Unlocking Student Success with My Favorite Teaching Strategies! 💡

Over the years, I’ve discovered that teaching is truly a dance—a blend of art and science that requires us to be both flexible and intentional. If you’ve been in the classroom long enough, you know that no single strategy works for every student, every day. That’s why I’m a fan of mixing things up and using a variety of teaching strategies to keep things engaging, challenging, and, most importantly, effective.

I’m excited to share some of the tried-and-true methods I’ve seen make a real difference in classrooms. These strategies have evolved over time—not just through my own experiences, but through observing countless teachers and working closely with educators to refine their practices. They’ve developed through moments of success, the occasional setback, and a whole lot of collaboration. I’ve watched these methods transform classrooms and bring out the best in both teachers and students. Let’s dive in and explore some strategies that can help you create a thriving learning environment where every student feels supported, engaged, and motivated to learn! 📚✨

1. Differentiation: Meeting Students Where They Are

One of my biggest “aha” moments came when I realized that differentiation is so much more than creating different worksheets for different kids. It’s about truly knowing your students and being responsive to their needs. For me, differentiation means being intentional about how I grouped students, the types of materials I provided, and the tasks I assigned.

Example: One year, I had a student, named Ryan, who struggled with reading comprehension, while his classmate, Katelin, was practically devouring chapter books. I created three reading stations: one for hands-on learning with manipulatives, one with technology where students watched an educational video, and another with leveled reading passages. Each group received materials and activities at their own level, but we all came together at the end to discuss the same main idea. Seeing Ryan confidently share his thoughts in front of Katelin was one of those moments that made all the extra planning worth it!

2. Active Learning: Making Learning Come Alive

I’m a big believer in the idea that learning should never be passive! There’s something magical that happens when students are truly engaged in what they’re doing, whether it’s through a lively debate, a hands-on experiment, or a simple think-pair-share.

Example: During a figurative language lesson, I tried something a little different. I paired up my students and gave each duo an idiom to bring to life through a creative drawing. They had a blast brainstorming and sketching out their interpretations! Afterward, they presented their masterpieces to the class, explaining what each idiom meant and why they chose to illustrate it in that way. The best part? We hung up all of their colorful creations for the entire school to enjoy. Seeing their work proudly displayed made them feel like true artists—and it made me feel pretty proud too! 🎨📚

3. Formative Assessments: Learning While Teaching

I’ve observed that formative assessments can make a world of difference in understanding where students are in their learning journey. While they can sometimes seem like just another item on the to-do list, I saw firsthand how impactful these quick checks can be when used effectively in the classroom.

Example: During a history lesson on the Civil War, I watched a teacher use sticky notes as a formative assessment tool. She asked each student to jot down one historical figure they felt they understood well and one they were curious to learn more about. After reviewing their responses, she noticed that several students were unclear about the roles of lesser-known figures like Clara Barton and Robert Smalls. The next day, she grouped those students into small discussion circles to dive deeper into those figures and share what they discovered with their peers. It was a simple, yet powerful activity that helped target gaps in understanding and sparked meaningful conversations that brought the content to life!

4. Student Engagement: Keeping the Energy Up

As a principal, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful student engagement can be when teachers make learning relatable and fun. It’s all about tapping into what interests students and creating those “aha” moments by connecting content to the real world.

Example: I observed a 5th grade language arts teacher who transformed a lesson on ecosystems into an unforgettable experience for her students. Instead of simply reading a nonfiction text about the rainforest, she kicked off the class with a short documentary clip showing how plants and animals depend on one another to survive. The students were instantly captivated, firing off questions and eagerly discussing the food chain and different species. After reading, she took it up a notch by having them create their own imaginary ecosystems, complete with made-up plants and animals that had to adapt to specific conditions. The classroom was buzzing with excitement as students sketched their creations and wrote descriptions explaining how each species interacted. Their engagement and creativity were off the charts, and it turned what could have been an ordinary reading lesson into something truly memorable and meaningful! 🌿📚

5. Technology Integration: Bringing Learning to Life with AI and More!

I know technology in the classroom can be a double-edged sword, but when it’s used thoughtfully, it can transform how students engage with content and expand their learning experiences. Beyond the traditional tools like Google Classroom, Flipgrid, or interactive slideshows, AI has opened up even more possibilities for both teachers and students. Whether it’s using AI to generate creative writing prompts, research support, or personalized feedback, it’s all about finding the right balance to enhance learning without overwhelming.

Example: Recently I observed a teacher using Kahoot! to review vocabulary terms before a big test, turning what could have been a monotonous review session into an exciting competition. The room was filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and lots of cheering. But she didn’t stop there. During another observation, I saw that she had started incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT to help students brainstorm ideas for their essays and clarify confusing concepts. Watching them use AI to refine their thoughts and gain confidence in their writing was incredible! By the end, not only had her students mastered the vocabulary, but they were also using technology in a way that supported their learning and critical thinking.

Integrating technology—and AI—doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When used creatively and intentionally, these tools can elevate lessons, make learning more engaging, and prepare students for the future. 🌟

Putting It All Together

All of these strategies have become part of my educational philosophy because I’ve seen their impact firsthand—both from my own time in the classroom and through observing countless lessons as an educational leader. But here’s the thing: I didn’t come to these realizations overnight. It took years of trial and error, reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, and learning from both my own experiences and from watching other amazing teachers in action. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of these strategies when educators use them creatively and intentionally. And as I continue to support teachers in my leadership role, I still find myself encouraging tweaks, adaptations, and new approaches to see what clicks.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way? Teaching isn’t just about what you teach; it’s about how you teach it. It’s about creating a classroom environment that’s flexible, responsive, and engaging so that every student feels supported and challenged. When teachers are empowered to create these kinds of spaces, students truly thrive. And that’s what we’re all striving for, right?

So, what are your go-to teaching strategies? I’d love to hear what’s working in your classrooms! Share your ideas and experiences in the comments. Let’s keep learning and growing together! 💬👇

#TeachingStrategies #ActiveLearning #TeacherLife #EdLeadership #ClassroomSuccess #TeacherSupport