Post #6 Keeping Elementary Aged Students Engaged on Zoom

Reflecting on my week, I realize that some of the moments I looked forward to least were my Zoom meetings. I was thrilled to see the faces of my at-home students, but dreaded the impending blank looks, distracted movements, turned-off cameras, boredom and screen fatigue that I struggle so much to prevent. In today's environment, video-conferencing tech is our reality. In order for students to think innovatively and for us to effectively teach, our learners must be engaged. For my blog post, I want to explore some of the best methods for keeping Zoom fun, connective and interactive with our elementary-aged students.

1. Incorporate movement

Why not have students act out their spelling words instead of writing them? 7x3=21? Great! Do 21 Jumping jacks! Including more movement helps students stay engaged in the lesson and listen more actively. When they see their friends doing this, they won't want to miss out!

2. Be silly and include humor

Wigs, costumes, songs, dances, puppets - why not? Normally give your students stickers? Stick them to your face instead! Make jokes and use humor with your students - we all know from experience how hard it is to pay attention to a boring, monotone lesson, nevermind one on video call. 

3. Utilize features such as whiteboard and breakout groups

Utilizing features - even basic ones - such as screen sharing, whiteboard and breakout groups changes up the lesson. In class we teach through direct teaching, independent and group work and exploration - students need this same variety online.

4. Play games

With the whole world on Zoom, there are thousands of fantastic Zoom games ideas out there. Some of my favourites are scavenger hunts around the house, Pictionary and Freeze Dance.

6. Use the students' interests

We know our students - we should incorporate their interests during core subjects to keep things interesting! If they're interested in airplanes,  we can incorporate some airplane-themed questions, videos or games to keep things interesting. We know what they enjoy - let's use that to keep them engaged!

7. Saying names and using eye contact

Rather than looking at yourself or your students' faces on zoom, try looking into the camera instead. This will engage eye contact, something students don't often get on Zoom. Furthermore, use students' first names as much as possible throughout the lesson. Rather than just greeting them at the beginning of the class, give them each a turn to share and call on specific students throughout in order to keep them engaged and attentive.

8. Creating the right space

We all know how important having a positive work environment is. Try making one of your students' assignments about creating a proper work space. This could include a comfortable chair with a backrest, some fun decorations, plenty of writing utensils and various paper,  drinks and snacks etc. Have them submit a picture and make suggestions on what they could do to make their workspace most effective!


Through reflecting on my proudest Zoom moments and consulting several websites (listed below), these are some of the core ideas that I can incorporate more frequently in order to keep students engaged and active, and to avoid that "Zoom Fatigue" we are all beginning to know so well. Let me know if you try any of these, or have any other ideas to add!





Websites for Reference:

Robson, D. 10+ fun & interactive ways to keep kids engaged during Zoom meetings & Teletherapy Sessions. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2020/04/tips-for-engaging-kids-in-zoom-meetings.html

Lear, K. (2021, February 15). 4 ways to keep kids engaged on zoom (and avoid zoom fatigue). Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.katielear.com/child-therapy-blog/2020/8/4/4-ways-help-kids-stay-engaged-on-zoom

Hooker, C. (2020, October 28). 25 strategies to engage students on your next Zoom meeting. Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://hookedoninnovation.com/2020/05/13/25-strategies-to-engage-zoom/

Comments

  1. Jan PrchalFebruary 21, 2021 at 7:54 PM

    Hi Jen,
    It is great to read your continued exploration of your driving question. I felt a slight twinge of regret for changing my own driving question away from exploring social interactions during remote teaching and towards exploring how Applied Design, Skills, and Technology (ADST) can be taught more effectively remotely.
    Given that I am still teaching remotely, and probably will continue to until the end of the school year, your tips are especially relevant to me. I can say that the Whiteboard and especially breakout rooms have been a gamechanger for my class Zoom meetings. Trying to look more at my webcam and less at my grid is an ongoing goal. I love the idea of having my students submit evidence of their workspace at home. Not only could it be insightful for me, but a great potential learning opportunity.
    Thanks,
    Jan

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