It doesn’t matter what age your child is, they will find it easier to learn and benefit from the subject if they have an interest in what is being taught. This may sound like an impossible feat. After all, how can you expect to stimulate and motivate every child in a class? The good news is that it is possible and easier than you may think to create a stimulating classroom enviroment. The following techniques can be used throughout the school years, whether your children are just starting at your local early learning center or are entering the last of their school years.
Practical Work
No one, not even most adults, likes to sit in a classroom listening to a teacher talk for an hour or more. It’s virtually impossible to stay alert in this scenario. But, if the theory is broken up with practical work, it keeps students on their toes and definitely stimulates them.
Simply make sure the practical work involves getting up and doing something. Simply engaging them will help them learn and be more motivated to learn.
Pair Up
One of the best ways to increase stimulation, especially when undertaking practical exercises, is to get the children to pair up or work in small teams. This creates a healthy level of competition and encourages the children to think about what they are doing and how they can do it differently.
Make It relevant
Whether illustrating a point at the front of the room or asking your students to do some research, make the subject directly related to things that happen in their everyday lives. It’s much easier to get excited about something if you think that the knowledge you gain can be used in your own life.
Alongside this get students to share their own experiences that are relevant. It won’t just keep them stimulated, other children are more likely to remember what is being taught if they have a mental image that is amusing or even sad.
Create Question Time
It is essential that all students get the opportunity to raise any questions they have. You can do a dedicated question time and encouraging comments and questions on the entire subject. You may be surprised at what is asked, it will certainly show those that are being stimulated the most.
Know Your Class
Question time is a great way to get to know your class better. You can establish who likes talking and who doesn’t. This will help you devise a strategy that encourages the more reluctant students and makes them feel comfortable in the classroom.
After all, if they are comfortable, they are more likely to learn and this can be very beneficial to their future.
Appeal To All Their Senses
In the traditional class, students rely on their ears to hear you and perhaps their eyes to monitor the screen at the front of the room.
But, there are five primary senses. You should encourage children to use their other senses, it’s stimulating and surprisingly useful in life.
