Engagement Strategies

Engagement strategies are the single-most effective way of minimizing behaviors.

I've got an acronym that will actually help with this. It's called HEAL UP and GROW:


H-Have an open mind and respect for each student as an individual who is sensitive, and capable or exceptionality.

E-Earnestly seek to evaluate prior learning, experiences (social/emotional/cognitive) as applicable and to make yourself available

A-Avail yourself of the temptation to take on things you cannot control. As a teacher you may have an influence over situations, but you can only control how you instruct your student. Ensure that this is done in a way where instruction hits each modality, is differentiated, scaffolded, and otherwise specifically tailored to suit the needs of your learner(s).

L-Leave room for improvement. As students begin to master content, reward them with more rigorous content in order to ensure their instruction is intentional, purposeful and actionable.


U-Understand the circumstance in which your student is in. The mindset "imagine yourself in the next man's shoes" Is especially applicable. This is important in second language learner situations and the take away is that the form of the interactions must follow the function (purpose).

P-People-first language and strategies in instruction and communication is paramount. Break tasks down into clear, easily discernible steps that are easily committed to memory for the student. Keep communication open between yourself and parents/guardians.

and

Get
Replicated
Opportunities
Willingly

The students will be eager to grasp every chance to learn, and take that same sense of empowerment in the real-world context.
Teachers, too will be excited to take on the new challenge of helping to get the cycle started again in new students.