Visual State Changes
Try experimenting with the visual stimulation your students receive.
On a more long-term basis, every three to four weeks, the posters, bulletin boards, and displays in your classroom should be changed.
On occasion, try introducing different visual elements into your classroom. For example, try adding flowers, an unusual object, some artifacts tied into what you are studying -- posters, holiday decorations, etc.
Another idea would be to look into the use of props. Occasionally trying on a hat (if you are "recapping" information) or looking through a picture frame (to "frame" the ideas) can not only be a nice state change, but can help anchor information in students' memories.
Excerpted with permission from
The Missing Ingredient: State Changes and Energizers for your Classroom.
© 2002 Gerard Evanski. All rights reserved.
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Also see our page on
Music to Use in the Classroom for State Changes, Transitions, and Energizers.
