Keep student attention with writing

In her decades in the classroom, Liz Hoppe has seen and used a variety of tools. Today, as a technology resource educator, she uses that experience to help teachers in her district integrate technology like screencasts, e-newsletters, and online resources into their lesson plans.

“One of my main challenges is getting as many teachers as possible the information and support they need when they need it,” says Hoppe. “It’s a tall order, but I’m inspired by the same things that spoke to me as a classroom teacher: building relationships with learners and growing together as a collaborative community.”

Hoppe may be a computer whiz, but one of her favorite teaching tools — Post-it® Super Sticky Dry Erase Surface — doesn’t require any tech savvy. It also helps teachers keep students engaged, even when they’re on the move.

In a room full of wriggly children, attention comes at a premium. That’s why it can be frustrating to see all the focus you’ve encouraged dissipate the moment that students move to a new activity or space.

To create flexible, creative learning opportunities, Hoppe recommends Post-it® Super Sticky Dry Erase Surface. “It’s perfect to put on walls and doors,” she notes. “For example, if students are lined up for recess a few minutes early, you can let them practice word families, spelling, or vocabulary words on the door.” Students will have a chance to make what they’ve learned stick, and you’ll be energized by your ability to get things done and pack more education into each day.

Your door or wall could also include:

• Word puzzles — Have students write their answers as they leave the room; then you can post the solution before they return.
• Reflections — Put Post-it® Super Sticky Big Notes 22 in. x 22 in. on your vertical surface and allow students to write brief reflections on what they learned before they leave for the day. The notes are easy to move and re-stick, so you can fill your classroom with reflection lists as you move through a lesson or unit.

For Hoppe, the value of Post-it® Super Sticky Dry Erase Surface extends far beyond keeping pupils attentive. “It’s important to nurture a growth mindset in students and a sense that they’re capable of moving to the next level. Some of the best ways to motivate them to reach their goals are to help them embrace mistakes and keep their eye on the prize, give them the ‘just right’ support they need to grow, and include novelty and variety in learning activities as often as possible.”

Liz Hoppe is a technology resource educator in California’s Hueneme Elementary School District. In this role, she uses her 20-plus years of classroom experience to help teachers integrate technology into their instruction.