Tips for Engagement Archives

A Chain Reaction

Evelyn Rojas, Care Corps Coordinator at Rocketship Spark Academy | October 22, 2021

When I walked in to interview for my first real, professional, post-college job, the words of my elementary school principal stuck in my head: “A weak handshake is the first…

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Tips for Engagement

How to Boost Engagement in Virtual Classrooms with Zoom Chat & Breakout Rooms

James Cross, 4th Grade Teacher, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | November 3, 2020

Picture this- you show up to your first virtual class of the day, let all your students in from the waiting room, anxiously start your lesson, and are ready to blow student learning out of the virtual park. You spent hours researching and crafting every intricate detail of that lesson. You sweated all the small…

3 Ways to Build Peer-to-Peer Relationships in Virtual Classrooms

James Cross, 4th Grade Teacher, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | November 1, 2020

Let’s name the elephant in the room of virtual learning- it’s really hard for our students to establish and maintain peer relationships from behind a computer. Allotting time for students to be social with their peers is integral to their development. Students will naturally find time during the school day to make friends and it’s…

5 Tips for Engaging ALL Students Virtually

James Cross, 4th Grade Teacher, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | September 5, 2020

What does an engaged classroom look like? Do images of happy students raising their hand, sharing ideas, collaborating with peers, and completing assignments that challenge their learning come to mind? Now take a moment to think about what engagement looks like in a virtual classroom. Do your expectations for engagement change? Teachers have always been…

Prioritizing Equity with Virtual Special Interest Clubs

Arlynda Watts, Enrichment Center Coordinator, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | August 15, 2020

I have never had a class of 32 kindergarteners cleaned up, ready, and lined up faster than when we might be late for enrichment classes. Teachers love this time because it’s our opportunity to plan, prepare for any lessons, and have one more sip of that iced coffee from the morning that is no longer…

Using the Three E’s of Education to Navigate a Virtual Classroom

James Cross, 4th Grade Teacher, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary | October 8, 2019

Welcome! If you found your way here, it is likely because virtual teaching has proven to have more twists and turns than your favorite county fair roller-coaster. And, you are probably determined to not only make virtual learning work, but make it beneficial for you and your students! We’re glad you’re here. Let’s be honest,…