Tips for Creating an Engaged Class: Writing, Movement and Meaningful Talk

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Getting students to truly engage can be one of the hardest parts of teaching—but this episode is here to help! Ashley is joined by two instructional coaches, Kari Meldrum and Sharon Moehle, who share two powerful, easy-to-implement strategies that promote deeper student engagement across all content areas.

Whether you teach math, ELA, science or social studies, these techniques are designed to get every student participating, thinking more critically and taking ownership of their learning—without requiring a complete lesson overhaul.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why traditional think-pair-share sometimes falls short—and how adding a quick writing step (“think-ink-pair-share”) can improve participation
• How to make group work more equitable and effective using the “Traveling Salesman” strategy
• Tips for keeping all students engaged and accountable during partner and group discussions
• Ideas for adapting these strategies across subjects—from writing to problem-solving to historical analysis

Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Kari & Sharon’s full Engagement Strategies PDF—packed with even more ideas
• 🧠 Think-Ink-Pair-Share (TIPS) strategy template
• 🚶 Traveling Salesman + Numbered Heads Together structure for accountable talk

Don’t Miss:

• Ashley’s real-life reflections on student group work
• How "TIPS" and “the traveling salesman” can keep even hesitant students engaged in group presentations
• Ways to modify the traveling salesman strategy for ELA, history, math, science and beyond

📘 Homework Challenge: Try both strategies—TIPS and Traveling Salesman—with your class this week! Reflect on how they changed participation, clarity and engagement.

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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