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Classroom Activators
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Classroom Activators
More Than 100 Ways to Energize Learners

Second Edition


October 2008 | 152 pages | Corwin

"Chock full of great ideas and easy to use! Whether you are a novice teacher or an established pro, there is a great deal of worthwhile information in this book. It's obvious that the author has spent most of his life in the classroom. The strategies he offers meet the needs of any teacher."
—Al Diver, Principal
Grosse Pointe South High School, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Proven ideas to keep all students attentive and motivated while learning!

This handy guide is a fun, creative collection of practical strategies that teachers of all grade levels can use to stimulate, invigorate, and re-energize learners whenever they need a "brain break." Each section presents specific activities and engaging techniques to capture and maintain students' attention.

These state-changing activities use movement, games, groups, and adjustments to the classroom environment to help students refocus, be creative, and learn more effectively. The author provides techniques based on brain research to:

  • Keep the learning environment fresh
  • Help students focus on the task at hand
  • Stimulate students' brains in the middle of a lesson
  • Build a sense of community, teamwork, and rapport in the classroom

Classroom Activators illustrates how simple changes can transform the energy level in your classroom, keep students engaged, and improve learning outcomes.


 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Introduction
Brain Research and the Classroom

 
Using This Book

 
How and When to Use These Activities

 
 
1. Energize the Environment
The Right Stuff

 
Lighting

 
The Sense of Smell

 
The Effect of Ions

 
Musical Moments

 
Varying Your Instruction

 
Novelty and Surprise

 
Theme Days

 
To Get Volunteers

 
Visual Context

 
 
2. Get Your Students’ Attention
State of the Class

 
Feedback

 
Breathing

 
Hands and Arms

 
Voice

 
Cross Laterals

 
Heavy Jobs

 
Novel Movements

 
 
3. Energize Your Students
Getting Into Groups

 
Random Groupings

 
Get Students Up and Moving

 
Circle Games

 
Circadian Rhythm

 
Silence

 
Pre-Writing Activities

 
A Leg Up

 
Gross Motor

 
Eyes

 
Props

 
 
4. Build Teams and Community
Getting To Know You

 
Contemporary Variations

 
Group Challenges

 
Just for Fun

 
 
References

"A wonderful compilation of practical exercises and strategies designed to get and keep students’ interest and attention. Evanski shows how teachers can make their classrooms stimulating places of learning and offers specific ways of gaining the attention of even highly distractible students."

Allen Mendler, Educational Consultant
Teacher Learning Center

"Evanski does a wonderful job of boiling brain research down to effective and practical strategies that work for master and rookie teachers alike. The ideas in this book have helped me spice up my lessons and create a successful learning community."

Brent Vasicek, Fourth-Grade Teacher
Miami Elementary School, Clinton Township, MI

"Chock full of great ideas and easy to use! Whether you are a novice teacher or an established pro, there is a great deal of worthwhile information in this book. It’s obvious that the author has spent most of his life in the classroom. The strategies he offers meet the needs of any teacher."

Al Diver, Principal
Grosse Pointe South High School, MI

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter 1 excerpt


For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781452294971

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412968812
$69.95

Paperback
ISBN: 9781412968829
$29.95