As much as the online classes are a novel experience for students, it is equally an unexplored territory for teachers. It is commendable how you as teachers have invested relentless hours to learn and adapt to the new way of teaching.
In a traditional classroom set up, you have enough space and resources to make classes exciting. However, in online classes, connecting with students and holding their attention span can be challenging.
Depending on your school protocol, you can try out the following creative ideas to engage with your students online:
1. Multimedia Experience
When you interact with students through different audio-video mediums, they are likely to find it more appealing. So, incorporate a mix of text, video, audio, presentations and visuals in the online delivery of content. Make the content as colourful and visually stunning as possible.
2. The Art of Storytelling
You could start or end the class with a short story so that children have something to look forward to your sessions every day. Use voice modulation, facial expressions and props to add an element of fun and imagination to the story.
3. Musical Notes
On some days, you can even sing a song to your students to pep up their moods. Or, you could even ask them to practice a song and then sing it the next day during the class. If you know how to play the guitar, keyboard or any other musical instrument, how about giving a surprise to your class with a little performance? You and students can even dance to the songs!
4. Mindfulness
You can start the class with a small prayer, meditation or positive affirmations to send out happy vibes to the students. These activities of mindfulness will also enhance their focus and foster an attitude of self-love and compassion.
5. Colour Day Celebration
You can decide the colour and tell the students to wear that colour dress on one particular day – let’s say Friday or Monday. You can join the fun too by sporting the same colour that day. Kids will get thrilled to see you and each other in colour coordinated outfits.
6. Puzzles, Riddles and Quizzes
When you ask questions to students, frame them in the form of puzzles and riddles. This will spark the curiosity of children and they will be eager to answer. You can even conduct a verbal planned/surprise quiz on general knowledge or the subject chapter.
7. Sense of Humour
Find some witty ways to lighten up the mood during the class at intermittent intervals. This will snap them out of boredom. Crack a joke, make goofy faces, use fun emojis as props or in the presentations and show funny videos. Invite students to tell a joke or an amusing anecdote.
8. Get Artistic with the Backdrop of Your Home Space
You can create some unique backdrop in the space of your home from where you are conducting online classes. You can put up some motivational quotes or educational posters that remind students of their classrooms. You can do a themed-backdrop every week, perhaps from a chapter, book or a movie. If you can be a little daring, you can even wear the theme-appropriate outfit or accessories!
We hope these ideas would be useful for teachers are to bring the classroom experience to online teaching and connect with their students.
Do also share what practices you have adopted or tried out, to keep your students engaged.
My sister is a teacher. She will find this article very useful. Sharing this with her.
My daughter’s first session always begins with prayers. In between periods, teacher also plays a musical clip.
That’s nice. Music is known to have calming effect on everyone, including kids.
My kids’ teachers are implementing most of these ideas except the last one. Really appreciate how the school is making efforts to make online classes interesting for kids.
I agree!