289. How to Boost Engagement and Keep Students Thinking with Guided Notes

Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies · Oct 5, 2026 · 21m · transcript

There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those notes for study guides, retrieval practice, warm-ups, and exit tickets. The goal isn’t simply to keep kids busy. It’s to create meaningful opportunities for students to think and stay engaged while…