#student-engagement

Facilitate a Socratic seminar for 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Preparation: 1. Students read a specific section and prepare responses to open-ended questions (e.g., 'How does Harper Lee define courage?'). 2. Arrange classroom in a circle. Seminar Structure: 1. Set norms: listen actively, build on others' ideas, cite textual evidence. 2. Pose opening question. 3. Students lead discussion, teacher is a silent observer. 4. Inner/Outer Circle: half of students discuss for 15 mins while outer circle observes and takes notes on specific behaviors (e.g., use of evidence), then switch. 5. Closing: students reflect on the discussion and their understanding of the text. Assessment: based on participation quality, use of evidence, and listening skills, not quantity of talk.

Integrate Classcraft to gamify vocabulary for a 7th-grade ELA class. Setup: 1. Create student accounts (Mages, Warriors, Healers). 2. Define game rules: earn XP (Experience Points) for correct vocabulary quiz answers, lose HP (Health Points) for off-task behavior. 3. Create 'quests' where students use vocabulary words in sentences to defeat a 'monster'. 4. Reward system: students spend GP (Gold Pieces) on real-world privileges (e.g., 5 minutes of free time, listen to music while working). Weekly 'Boss Battle': a challenging vocabulary quiz where students collaborate using their character powers. Track progress on a public leaderboard to foster competition.