Have you ever called on students, and they look at you like a deer in headlights? It is becoming increasingly challenging to keep students on task. Then throw technology into the mix. It’s so tempting to explore their devices and open another tab while they’re supposed to be focusing on you. Students need a variety of ways to keep them interested and engaged, and able to resist the lure of a new window!

1. Plan, Plan, Plan—Because Technology Isn’t Always Your Friend!

Effective planning is essential for smooth teaching days. Whenever I left a blank spot in my plans, things tended to fall apart! I’d assume I’d figure it out in the moment, but classroom surprises—paper cuts, hurt feelings, parent calls—always seemed to pop up. Add a technology glitch, and chaos could quickly follow. So, plan ahead for everything! Even if you’re showing a holiday movie to compare with a book, always have a backup plan ready. A little extra preparation can save your day when technology decides not to cooperate!

2. Get Creative!

Let’s get students engaged! Here are some ideas for creative lesson plans:

• STEM Challenge – Save the Elf: Build a parachute, sled, or zip line to help an elf safely “travel” to Santa.
• Holiday Data Collection: Survey classmates on favorite holiday treats or songs and make bar graphs or pictographs.
• Holidays Around the World Webquest:  Learn about holiday traditions, how to say “Merry Christmas” in other languages, and different cultures. Click HERE for one!
• Reindeer Games: Turn review games into themed stations — “Snowball Math Toss,” “Elf Fact Hunt,” or “Reindeer Relay” with review questions.
• Christmas Carol Rewrite: Let students rewrite the lyrics of a familiar holiday song to summarize a science or history concept. (e.g., “Jingle Bells, Jingle Cells” for a biology review).
• Holiday Book Review Ornaments: After reading holiday-themed books, students write reviews on paper ornaments and decorate the classroom “Book Tree.”
• Holiday Reader’s Theater: Students perform short scripts (like The Gingerbread Man on Trial or The Great Reindeer Debate) to practice fluency and expression.

3. Engage Every Learner!

Keep your students motivated and engaged by varying your lessons and activities! Plan experiences that reach all learning styles—auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Use technology for one task, then switch to classic pencil-and-paper for the next. Follow a creative craft project with a lively discussion group. Encourage students to design a project in Canva, perform a character monologue, or record themselves as a “literary critic” reviewing a book. Offering this kind of variety helps you connect with every learner and keeps your classroom buzzing with excitement!

4. Mix Up The Learning Routine

Keep your lessons fresh by varying how students work—switch between independent tasks, partner work, small groups, and whole-class activities. If you’re teaching in person, add some Read Around the Room time! Students love it, and it gives you a few quiet minutes to prep for the next lesson. For an extra touch of fun, make it a pajama day and let students bring a pillow to get cozy while they read!

5. Spark Meaningful Conversations

Get your students talking and thinking deeply by encouraging discussion and curiosity! Use the 5 W’s—Who, What, When, Where, and most importantly, Why, Why, Why! One of my favorite strategies is the Notice, Think, and Wonder activity whenever there’s a powerful illustration or image. It invites students to lead the inquiry process while you step back, listen, and enjoy watching their critical thinking come alive!

6. Use Sound or Silence

Do you need to get your students’ attention real quick? Are they talking or even working in groups and you need their attention? I like using sound or silence. Some teachers might have a special clap or chimes. I know a teacher who has a piano in the room! Her students knew specific songs meant different things. (Line up, sit down, come to carpet). My favorite is to hold my hand up and as soon as one student sees it, they put their hand up and tell others. It is a quick and easy way to grab their attention!

7. Power Up Your Classroom With Positive Reinforcement

Motivation doesn’t have to come from candy or prizes. Simple, genuine recognition goes a long way! When students know you’re paying attention and ready to celebrate their efforts, they’ll rise to the occasion. Try these easy strategies:

• Spotlight Great Work: Give spontaneous shout-outs like, “Hey class, check out Johnny’s poem! Can I share it with everyone?” Public praise motivates students to put forth their best effort.

• Set Simple Rewards: Say things like, “Whoever finishes strong will get a high five!” A small gesture of acknowledgment can make a big impact.

• Use Reward Cards: Keep a Rewards Cards resource handy to track positive behavior and effort. Students can earn sitting with a friend, being a leader, or getting a no homework pass.

• Celebrate as a Class: Build in group motivators—like a quick “flash dance” break if everyone completes their work on time!

Remember, it’s not about big prizes. It’s about making students feel seen, valued, and excited to succeed!

8. Bring the Energy!

Your excitement is contagious! When you’re enthusiastic about a lesson, your students will be too. I’ll never forget teaching story plot with a roller coaster visual, pretending to ride up the hill with exaggerated anticipation had my students laughing, engaged, and begging for an encore. What started as a simple idea turned into one of their favorite lessons!

9. Get Loud and Learn!

Group recitations and chants are a fantastic way to boost participation and build classroom energy. Whether students are reciting a poem, chanting key vocabulary, or performing the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence, these activities get everyone involved, especially when paired with movement! It’s a fun, high-energy way to reinforce learning.

10. Turn Learning into a Game

Friendly competition makes learning exciting and memorable! Try mixing up your review time with these fun, low-prep games:

• Jeopardy Review:
  Divide students into small groups and let them work together to answer questions. Collaboration keeps the competition light and fun!

• Basketball Review Game:
  Ask a review question—if a student or team answers correctly, they get a “shot” (with a soft ball) at the trash can or mini hoop for bonus points. Instant energy boost!

• Vocabulary Headbanz:
  Students wear a vocabulary word card on their forehead and ask yes/no questions to figure out what word they are. Great for reviewing terms in a lively way!

• Quiz-Quiz-Trade:
  Each student has a card with a question and answer. They quiz a partner, trade cards, and move on to a new partner. Everyone stays engaged and moving!

• Team Challenges:
  Divide the class into teams for quick competitions like “Fast Facts,” “Synonym Sprint,” or “Story Sequence Relay.”

Friendly, team-based games keep motivation high and make review time something students actually look forward to!

I hope this helps you keep your students on task and learning!