Whether working with younger or older students, hands-on activities can make a huge difference in engagement, retention, and critical thinking. The best part about implementing this approach is you don’t need an elaborate setup or endless resources to implement it, all you need is to design opportunities where students learn by doing.

By engaging in these dynamic activities, students are empowered to connect academic concepts with practical applications, enriching and transforming their educational journey.

Experiential Learning for Younger Students

Younger students are naturally curious and love exploring the world around them, these activities harness that energy while reinforcing key skills.

Dramatic Play & Role-Playing

Dramatic play isn’t just for preschool, it’s a fun way for students to process learning at all elementary levels. Students build communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities by stepping into different roles.

How to Implement:

• Set up role-playing scenarios based on lessons. For example, If you’re teaching a unit on community helpers, create a mini post office, grocery store, or hospital.
• Incorporate historical reenactments. If students are learning about famous explorers or historical figures, have them act out a day in their lives.
• Use puppets or simple costumes to help students embody characters and bring stories to life.

Outdoor Learning Adventures

When you take learning outside it adds a new layer of engagement. Even a short outdoor activity can reinforce science, math, and literacy skills.

How to Implement:

• Take students on a nature scavenger hunt where they collect or observe different types of leaves, insects, or rocks.
• Use sidewalk chalk to practice spelling words, math facts, or storytelling.
• Create a simple outdoor science experiment, like making rain gauges to track precipitation over time or test how different types of soil (sand, clay, and garden soil) absorb water and how erosion occurs.

Hands-On Science Experiments

Science comes alive when students can see, touch, and manipulate materials. Simple experiments help young learners grasp abstract concepts through direct experience.

How to Implement:

• Make a baking soda and vinegar volcano to explore chemical reactions.
• Grow a plant from a seed to teach about life cycles and responsibility.
• Explore buoyancy by testing different objects in a water bin to see which ones sink or float.

Sensory-Based Learning

Engaging the senses is one of the best ways to help young students process and retain information. Sensory learning is an effective strategy, whether through tactile materials, scents, or movement.

How to Implement:

• Use kinetic sand or shaving cream for letter and number formation practice.
• Create a “mystery bag” filled with objects students must describe using their sense of touch.
• Play music or incorporate movement into lessons to reinforce concepts like jumping on number mats for math problems or clapping to syllables in a poem.

Experiential Learning for Older Students

Older students need engaging, hands-on learning experiences just as much as the younger ones. The key is to ensure activities are relevant, thought-provoking, and connected to real-world applications.

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Instead of simply memorizing facts, project-based learning allows students to tackle meaningful challenges while applying multiple skills. They explore concepts deeply and collaboratively.

How to Implement:

• Assign students a real-world problem, such as designing an eco-friendly home, creating a marketing campaign for a fictional product, or developing a plan to improve their school.
• Have students work in teams to research, create prototypes, and present their findings.
• Encourage creativity by allowing students to showcase their projects in different ways, such as videos, presentations, or digital portfolios.

STEM Challenges

Interactive STEM activities build critical thinking and problem-solving skills by requiring students to experiment, adapt, and persevere through challenges.

How to Implement:

• Consider an “egg drop challenge” where students design protective containers to keep an egg from breaking when it’s dropped from a height.
• Task students to build the tallest tower using only marshmallows or something similar to explore engineering principles.
• Organize a bridge-building challenge with popsicle sticks and glue to test structural strength.

Field and Virtual Experiences and Expeditions

Experiential learning doesn’t always have to happen in the classroom. Taking students into real-world settings or bringing the world to them can deepen understanding and make learning more memorable.

How to Implement:

• Arrange field trips to science centers, historical sites, or businesses where students can see concepts in action.
• Use virtual reality or online platforms like Google Expeditions to take students on digital field trips to faraway places like the Great Wall of China, the ocean depths, or outer space.
• Bring in guest speakers from different industries to share their expertise and give students insight into various careers.

Class Discussions & Debates

Older students love sharing their opinions, especially when they can back them up with evidence. Structured class discussions and debates help students to think critically, consider different perspectives, and improve their communication skills.

How to Implement:

• Pick a thought-provoking question related to a book, historical event, or current issue.
• Have students research different viewpoints and share their arguments.
• Set up a class debate or a group discussion where students take turns presenting their ideas and responding to others.

Real-World Money Challenges

Teaching students how money works in a hands-on way helps them build important life skills. Through fun activities, let them experience budgeting, saving, and decision-making.

How to Implement:

• Have students create their own businesses designing products and setting prices.
• Use classroom money for budgeting activities, like planning a small event or “shopping” within a set budget.
• Try a stock market game where students “invest” in companies and track their progress over time.

Bringing experiential learning into your classroom doesn’t mean you have to overhaul everything you’re already doing. Small shifts can make a big impact. Try incorporating one or two hands-on strategies into your lessons and build from there.

Connect experiential activities to real-life situations that students care about to make a more meaningful experience. Remember, things don’t always go as planned. Part of experiential learning is allowing students to explore, problem-solve, and adapt. Have fun with it, if you’re excited about an activity, students will be too!

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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If you’re looking for something new to try, one simple yet powerful strategy might surprise you: take your teaching outside. Simply stepping outside can make a noticeable difference in your students’ attention and energy levels.

Studies have shown that students learning outdoors return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn. Changing the scenery to something more natural, even just occasionally, has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and support better behavior and concentration.

So instead of trying to overhaul your entire teaching approach to make outdoor learning work, with a little planning and flexibility, you can incorporate outdoor teaching in a manageable and fun way. Here are some practical outdoor teaching strategies to help you maximize student learning both outside and back in the classroom.

Set Expectations Before You Step Outside

If you’ve ever taken your class outdoors before, then you know it’s not quite as simple as opening the door and heading out. Before anything else, take the time to lay down some clear expectations.

Discuss behavior boundaries, noise levels, and how to move safely and respectfully in an outdoor space. Let students know that outdoor learning is still learning, and it’s not just an extended recess.

Creating a quick routine or checklist for outdoor time, just like you would for any part of your school day, helps make the transition smoother. Whether it’s lining up calmly, grabbing clipboards, or reviewing the goal of the lesson, those small prep steps go a long way in keeping things structured.

Start with Short and Purposeful Activities

Short and intentional activities are your best friend when you’re just starting with outdoor teaching. Look for spots where students won’t be easily distracted, avoiding spaces right outside classroom windows or near busy roads. Even a quiet corner of the playground or schoolyard can work wonders.

Try beginning with a simple nature walk. You can turn it into a learning scavenger hunt where students look for specific types of leaves, insects, or textures. Give them clipboards or journals to record what they see, hear, feel, or smell.

These short excursions allow students to release energy, build curiosity, and engage their senses, all while laying the groundwork for deeper learning when they return inside.

Make the Most of Group Work

Learning outdoors naturally invites collaboration. When students are working together in an open space, they often feel less pressured and more creative. Small groups or partners are a great way to keep students accountable and safe, while also encouraging discussion and teamwork.

Assign roles within each group to help students stay focused. One student might be the recorder, another the materials manager, and another the timekeeper or observer.

These mini-roles keep students on task and ensure that everyone has a purpose. After the activity, students can regroup in the classroom to share their findings and reflect on the experience.

Strengthen Observation Skills with Nature-Based Tasks

Nature is one of the best teachers when it comes to building observation skills. Just by stepping outside, students have access to a living, breathing environment filled with details they may never notice indoors.

Whether it’s the color patterns of leaves, the buzz of insects, or the feeling of grass under their feet, there’s no shortage of sensory experiences to explore.

To make it structured, try creating an observation journal that students use every time they go outside. Each entry can focus on something different, like plant life, animal behavior, sounds in the environment, or weather changes.

You can also turn it into a sensory scavenger hunt: find something smooth, something rough, something that makes noise, something that smells strong. These types of activities get students thinking critically about their surroundings and using all five senses to investigate.

Connect Outdoor Learning to Indoor Learning

One of the most important parts of outdoor learning happens after you come back in. That’s where the magic of reflection comes in. Whether it’s through writing in a physical or virtual journal, doing a quick think-pair-share, or having a group discussion, giving students the chance to talk through what they saw, felt, and discovered helps deepen their understanding.

And since that post-outdoor window often comes with increased focus and calmness, it’s the perfect time to take the lesson further. For example, if students observed bugs during their nature walk, now’s your moment to introduce insect lifecycles or habitats.

If they found different types of leaves, tie them into a science unit on trees or plant classification. Those outdoor experiences become the “hook” that brings the next lesson to life.

Keep It Flexible and Take Advantage of Teachable Moments

One thing about outdoor learning is that you can plan it all out, but nature has its own schedule. Sometimes, a sudden gust of wind or a surprise animal may make an appearance and derail your plan. That’s okay. Outdoor learning works best when you’re open to the unexpected.

Use these moments as teaching tools. Maybe the wind will lead to a spontaneous mini-lesson on the weather. Maybe the bird that landed nearby sparks a class-wide curiosity about migration.

These teachable moments are what make outdoor learning so powerful because it’s authentic, real-world learning that taps into students’ natural curiosity.

The beauty of outdoor teaching lies in how well it supports the big picture of learning. It gets students moving, engages in their senses, builds collaboration, and helps them make real-world connections. But more importantly, it reminds students, and us that learning doesn’t have to be confined to four walls.

So, the next time your students feel squirrely, your lesson could use a little boost, or if you’re just ready to shake things up, consider stepping outside. With a little creativity and a flexible mindset, outdoor teaching can become one of the most powerful tools in your teacher toolbox.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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But the good news? You can help your students turn things around. With the right structure, a little inspiration, and a lot of choice, your students can start producing projects that feel fresh, exciting, and worth celebrating. Here’s how to guide them in that direction.

Let Students Have a Voice and a Choice

One of the quickest ways to see a difference in the quality of your students’ projects is by giving them ownership. When kids feel like they get to do something instead of having to do it, their energy shifts, and they tend to care more.

Start by offering options. Maybe it’s choosing the topic. Maybe it’s choosing how to present it. You can even go full menu-style and let them pick from a range of project formats: podcast, blog post, short film, infographic, skit—you name it. The point is, that when students feel like their ideas and preferences matter, they naturally engage more deeply.

If you’re not sure where to start, tap into their interests. Take a few minutes to ask about what lights them up outside of school. Maybe they’re obsessed with video games, animals, or baking. Help them channel those interests into their projects.

You can also weave in Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to figure out how your students best express themselves; some shine when they write, others when they build, act, or code. Knowing how they learn helps you help them play to their strengths.

And while it’s important to let them lead, your role still matters. Be their soundboard, their cheerleader, and the person who helps them push their thinking a little further. Students thrive when they feel supported but not steered.

Promote Collaboration Through Group Work

When it comes to helping students create stronger projects, sometimes more really is better. Bringing together different voices and perspectives can take a basic idea and turn it into something much more meaningful.

Encourage your students to work in groups and take on roles that complement their strengths, but instead of assigning totally separate tasks, focus on roles that require real teamwork. The goal is collaboration, not division. Let them bounce ideas off one another, problem-solve as a team, and lean into what each person does best. That’s where creativity really starts to shine.

Keep an eye on group dynamics. Some students may need help learning how to listen, compromise, or take initiative. Build in regular check-ins where students reflect on how the group is working, not just on what they’re creating. This helps foster skills that go way beyond the project itself—skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork.

Cross Classrooms (and Even Borders!)

Sometimes, the best ideas come when students get to step outside of their usual environment. If you want to inject some new energy into a project, consider partnering up with another class. It could be another teacher on your team, a specialist like an art or music teacher, or even a class in a different grade.

Want to take it even further? Use tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or Flip to connect with students from another school, city, or even country. Collaborative projects with students outside their own bubble challenge kids to think globally, communicate clearly and consider other perspectives. That’s the kind of learning that sticks.

Plus, having an outside audience can be a powerful motivator. When students know that people beyond their classroom walls will see their work, they often try harder and think more creatively.

Tie Projects to the Real World

Relevance is transformative. When students recognize how their projects relate to something greater than school, they are more likely to engage and put forth their best effort.

Look around your community. What issues could your students explore through their projects? Perhaps there is a local park that needs cleaning or a shelter that could benefit from more support. Maybe traffic safety is a concern in your town, or there is a lack of recycling bins at school. Turn these real-world problems into project prompts.

When students understand their work has the potential to create positive change, they are more likely to invest time, thought, and creativity into what they produce.

Rethink the Way Projects Are Shared

Sometimes the problem isn’t the project itself, it’s the way it’s presented. If every student is standing in front of the class reading off an index card, it’s no wonder the energy falls flat. Instead, encourage students to find unique ways to share their work.

That could mean turning a research project into a short documentary, a podcast episode, a comic strip, or even a mini-exhibit where classmates walk around and interact with the projects.

Tech tools open up even more possibilities. iMovie, Canva, Book Creator, Google Slides with voiceovers, green screen apps—there are so many options to help students elevate their presentations and make them feel professional and polished.

Also, consider hosting a “Project Showcase” day where students invite families or community members to see their work. When there’s a real audience, students tend to up their game.

The most meaningful student projects are the ones that come from the heart. These are the projects students are truly excited to create, that tap into their unique strengths and align with how they learn best.

The teacher’s role shifts from leading every step to guiding from the sidelines, offering direction and support when needed, but ultimately giving students the space to take ownership.

When kids have the freedom to make creative choices and present their work in a way that feels true to them, the final result is almost always more thoughtful, more engaging, and more authentic.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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You’ve already raised your voice more times than you wanted to. You’ve tried the countdown. You’ve tried the clap patterns. And yet… the noise keeps rising, and your patience keeps wearing thin.

But here’s the thing – there are ways to redirect your students’ attention without losing your voice or your mind. These strategies are simple, low-prep, and best of all, they actually work. You don’t need to become a drill sergeant to bring the energy back down and regain control of your classroom.

Sometimes it just takes a little creativity and a willingness to switch things up. Here are five practical, teacher-tested ways to get your class back on track when their focus flies out the window.

1. Try a “Tech Break”

We’ve all heard of brain breaks, but let’s talk about a different kind of reset, a “tech break.” We’re not talking about putting on a movie or letting your students play video games all day. But giving your students a few structured minutes to explore something on a device (a drawing app, a puzzle game, a quick educational video, or even a timer-based typing game) can actually help them get it out of their system.

Today’s students are constantly surrounded by technology, it’s how they connect, explore, and even relax. Giving them a short, intentional tech break feels like a reward, but it’s really just a smart way to shift their focus. For example, you might allocate five minutes at the beginning of a lesson for students to check an educational app or participate in a digital quiz.

After the break, you’ll often find that they’re more willing to engage in whatever comes next because their minds feel refreshed. Over time, these scheduled tech breaks can help create a more balanced classroom where technology is part of the learning process rather than a constant source of distraction.

2. Leverage the Power of Sound with Instruments

Sometimes your students just tune out your voice. It’s not personal, they’ve been hearing you talk for hours. So, if your usual attention-getters aren’t cutting through the classroom noise, it might be time to try something different like using musical instruments. Grab a chime, a small bell, a triangle, or even a rain stick.

These simple instruments have a magic quality to them. They break through the classroom noise in a way your voice can’t. This unexpected sound can work wonders in snapping everyone back to attention. It also doesn’t feel like a demand; it just feels like a cue. And most of the time, it works immediately. When you introduce this method, explain to your class that the sound is their cue to stop what they’re doing and direct their attention toward you.

With regular use, this technique can become an automatic response that cuts through chatter and distractions, making transitions between activities smoother and more efficient.

3. Make Brain Breaks Part of Your Daily Routine

If you’re not using brain breaks yet, you’re missing a golden opportunity. These short bursts of movement and fun can completely reset your students’ energy levels. These breaks are not just pauses; they are carefully designed opportunities for students to reset and reenergize. You don’t need fancy equipment or a ton of prep.

A quick dance party, a few stretches, a freeze game, or a minute of jumping jacks will do the trick. The key is consistency—if students know they’ll get a break, they’re more likely to give you their full attention before and after.

When planning brain breaks, consider the age and energy level of your students. Younger children might benefit from simple dance moves or a round of “Simon Says,” while older students might enjoy a quick mindfulness exercise or a guided breathing session. By tailoring these breaks to your class’s unique needs, you provide a vital tool for managing energy levels and sustaining attention during lessons.

4. Get Physical with Interactive Attention Grabbers

For many elementary educators, the tried-and-true call-and-response technique is a go-to for regaining attention. But if your students are starting to ignore those old go-to phrases, it’s time to level it up and add a physical element. Take, for example, a playful chant such as “Zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket.”

As you lead the chant, students perform the actions: zipping their lips, miming the act of locking something, and then tucking their hands into their pockets. This multi-sensory approach ensures that students are not only listening but also moving.

The physical activity associated with the chant helps to interrupt any ongoing distractions and refocuses their energy on the collective task at hand. Not to mention, interactive physical activities foster a sense of community within the classroom. When everyone participates, there’s an added layer of engagement and excitement.

5. Employ Visual Cues for Immediate Focus

Sometimes words just aren’t enough, and you have to let visuals do the talking. A quick flash of a visual cue can instantly grab attention without saying a word. Whether it’s a hand signal, a color-coded light, or a classroom sign, visual tools work wonders in classrooms of all ages.

One tool that many teachers swear by is a Time Tracker stoplight. It has green, yellow, and red lights that signal how much time is left in an activity. The visual countdown helps students manage their own attention. You can program it to switch from green to yellow to red based on the timing of your lesson, and many versions come with sound options for an added cue. Not ready to invest in a gadget? No problem. You could create a custom chart that outlines the day’s schedule or specific class rules.

This visual aid can be placed in a prominent spot in the classroom where it’s easily visible to everyone. The goal is to establish a clear, consistent signal that lets students know when it’s time to focus, regroup, or switch activities.

Refocusing your class isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that happens multiple times throughout the day. Each method outlined here has been tried and tested in various classroom settings, and what works best can vary depending on your student’s age, interests, and the overall classroom dynamic. The important takeaway is that you have a toolbox of strategies at your disposal.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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It requires thinking, there’s usually a right and wrong answer (no gray areas), and there are so many different formulas and calculations to keep track of. Some students struggle to see how numbers fit together, while others find it plain boring. As a teacher, that makes engaging students in math a real challenge.

The good news? With the right approach, you can make math more enjoyable, maybe even fun! Here are creative strategies tailored for young students, middle schoolers, and high schoolers to make math more engaging and meaningful.

Making Math Fun for Young Students

Turn Math into Learning Stations

Textbooks alone won’t cut it for young learners, they need movement, hands-on activities, and variety. Learning stations are a great way to keep them engaged. Here’s how to set them up:

• Create about five different stations around the room, each with a unique math focus. One could focus on reviewing skills, another on drill practice, and another on a fun math game.
• Mix it up with stations using math apps, manipulatives (like counting blocks), or real-world problem-solving.
• Model how each station works before sending students to them.
• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. When time’s up, students rotate to the next station until they’ve completed them all.

Small-group settings make math feel less overwhelming and more like play. It also takes the stress out of flipping through a textbook and brings math to life.

Use Math Apps to Spark Engagement

Technology can be a game-changer for keeping young students engaged in math. Interactive apps like Prodigy, Moose Math, or The Mystery Math Museum make learning fun while reinforcing key skills.

For example, in Mystery Math Museum, kids solve math problems to rescue a dragonfly, unlocking rooms and collecting portraits along the way. Apps like these help kids explore math concepts at their own pace while making learning an adventure.

Engaging Middle Schoolers in Math

Middle school is when students start wondering, “When will I ever use this?” Keeping math relevant and interactive is key.

Make Math Real with Real-world Connections

The best way to hook middle schoolers? Show them how math applies to their daily lives.

• Use budgeting activities to teach percentages—have students “plan” a trip with a set budget.
• Show how probability is used in sports statistics and weather predictions.
• Explore how geometry applies to architecture or video game design.

One great resource for real-world math examples is PUMAS (Practical Uses of Math and Science), a NASA-created website that connects math concepts to things like money, traffic signals, and even magic tricks. When students see math in action, they start to care about it.

Use Online Math Practice Tools

Middle schoolers love technology, so take advantage of engaging math websites. IXL.com is a popular online math practice tool that many teachers swear by.

• It offers interactive activities and visual representations to keep students engaged.
• The site rewards progress with certificates and achievements.
• It’s great for in-class use and also works well as a homework assignment.

Since IXL focuses on practice rather than direct instruction, it pairs well with classroom lessons and allows students to sharpen their skills in a fun, interactive way.

Gamify Math with Friendly Competition

Middle schoolers thrive on a little competition. Try:

• Math escape rooms, where they solve puzzles to “break out” of a challenge.
• Online Kahoot! Quizzes to review material in a high-energy way.
• Math scavenger hunts where students solve problems to find the next clue.

Adding a competitive element can turn even the most reluctant learners into active participants.

Keeping High Schoolers Engaged in Math

By high school, many students have already decided whether they “like” or “hate” math. But with the right strategies, you can get them to see math as more than just numbers on a page.

Show Students How Math Connects to Careers

One of the best ways to get high schoolers interested in math is to show them its relevance beyond the classroom. Bring in real-world applications:

• Guest speakers from industries that use math (engineers, game designers, sports analysts).
• Projects where students analyze stock market trends or calculate loan interest.
• Lessons on how statistics play a role in political polls or medical research.

When students see how math affects their future careers and financial decisions, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

Make Math Interactive with Technology

Instead of relying solely on lectures, use technology to help students visualize concepts:

• Desmos for interactive graphing.
• GeoGebra for exploring geometry.
• Coding platforms like Scratch to introduce logic and algorithms.

Flipping the classroom by having students watch instructional videos at home (e.g., Khan Academy) and using class time for hands-on problem-solving can also make math feel more relevant and engaging.

Use a Classroom Response System to Boost Participation

High schoolers aren’t always eager to raise their hands, but tools like clickers or online response systems (like Poll Everywhere) encourage every student to participate.

Clickers allow students to respond to questions anonymously, so even those who are hesitant to speak up can still engage. Plus, they give teachers instant feedback on student understanding.

Math doesn’t have to be a dreaded subject. The key is making it hands-on, relevant, and interactive. Whether it’s through learning stations, real-world applications, technology, or a little competition, there are plenty of ways to keep students engaged—no matter their grade level.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post How to Make Math Fun and Interesting appeared first on TeachHUB.

Bullying has been a longstanding issue in schools, and with the rise of technology, cyberbullying has added another layer to the challenge. It seems like every time you turn on the news, there’s another heartbreaking story about bullying and its impact.

With increasing concerns about school violence, many teachers find themselves questioning: When is the right time to intervene? The short answer? Immediately.

Whether it’s in the classroom, online, or in the hallways, teachers play a crucial role in stopping bullying before it escalates. Here’s a guide to when and how to step in to ensure student safety.

​ How to Intervene

As a teacher, it’s crucial to intervene whenever you witness misconduct between students. Immediate action sends a clear message: bullying and aggressive behavior are unacceptable.​

According to a National Education Association (NEA) survey, 98% of school staff believe it’s their responsibility to step in when they observe bullying. Research also indicates that consistent intervention can reduce bullying behavior over time. While school policies may vary, there are universal steps educators can take to protect students.

Laying the Groundwork for Bullying Intervention

Preparation is key to handling school bullying effectively. Here’s what you can do to set yourself up for success.

Know Your Rights and School Policies

While stepping in feels like the right thing to do, intervention must align with your school’s policies. Check with your district’s legal counsel or administration to understand your rights and responsibilities. This ensures that when you do intervene, you’re acting within legal guidelines.

Get Trained in Bullying Prevention

All faculty members should receive training on intervention techniques for bullying in schools, including de-escalation strategies, verbal intervention, and emergency response. If you haven’t been trained, ask your administrator about available workshops or resources.

Be Ready to Make Referrals

Stopping bullying at the moment is critical, but follow-up support is just as important. School counselors, psychologists, and social workers play a key role in helping both the bullied student and the bully. Have a list of resources on hand so you can connect students with the support they need.

What to Do During a Bullying Incident

When bullying happens, your response needs to be immediate, calm, and clear. Here’s how to take action.

1. Stop the Situation Immediately

If you witness bullying, step in right away. Separate the students involved and ensure the situation is under control. The longer bullying continues, the more damage it causes.

2. Ensure Everyone’s Safety

If necessary, seek medical assistance or alert security personnel. If weapons are involved, follow your school’s emergency procedures, including notifying law enforcement.

3. Give a Clear, Firm Message

In a calm but authoritative tone, let students know that bullying is unacceptable. The student engaging in bullying behavior needs to hear that their actions are wrong, while the bullied student needs to know they are safe and supported. A simple, direct statement like, “That’s not okay. We don’t treat people that way,” can shut down the behavior on the spot.

4. Address Bystanders

Recognize students who spoke up and encourage those who didn’t to take action next time. Bystanders play a powerful role in stopping bullying, so reinforcing positive behavior can make a difference.

5. Plan for a Follow-Up

Tell all the students involved that this situation isn’t over yet—there will be a follow-up discussion. This ensures that bullying is properly addressed rather than ignored after the initial intervention. Check-in with the student who was targeted to ensure they feel safe and supported. If necessary, involve a counselor to provide additional help.

What to Do After a Bullying Incident

Intervening in the moment is just one step—the real work happens in the follow-up. Here’s how to ensure bullying doesn’t continue.

1. Conduct a Thorough Follow-Up

Document everything. Gather statements from all parties involved, including witnesses, and follow the school protocol for reporting bullying incidents. The more detailed your records are, the better.

2. Support the Bullied Student

Check-in with the student who was targeted. Offer counseling, peer support groups, or mentoring programs to help them regain confidence. Let them know they have a safe space in your classroom.

3. Impose Consequences for the Bully

If you have the authority to enforce consequences, do so immediately. Bullying should have clear, consistent repercussions that focus on accountability and behavior change, not just punishment. This might include restorative justice practices, counseling, or a letter of apology.

4. Monitor the Situation Moving Forward

Bullying often continues after the initial incident, sometimes in subtler ways. Keep an eye on interactions between students and follow up regularly to ensure the problem doesn’t persist.

Preventing Bullying Before It Starts

While stepping in when bullying happens is crucial, creating a classroom culture that discourages bullying from the start is even more powerful. Here’s how you can proactively reduce bullying in your classroom.

Set a Clear No-Bullying Policy

From day one, establish firm expectations about kindness, respect, and inclusion. Reinforce these values daily through classroom discussions and activities.

Model Respect and Empathy

Students learn by example. Treat every student with respect and handle conflicts in a calm, solution-focused manner.

Encourage Open Communication

Make sure students know they can come to you if they’re bullied. Let them know you’ll listen without judgment and take their concerns seriously.

Teach Bystanders How to Take Action

Many students want to help but don’t know how. Teach them strategies for safely standing up for others, such as speaking up or reporting bullying to an adult.

Create an Inclusive Environment

Celebrate diversity and make every student feel valued and included. When students respect each other’s differences, bullying is less likely to occur.

Bullying is a serious issue, but teachers have the power to stop it in its tracks. The key is to intervene immediately, follow up effectively, and create a culture of respect and inclusion.

Be the teacher who takes action. Because for the student being bullied, knowing they have a trusted adult in their corner can change everything.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to STEM lessons, crafting an effective one ensures that all students stay engaged and learn in meaningful ways.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when planning a STEM lesson, along with practical tips to take it to the next level.

Questions to Consider When Designing a STEM Lesson

Before diving into a lesson, consider these key questions to ensure it’s meaningful, relevant, and impactful for your students.

Does the Lesson Address a Real-World Problem?

Start by asking yourself if the lesson presents a real-world issue. The goal is to spark curiosity and encourage students to dive deeper into problem-solving. For example, students might design a solution to make a product safer, create something to protect local wildlife or find ways to reduce waste in their community.

The key is to choose something that sparks curiosity and encourages students to investigate further. When students see the real-world impact of their work, they’re more likely to stay engaged. The possibilities are endless—you just need to know where to look!

Can Students Relate to the Problem?

If you want students to truly engage, the problem needs to be relevant to their lives. Giving them a few options to choose from allows them to take ownership of their learning, which naturally increases engagement.

Think about issues connected to their daily experience, health and nutrition, environmental sustainability, or even sports and music. The more personal the problem feels, the more invested they’ll be in finding a solution.

Are There Multiple Solutions?

An effective STEM lesson doesn’t have just one “right” answer. Students should be able to think critically and develop various solutions to the problem. For example, if students are designing a way to help a classmate in a wheelchair carry their belongings, there isn’t just one correct solution.

Your lesson should encourage students to explore multiple solutions and think outside the box. The goal is to give them the freedom to explore different approaches and see where their creativity takes them.

Encourage questions like:

• “What are some different ways to solve this problem?”
• “How can we test which solution works best?”
• “What changes can we make to improve our design?”

The key is to encourage creativity and allow room for different ideas to emerge.

Does the Lesson Integrate All Four STEM Components?

A well-rounded STEM lesson incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math. While these components don’t have to be evenly distributed, students should see how they work together to solve problems. Too often, students view subjects in isolation.

A strong STEM lesson shows them that math and science aren’t just standalone subjects – they intersect in ways that are both practical and essential. Think about how each component can naturally fit into your lesson.

Here’s an example of how these elements can work together:

• Science: Understanding how materials react to heat when designing an insulated lunchbox.
• Technology: Using digital tools to design a blueprint or test different materials.
• Engineering: Building and refining the actual prototype.
• Math: Measuring materials, calculating temperature changes, or analyzing test results.

Is the Lesson Hands-On?

STEM learning is all about inquiry, and hands-on exploration is key. Try using a Project-Based Learning Approach, where students work through problems with flexibility and choice.

Encourage them to brainstorm, build prototypes, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. When students can touch, build, and manipulate materials, their engagement and understanding deepen.

Practical Tips to Employ

Here are four suggestions on how to make your STEM lesson even better.

1. Require Students to Create a Model or Prototype

A great STEM lesson should include a tangible model. When students see their ideas come to life, they gain a better understanding of the problem, and how to improve their solution. It also gives them the chance to test, refine, and troubleshoot, just like real-world engineers and scientists do.

2. Integrate Technology

Technology plays a crucial role in STEM learning. Students can use it to research, test ideas, or even incorporate digital tools into their designs. Make sure they recognize how technology supports problem-solving.

3. Encourage Collaboration

STEM isn’t meant to be a solo mission. Working together helps students build communication and interpersonal skills while tackling challenges as a team. Even if a student prefers to work independently, collaboration is a crucial skill they’ll need in the real world.

The ability to communicate ideas, listen to others, and build on each other’s strengths makes the learning experience more powerful. Give them the space to brainstorm, experiment, and troubleshoot—because the best ideas often come from collaboration.

4. Provide an Authentic Audience

Every great project needs an audience! Before students begin, let them know they’ll be sharing their results. This could be with classmates, parents, a blog, or even through a virtual platform.  Presenting their work helps students refine their ideas and take pride in their solutions.

If you want students to develop the skills they’ll need for the future, you have to start planting those seeds today. A great STEM lesson isn’t just about what students do—it’s about how you guide them.

The way you plan, the questions you ask, and the opportunities you provide can transform your classroom into an exciting, inquiry-driven learning environment. So go ahead—bring STEM to life, and watch your students thrive!

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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The thing is, fiction usually steals the show. But the truth? Real stories can be just as exciting and even more meaningful. Biographies, in particular, can teach kids powerful life lessons and give them background knowledge that helps across every subject in school.

Let’s take a closer look at why biographies are worth reading and which ones tend to spark the most interest in young readers.

Why Biographies Matter

Biographies aren’t just stories from the past. They’re full of heart, courage, and lessons that stick with you long after the last page. Here’s what makes them stand out.

They Introduce Kids to Real-Life Role Models

It’s one thing to read about a made-up hero who conquers a dragon, but it’s another to read about a real person who faced fear, failure, or prejudice and kept going anyway. Biographies show kids that greatness isn’t reserved for the rich or famous.

It’s often found in everyday people who stay true to their values, work hard, and make a difference. Whether it’s someone who became the first to break a barrier, speak out against injustice, or invent something we now take for granted, these stories remind kids that they, too, have the potential to leave their mark on the world.

They’re Packed With Life Lessons

Every biography is a behind-the-scenes look at someone’s journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Reading about someone who failed multiple times before finding success can be especially powerful. It normalizes the ups and downs of life and helps kids understand that growth often comes through struggle.

They Bring History to Life

History can feel like a jumble of dates and names when taught out of context. But when kids read about someone who lived through an event, whether it’s the Civil War, the moon landing, or the Civil Rights Movement, it becomes personal and it sticks.

Biographies put a human face to history. Instead of memorizing facts, students feel like they’ve traveled back in time and walked alongside someone who experienced it all firsthand. That kind of learning is unforgettable.

Biographies Kids Actually Want to Read

Now that we’ve talked about why biographies matter, let’s look at some engaging categories and titles that resonate with young readers. There’s something here for every interest, from politics and science to adventure and activism.

Presidential Lives and Leaders

Biographies about U.S. Presidents can give kids insight into the foundations of our country and the qualities that define leadership.

Titles about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt offer powerful glimpses into courage, innovation, and resilience. And it’s not just the Founding Fathers—more recent figures like Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter offer a more modern lens on what it means to lead with compassion and vision.

For students fascinated by the military or U.S. history, stories about leaders like Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Robert E. Lee can also spark curiosity and deepen understanding of complex events like the Civil War and World War II.

Try these:

• Who Was Abraham Lincoln? by Janet B. Pascal
• I Am George Washington by Brad Meltzer
• Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents by David Stabler

Adventurers and Explorers

If your students enjoy thrilling stories, biographies of explorers are gold. Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and James Cook braved the unknown and changed how we view the world.

Space exploration is another huge hit, kids are captivated by astronauts like Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison. Their journeys into the vast unknown not only tell the story of science but of bravery, curiosity, and human determination.

Try these:

• Who Was Neil Armstrong? by Roberta Edwards
• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles (while not a traditional explorer, her bravery in uncharted social territory makes her a modern-day explorer of justice)
• To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space by Carmella Van Vleet and Kathy Sullivan

Trailblazing Women

Biographies of strong women show kids that determination knows no gender. Girls and boys alike can be inspired by the stories of Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Malala Yousafzai. Helen Keller’s biography opens up conversations about perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible obstacles.

Jane Goodall’s passion for animals encourages kids to connect with the natural world. And Katherine Johnson’s work with NASA proves that math and science careers aren’t just for men. These stories are powerful reminders that history is full of women who dared to defy the norms of their time.

Try these:

• Who Was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
• Amelia Earhart (Little People, BIG DREAMS) by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
• Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller by Doreen Rappaport

Biographies in Science

Curious minds light up when they learn about real inventors and scientists who changed the world. Kids who love to ask questions will be fascinated by Thomas Edison and the birth of electricity, or Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone.

Modern innovators and engineers of modern technology can also appeal to tech-savvy students who are growing up in the age of smartphones and AI. These stories help kids see how creativity and persistence go hand in hand.

Biographies in science also give students the chance to explore careers they might not have considered and encourage them to follow their own ideas, no matter how “out there” they may seem.

Try these:

• Who Was Thomas Edison? by Margaret Frith
• Alexander Graham Bell: An Inventive Life by Elizabeth MacLeod
• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly (Young Readers’ Edition)

Fiction is fun to read, and there’s always room for imagination in a child’s reading life. But biographies offer something uniquely powerful. They show students what it looks like to face the real world with courage, creativity, and heart. By adding more nonfiction stories to your shelves, you’re giving kids more than just facts. You’re giving them stories of courage, hope, and possibility.

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One of the most challenging times for this is during transitions, especially right after lunch or recess. Students return buzzing with energy, and the classroom can quickly become chaotic.

While structured routines help students know what’s expected when they return from these specials, even the most organized classrooms can struggle with students who are still wound up and having a hard time settling down.

The key to calming your students and refocusing them on learning as an educator is to create engaging tasks they look forward to after transitions. Here are a few ideas.

Calm Classroom Strategies

Read Aloud a Book

Nothing quiets a room like a well-timed read-aloud. Even upper elementary and middle school students can be drawn in by a good story. This is the perfect time to dim the lights and have students settle in on the carpet or put their heads down on their desks while you read to them.

A calming read-aloud is a strategy many teachers use, and it’s something students genuinely look forward to. This peaceful, quiet moment is an experience that will stay with them for years.

Just make sure you’re reading a book that interests all students. You can have them vote for a book each week, so everyone is engaged and invested in the story.

Student Journals

Scheduling some private journal time after recess or lunch can work wonders. Let students spread out anywhere in the classroom as long as they’re sitting quietly and away from distractions. Then, give them time to freely write in their journals.

To avoid the constant “What should I write about?” questions, have students bring in pictures at the beginning of the year to glue into the front of their journals for inspiration.

You can also type up a list of writing prompts for them to glue inside their journals in case they get stuck. Writing has a calming effect on kids, so this activity will help them settle down in just a few minutes.

Movement Breaks: Controlled, Not Chaotic

Forcing students to sit still when they have excess energy can backfire, so instead, try controlled movement to help them reset.

A quick stretching sequence (reach for the sky, touch your toes, roll your shoulders), chair push-ups, or wall pushes can provide a physical outlet without disrupting the classroom.

If energy levels are still too high, a walk-and-talk around the room while discussing a topic can help students refocus.

Another great option is classroom yoga, which promotes relaxation and improves concentration. Simple poses like child’s pose, where students sit on their feet and rest their forehead on the floor while extending their arms, can help them reset through deep breathing.

Other calming poses like Sleeping Beauty Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, and Tree Pose can bring balance and focus back to the room. Movement doesn’t have to be chaotic when done with intention, it helps students regulate their energy and transition smoothly into learning.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

For students who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even just overly hyped up, grounding exercises can help bring them back to the present moment:

• 5 things they can see
• 4 things they can touch
• 3 things they can hear
• 2 things they can smell
• 1 thing they can taste

This strategy helps refocus their attention on their surroundings rather than their emotions. It works well for individual students who need help calming down and can also be done as a class-wide reset.

Brain Breaks

A five-minute brain break is the perfect transition after recess or lunch. While some brain breaks are designed to help students release energy, others are meant to calm them down. Go Noodle is a great resource that offers both energetic and calming brain breaks. Some of their relaxation-focused categories include:

• Rainbow Breathe
• Weather the Storm
• Find Peace
• Let It Go

These short activities help students regulate their emotions and refocus for the next lesson.

Limit the Number of Students Entering the Classroom

When students come back from gym, recess, or lunch all at once, it can create instant chaos. Instead of letting all twenty-something students flood in at the same time, try staggering their entry.

Have small groups take turns getting a drink from the water fountain or their water bottles before entering the room. If you let in five students at a time instead of twenty-five, you’ll drastically reduce the noise and movement, making it much easier to maintain a calm environment.

The “Special Task” Strategy

Some students struggle more than others with emotional regulation, and they often benefit from having a job to focus on. When you notice a student getting worked up, assign them a special task: such as passing out papers, organizing a bookshelf, erasing the board, or delivering a note to the office. Giving students a sense of purpose shifts their focus from their emotions to the task at hand.

Silent Signals and Nonverbal Cues

Instead of battling noise with more noise, train your students to respond to silent signals:

• Hand signals – Teach students that a raised hand means it’s time to listen, or use a “time-out” hand signal to encourage self-regulation.
• Call-and-response claps – You clap a pattern, and students repeat it back, drawing their focus to you without shouting over them.
• Lights off = Immediate silence – A quick flick of the lights can be a powerful cue for students to pause and reset.

By using nonverbal cues consistently, students will naturally start responding without you having to repeatedly ask for their attention.

The key to calming your students down isn’t about controlling them, it’s about guiding them back to a regulated state in a way that’s natural and effective.

Whether it’s reading a book, writing in a journal, taking movement breaks, practicing mindfulness, or simple nonverbal cues, the right strategies can make all the difference in maintaining a smooth, positive classroom environment.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post How to Easily and Effectively Calm Your Students Down appeared first on TeachHUB.

Teaching responsibility involves more than just having children finish a task. It is about encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions and take pride in achieving things by themselves.

Here are some simple but effective ways to help your students develop this critical skill.

Model Responsibility

If you want your students to be responsible, you have to show them what it looks like. Kids are always watching—even when you think they aren’t. If you want them to clean up after themselves, they need to see you doing it too.

Keep your classroom neat and organized, be punctual, and follow through on your promises. The more responsibility you model, the more your students will pick up on it.

Set Clear Expectations

Ever notice that when students don’t meet your expectations, it’s often because they didn’t fully understand them in the first place? Avoid confusion by clearly defining what responsibility looks like in your classroom.

Students need structure, and that starts with setting clear expectations. If you want desks to be clutter-free, show them what a clean desk looks like. If you want materials returned to their proper places, demonstrate exactly where they go.

Without clear expectations, kids are left guessing—and that leads to frustration for both you and them. But when students know exactly what’s expected, your classroom will run much more smoothly.

Follow Through with Logical Consequences

Helping students learn responsibility means making sure they understand that their actions have consequences. Instead of using punishment when they forget to do something, allow them to experience natural consequences that directly relate to their actions.

Even with clear expectations, some students will still struggle with responsibility. That’s why accountability is key, but the consequences should always connect to the responsibility that was neglected. If a student leaves their desk messy, they need to clean it up.

If they leave books on the floor instead of putting them away, they should take the time to put them back in their proper place. When students see that their choices have direct outcomes, they begin to understand the importance of following through.

Assign Classroom Jobs

Students thrive when they feel like valued members of their community, and classroom jobs are a perfect way to build responsibility.

Whether it’s pencil sharpening, organizing supplies, collecting papers, or managing the classroom library, there’s always an opportunity for students to take responsibility.

Not only does this lighten your workload, but it also teaches students the value of contributing to a community. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself!

Praise Responsible Behavior

Want to see more responsible behavior? Call it out when you see it! Instead of focusing on what students are doing wrong, highlight what they’re doing right. A simple “I love how you took the initiative to clean up your space” can go a long way.

Public praise encourages students to continue responsible behavior and motivates others to do the same. The more you highlight responsible actions, the more students will rise to the occasion.

Try the Jigsaw Method

The Jigsaw cooperative learning strategy is a great way to reinforce responsibility. In this method, each student in a group is responsible for learning and teaching a specific part of a lesson.

If one student doesn’t do their part, the whole group struggles. This structure naturally teaches accountability, and students quickly realize that being responsible impacts others, not just themselves.

Make Responsibility a Challenge

Want to boost engagement? Turn responsibility into a friendly competition. If students struggle with messy desks, challenge them to see who can keep the cleanest desk for a week.

If they forget to turn in homework, create a class-wide challenge for on-time submissions. Kids love a little competition, and framing responsibility as a challenge makes it more fun.

Keep the Conversation Going

Teaching responsibility isn’t a one-and-done lesson, it’s something you need to revisit often. Post reminders around your classroom, discuss it regularly, and integrate it into your daily routines. The more students hear about and see responsibility in action, the more it becomes second nature to them.

Assign Daily Responsibilities

Give students a chance to practice responsibility every day. Group them into small teams and assign each team a task, like organizing the classroom library, tidying up materials, or preparing supplies for the next activity. At the end of the week, students reflect on their progress and set goals for improvement.

Avoid Overusing Rewards

Here’s the thing, students shouldn’t need a reward to be responsible. While occasional treats for exceptional effort are fine, responsibility should be an expectation, not something they’re bribed into doing.

Praise and acknowledgment go much further in reinforcing long-term habits than stickers or prize boxes. While rewards can be motivating, responsibility is something students should learn to do without expecting a prize.

Instead of using reward charts or tangible incentives, focus on intrinsic motivation by helping students see the personal benefits of being responsible, such as how it will make their lives easier, and how it feels good to contribute to the community.

Responsibility is a lifelong skill that benefits students far beyond the classroom. By modeling it, setting clear expectations, and giving students ownership of tasks, you’re helping them build habits that will serve them well in school and life. Keep reinforcing it, and over time, you’ll see your students grow into more accountable and independent learners.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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