Beyond the Basics: Elevating Everyday Engagement Strategies

One thing about teachers—we have an incredible bank of engagement strategies that work. From attention signals to partner sharing, we know how to draw students in. But even the most tried-and-true tools can benefit from a thoughtful refresh. Elevating engagement isn’t about discarding everything we’ve done before—it’s about adapting and improving so every learner feels included, supported, and empowered.

Engagement strategies have come a long way in recent years, but many classrooms still rely on tools that don’t reflect what we now know about how students learn and connect. As classrooms become more inclusive, trauma-informed, and centered on student voice, it’s time to reconsider what really works.

Let’s look at a few common engagement tools that may benefit from a thoughtful upgrade—and what to try in their place.

Tool Shift #1: Popsicle Sticks for Random Calling

Why shift? While intended to promote equity, popsicle sticks often create anxiety and can discourage students from participating freely. Students may feel put on the spot, especially those who need more processing time or emotional safety.

Try this instead:

• Think-Pair-Share: Give everyone time to process and talk before calling on a few to share aloud.

• Equity Sticks 2.0: Let students opt-in when they feel ready by placing their name in a jar.

Tool Shift #2: Behavior Clip Charts

Why shift? Publicly tracking student behavior can lead to shame and exclusion, especially for students with behavioral or emotional needs. It focuses on compliance rather than reflection and growth.

Try this instead:

• Restorative Circles: Create space for dialogue and accountability.

• Private Check-Ins: Use mood meters or check-in stations for emotional regulation and behavior support.

• Digital Self-Tracking: For students who require behavior tracking, allow them to manage it privately through a digital tool like Google Sheets or a visual tracking app (e.g., ClassDojo in student view). This fosters ownership and reduces stigma.

Tool Shift #3: Rote Call and Response

Why shift? Overused call-and-response routines can become robotic and disengaging. They don’t always connect students to content or build deeper engagement.

Try this instead:

• Interactive Prompts: Ask open-ended questions or use digital polls (Mentimeter, Padlet) to spark discussion.

• Student-Created Signals: Let students co-create cues for attention-getting routines.

Tool Shift #4: Whole-Class Rewards Only

Why shift? While community goals are great, relying solely on group rewards may miss opportunities to celebrate individual growth and can exclude students who struggle.

Try this instead:

• Personal Goal Setting: Allow students to track their own progress.

• Positive Notes Home: Recognize small wins with personal, private affirmation.

Tool Shift #5: Paper-Only Exit Tickets

Why shift? Traditional paper exit tickets limit flexibility and often go unused.

Try this instead:

• Digital Tools: Use Google Forms, Flip, or Jamboard for exit reflections.

• Verbal Exit Rounds: Ask a single reflective question and go around the room to close the day.

Final Thought

Engagement is not about control—it’s about connection. As we shift from compliance-driven tools to those that elevate student voice and agency, we build classrooms where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Reflect on your own toolkit. What can you adjust? What might you try? The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.