Curriculum & Instruction That Are Engaging

Much of the fine art of teaching comes in figuring out how to deliver the curricular fundamentals in ways that are irresistible to young minds (Tomlinson, 2003, p. 62).

Irresistible is a fabulous word!  When I hear that word I think of being engrossed in a book or eating dark chocolate or snuggled up in a blanket with hot chocolate on a cold winter night.  Irresistible means you just can't get enough!  This is what we as teachers dream of for every single lesson we teach!  We want students to find learning irresistible!  The big question is. . . HOW?

How do we get our students engaged in learning?
When a teacher sees what is really powerful (or essential) in a topic, adds his or her particular passions and talents, and creates an environment of learning where there's enough of everything (materials, avenues, inquiries) to invite EACH student to use their individual abilities and interests in exploration of intriguing ideas, engagement occurs!

"Every lesson plan should be, at its heart, a motivational plan" (p. 62).

Engagement occurs when students are motivated.

All of the items in the above picture motivate students.  Try one (or many) in your classroom to motivate and engage your students!

When students are engaged in the curriculum and instruction, they come to understand that:

• I will most often find the work intriguing and meaningful;
• I see myself myself and my world in this work;
• others have value;
• I am curious about the work and become absorbed in it.

Have you noticed how the previous two posts (Curriculum that is Important and Curriculum that is Focused) build on each other? Here's a quote that brings it into focus:

"When curriculum and instruction are important, focused, and engaging, teacher and students are poised on the brink of great possibility" (p. 63).

Reference

Tomlinson, C. (2003). Fulfilling the promise of the differentiated classroom: Strategies and tools for responsive teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.