a whiteboard is collaborative and encourage participation. More than one student can use the board at any given time, which helps multiply response and participation. Whiteboards can also be used to stimulate disinterested and introverted students and to prize and recognize the efforts of enthusiastic students.
Last but not least, they aren’t messy to use and don’t produce harmful and allergic dust particles as blackboards do. Markers don’t lead dust on our clothes and can be easily wiped off. Like the traditional blackboards, white boards are simple to use, are reusable, and can be erased for quickly and explanations and spontaneous work. Available in a variety of sizes, you are sure to find one that fits perfectly in your classroom.
Visual Aids
When it comes to creating an inclusive classroom, visual aids are, undoubtedly, very important items. Visual aids have the ability to attract student interest, explain an idea or help a student understand a lesson. Good examples of visual aids include posters, maps, schedules, charts, number lines, graphic organizers, diagrams, etc. Having different types of visual aids in the classroom will help you deliver, accommodate or modify a lesson.
Games
Teachers often use games, such as board games, card games and classroom games, to reinforce a new concept. However, games are also a great way to teach students social skills and teamwork. Considering the fact that game choices are endless, you can use them in many different ways to get students engaged in learning. Many methods are available to help students to relax in their learning environment, such as the use of gym balls. Games are a simple and effective way to do that.
Technology
We can’t deny that technology is vital to the modern classroom. Not only kids love technology, but in moderation. it can be a valuable tool in learning. Kids learn the most when they have fun, and they sure have fun while playing educational computer games and doing online practice activities.
Another great benefit that technology offers is the ability for students to work on what they each need the most. In other words, technology allows students within a classroom to work at different levels of the same material while getting feedback about how they are doing. Depending on the student, technology can offer easier or more complex questions to push them further or make it easier for them.
Technology also offers the ability to bring a lesson to life for students. For example, art teachers can use virtual reality to take students on a trip through a museum and a science teacher can use virtual reality to show students the ecosystem of the ocean. The opportunities are many.
Wall Organisers and Filling Cabinets
No one can learn in a messy environment. As a teacher, you need to make sure that everything is in order within your learning environment and that your students also carry out the responsibility of maintaining the classroom.
To keep your class organized you can use plastic filing cabinets, wall organizers, boxes, binders, etc. At the beginning of the year, make sure you label everything properly. Explain to your students the importance of classroom organization and encourage them to maintain the class well-organised.
