100% Engagement (Part 2) [S7 EP. 286]

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What do you do when last period feels like it’s moving through molasses and everyone, including you, is barely hanging on? In part two of our conversation with Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber, we talk about high-energy, high-engagement lessons that wake up a sleepy class in five minutes or less. 

(If you missed part one, listen in here!)

From chaotic quickfire build challenges inspired by Top Chef to two-sentence horror stories and poetry puzzles that get kids cutting, moving, and thinking, we’re all about lessons where students do the heavy lifting…and actually enjoy it!

We also dug into what it looks like to build a classroom culture where it’s safe (maybe even cool?) to be excited about learning. Think meme projects for Pride and Prejudice, character Spotify playlists for Frankenstein, and assessments that ask students to show what they know instead of proving they read. 

And yes, we said it out loud: not every single day has to be a confetti cannon of engagement. Sometimes kids need quiet reading time. Sometimes we review plot. The goal isn’t 180 days of chaos; it’s committing to meaningful moments that honor great literature and remind teachers that what they’re doing is enough.

topics discussed:

  • Quickfire creative challenges to jumpstart engagement (and grab students’ attention in five minutes flat)

  • Two-sentence horror stories and poetry puzzles for collaborative, fast-paced learning

  • Building a classroom culture where enthusiasm isn’t socially risky

  • Taking literary analysis to the next level with meme assignments and character playlists

  • A reminder that you don’t need to have the most engaging lessons every single day

  • Pulling inspiration from everyday life and reassuring each other that what you’re doing is enough

resources:

Connect with Brian and Susan:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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