We once saw a teacher who hid clues around the classroom about the main characters in the novel Esperanza Rising to pique student interest about the book, but the options here are endless!

Introducing a complicated ecosystem like the Amazon? Hang images around the room and have students take an observation walk through the gallery with a peer.

Launching a project-based unit on a particular region of the world? Pack a traveler’s bag with interesting items students might encounter there. Or, create a “Time Capsule” that includes unique items from a particular time in history.

Garner students’ interest by introducing topics, concepts, and/or materials in a way that is unique, new, and/or unusual, but not necessarily surprising. Use of novelty is designed to engage students in the learning process by capturing their attention in a way that differs from the usual routine or activity, therefore increasing the likelihood that new learning will be retained and connections with previous knowledge or understanding will be made.

Have the principal/director enter the classroom requesting help from your students in a way that connects directly to your lesson or unit. For example, he or she might say, “Our school has a problem with ______ and you are most qualified to help us!” Or, create a Voki in which the President or other world leader is calling for your class’s help to solve a major world problem. Another idea is to have a neighboring class make a video asking for help with a particular issue or topic. The collaboration possibilities can then carry on into the unit!

Create a 30 second commercial (we like the simplicity of Moovly) that you can play for students to advertise the wondrous things they will be learning in the new unit about the solar system.

Materials, natural or synthetic, which can be used in multiple ways and based upon children’s choice, are what many call “loose parts”. For example, think about the junk drawer in your kitchen, it’s likely full of things such as lids without containers, keys that unlock… who knows what, scraps of paper or fabric, small tools, and plastic figurines. All of these loose parts can be combined with other materials, redesigned, taken apart, put back together, etc., thus sparking children’s curiosity. Nature also provides us with loose parts (e.g., rocks, sticks, sand, pine cones, bark, feathers, and seeds).