- 24 Apr, 2026
- 0 Comments
- 4 Mins Read
Engaging Us Without Our Phones (Classroom Version)
By: AJ Scirri
Student engagement is no easy feat. Teaching is perhaps one of the most difficult occupations, but it’s important to note that learning isn’t easy either. In a world of constant stimulation, focus is challenging. Students have a lot on their minds, and classroom engagement sometimes just doesn’t make the cut. This comes from a girl who had a lot of trouble not only being, but staying, engaged in school. Not only will I offer some strategies that I have seen teachers use to build a bridge with students, but I will also recommend a few of my own. Throughout this blog, I am hoping to share some strategies to help you to better understand the inner workings of teenage minds.
I think we can agree that certain teachers stand out for a variety of reasons, but a constant trait of good teachers is their ability to connect with their students. This sparks engagement that no amount of discipline or assignments will ever achieve. Establishing a connection with students is key for involvement. Now, I know what you’re probably asking right now… ‘AJ, how do we possibly create a connection with these adolescents?’ Don’t worry! I got you!
Among strategies that I’ve seen firsthand, specific ones have stood out to me. These include using humor, seeking to understand, changing location, creating hands-on projects, telling stories, and incorporating movement. In case of any doubt, let me just say that my class was notorious in my school, so if these strategies worked for us…. However, I digress. I believe it is best that we start with humor.
Humor is a common way to connect with people. Think about it…How many times have you seen someone tell a joke to start a conversation, even in professional settings? Using comedy in the classroom makes the traditional stifling environment associated with school more comfortable. Now, you might be thinking that this strategy lowers you to their level in students’ eyes… but in truth… is that really a bad thing? If it helps, it might be better not to think about humor like you’re lowering yourself but meeting them on their level.
Telling stories is a mutually beneficial way to connect with students. Sharing experiences allows teachers and students alike to find common ground. So, no, I do not mean that only the teacher has to share. In fact, students could mention something about how they learn when telling stories, which might give you an idea for an activity based on their learning strengths. Also, at least for me, when teachers told stories, I remembered the material better. Sharing information that’s not in the textbooks breaks up the monotony of traditional learning and leads to better comprehension.
Another great strategy is seeking to understand, rather than chalking up students’ behavior as being ‘disruptive.’ As an adolescent, the idea that nobody understands you is very real. What I am going to say next may sound harsh, but it is the reality… If you don’t even try and understand your students, then why would they even bother to try and understand you and listen to what you’re teaching?
Changing locations is a very unorthodox, but mostly effective, tactic. Coming to the same place five days out of the week to learn can become monotonous. Even with changing classes, there is a repetitive structure to every surrounding. Changing the location is bound to engage students more. However, with so many choices for the change of location, it can be difficult to pick one that is suitable for the class. For example, the gym might not be a particularly wise choice, due to the inherent notion that that is where students go to play. Simply going outside might be sufficient enough for a change in engagement.
Creating hands-on projects is a great way to increase engagement. Rather than silently filling out assignments, hands-on projects, especially group ones, let students learn in a multisensory way. Hands-on projects give your students the opportunity to better understand themselves, especially if you give them the choice of project.
Incorporating movement is a very dynamic way of engaging with students. Not only does movement increase involvement in the classroom, it also releases energy. It might be a particularly good idea to bring movement into the classroom when the students are in a rowdy state or after gym class or recess. Doing a movement activity after physical exertion might act as a way to regulate energy in a less drastic way than saying, ‘Everyone sit and be quiet! Recess is over, and now it’s time for math!’
My personal recommendation for a strategy to use in the classroom is to utilize mindfulness techniques. Adolescence is a remarkably stressful period in life, and that’s probably why people make so many movies about the ‘teenage years.’ Mindfulness can not only be useful in stress relief, but in energy regulation. After recess, gym, or even a movement activity, energy could still be high, though a movement activity should have lowered energy levels… at least slightly. Mindful moments can be used as a way to slowly bring students to the present moment and establish a sense of calm.
As you can see, or rather, read, there are many strategies that can be used to increase student engagement. It all starts with someone brave enough to make a change in the classroom. Just trying to make a connection with your students can change the trajectory of their lives… believe me.