EduCaters

5 Quirky Ways to Beat the Post-Lunch Slump in the Classroom

By Tanika T. Garrett

Feeling sleepy after a hearty lunch? Students are feeling the same thing! As educators, we know that the post-lunch period can be a challenging time to keep students engaged and focused. But fear not, because I’ve got some quirky and viral-worthy tips to turn that midday slump into a midday jump! Say goodbye to yawning and hello to excitement as we explore five creative strategies to boost student engagement after lunch.

1. The Power of Playlist

Quiet afternoons can be pretty boring for students. Especially when were teaching very objective lessons that require focus and are very text-based. But who says learning has to be silent? Pump up the classroom jams with a student-curated playlist filled with upbeat tunes. Whether it’s pop hits, classic rock, or even some funky beats, music has the magical ability to energize and motivate. Plus, who can resist a spontaneous dance-off to break up the afternoon?

Just make sure to stick with tunes that elevate your discussion, and something that the students can use to help remember the lesson.

2. Ice Breakers

Picture this: students are coming in the class all sleepy and uninterested, and BAM! You start them off with a mind boggling question that excites and makes them curious. They start to laugh, hands are raising left and right, and students are exchanging ideas, laughing over silly games, and bonding over shared experiences—all within the first few minutes of class!

Ice breakers aren’t just about getting to know each other; they’re about creating a vibe that screams, “Hey, we’re all in this together!” These little nuggets of fun aren’t just about breaking the ice; they’re about melting away those initial jitters and getting everyone in the classroom to loosen up and have a blast.

3. Moving is a must

An afternoon spent sitting is not an afternoon well-spent. It’s very frustrating to be confined to one space when you’re sleepy but can’t sleep. So we need to move!

Movement is not just about getting the wiggles out; it’s about activating those brains and energizing those bodies. Incorporating movement into lessons not only keeps students physically active but also boosts their engagement and retention of information. Whether it’s a quick stretch break, a lively group activity, or a hands-on experiment, movement breaks up the monotony of sitting still and reinvigorates students’ focus.

Plus, it creates an interactive and dynamic learning environment where students can explore concepts kinesthetically and collaborate with their peers. So, let’s get up, get moving, and unleash the power of movement in the classroom—it’s a game-changer for student engagement!

4. DIY Brain Breaks

Are you out of ice breakers and the music is not working? Well in that case, let’s just let the brain rest while doing fun lesson-related crafts!

These creative activities aren’t just about giving students a breather; they’re about sparking joy, igniting creativity, and enhancing focus. DIY brain breaks empower students to take charge of their mental and physical well-being by providing them with hands-on opportunities to recharge and reset.

By incorporating DIY brain breaks into the classroom routine, educators can cultivate a supportive and dynamic learning environment where students feel motivated, engaged, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab some supplies, and unleash the power of DIY brain breaks—it’s a fun and effective way to keep students actively engaged in learning!

5. Being hands-on

Surprised?

Being hands-on in the classroom is like adding a secret ingredient to the recipe of student engagement. When students roll up their sleeves and dive into interactive learning activities, they’re not just absorbing information; they’re actively participating in their own education.

Hands-on activities invite students to explore, discover, and make meaningful connections with the material. It sparks curiosity, ignites creativity, and fosters a deeper understanding of concepts. This learning cultivates essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing students to tackle challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Final thoughts…

Every educator goes through the post-lunch slump. Every student feels disengaged after lunch. What we do in these situations defines us as a teacher.

By implementing these strategies, you can help mitigate the post-lunch dip in student engagement and create a more dynamic and stimulating learning environment for your students.

Remember, every classroom is unique, so feel free to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your students.