Whenever I get to think of how my learners really want to be fully involved and engaged in our learning session, I can not let myself come to class without preparing something that will absolutely stir their interest and spur their excitement.
One of the greatest challenges we face as teachers is the constant need to come up with engaging activities to incorporate into our lessons every single day. Keeping students interested, motivated, and actively participating in the learning process is essential for their academic success.
However, the task of consistently creating innovative and captivating activities can be daunting and exhausting. The pressure to deliver high-quality lessons that not only cover the competencies but also engage students in meaningful ways is ever-present.
With the rise of technology and the changing landscape of education, the expectations for dynamic and interactive lessons have never been higher. Students today are accustomed to constant stimulation and instant gratification, making it even more challenging to hold their attention in the classroom. Moreover, the diverse needs and learning styles of students add another layer of complexity to the task of lesson planning. What works for one group of students may not resonate with another, requiring teachers to be adaptable and creative in their approach to designing activities that cater to a wide range of abilities and interests.
Try reading this blog about Golden Rules for Engaging Students in Learning Activities
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/golden-rules-for-engaging-students-nicolas-pino-james
By creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment, teachers can empower students to take ownership of their learning and become active participants in the learning process. So, how can teachers overcome the obstacles of creating engaging activities for every lesson? That is where collaboration with colleagues and sharing of ideas and resources come in. These strategies can provide fresh perspectives and inspiration to other educators out there.
On this blog, I want to share with you this engaging activity which I crafted in order to get my learners’ attention and stimulate their minds as we learn the different modal verbs. I call this activity McModals which I derived from the name of the famous fast-food chain.
Description of the Activity
McModals activity is an engaging and interactive classroom activity which can stir the learners’ creativity and critical thinking skills. Imagine a large-sized replica of French fries placed in the classroom, each containing a hidden question or challenge related to modal verbs. Students will take turns picking a potato fry, flipping it to reveal the question, and then answering it.
Learning Objectives:
This McModals activity can help engage the learners in grappling with the different modal verbs. This activity specifically aims to: (a) reinforce the understanding of modal verbs in a fun and interactive way, (b) enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging challenges, and (c) promote collaboration and communication among students.
Instructions and Mechanics:
The teacher prepares a large-sized replica of the famous french fries. Then, the teacher instructs the class to participate in this activity wherein they need to pass the large french fries while spelling out the word M-C-M-O-D-A-L-S. Whoever is holding the replica and spelled out the last letter will be the one to pick a potato fry and answer the question. The teacher may also implement another way or strategy of choosing the learners to answer by either playing a music or by using a name roulette. Once the learner is chosen, he or she needs to answer whatever question is written at the back of the potato fry which will be revealed once they flip it.
For a more organized and systematic process of incorporating this activity into your class, you may also consider following this strategy:
Divide students into small groups. Each group takes turns selecting a potato fry from the container. The student flips the fry to reveal the question or challenge related to modal verbs. The student must answer the question or complete the challenge before the group can move on to the next fry. Encourage students to discuss their answers with their group members to promote collaboration and peer learning.
Engagement Strategies:
To ensure the engagement of the learners during the implementation phase, teachers can do the following strategies. You may incorporate a timer to add an element of excitement and urgency to the activity. Consider offering rewards or points for correct answers and teamwork. Teachers may also Include a variety of questions and challenges to cater to different learning styles and abilities. Lastly, encourage students to get creative with their answers and explanations.
Differentiation Strategies:
To accommodate diverse learning needs, consider the following strategies. First, provide additional support or hints for students who may struggle with the questions. You may also offer extension tasks for students who excel and need an extra challenge. Lastly, allow students to work in mixed-ability groups to foster peer learning and support.
The Bottomline:
McModals is not just a fun and engaging classroom activity; it is a powerful tool for reinforcing learning and enhancing student engagement. By incorporating interactive and hands-on activities like McModals into your lessons, you can create a dynamic learning environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.
Give it a try in your classroom and watch your students’ enthusiasm for grammar soar to new heights! I hope you enjoyed reading about this exciting classroom activity! If you try out McModals in your classroom, I would love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Stay tuned for more engaging teaching ideas and activities on my blog!
For more blogs about the engaging activities which I personally crafted and designed for my learners and in my class, you may check these links out: