Engaged Learning 

    Engaged learning is such an important part of classroom life. Engaged learning makes learning fun, and centers the student in the learning process. Rather than just being instructed and taught, engaged learners interact with their environment in different ways, engage in self discovery, and have a say in what they are learning. The more I study and learn, the more impressed I am at how excited and involved students become when the learning is created to fit them, an not only the material that needs to be shared.
    I recently got to help with a really fun math lesson in my 2nd grade service learning classroom. The students were learning about money and the values of different coins. During the lesson, the students made cubs with different coins or dollars printed on each side. They broke into groups an took turns rolling the dice as a group, and then recording it on an information sheet. Then together they would tally up the amount and write the total amount on a card. When they had completed the first assignment, they took their card to the teacher, and each member of the team would collect the same amount they recorded in play money. With this play money, they could then go and make pretend purchases from a little store that was set up.
     There was so much I loved about this lesson, and so much engaged learning going on. Not only were students collaborating with one another as a team, they got to work with the class, the teacher, and practice real life skills of paying for items with money. The activity was hands on in multiple ways, from building the cubes, playing the game and then getting to count out their money and go shopping. I think this is such an important aspect of learning. I believe the more senses involved in an activity, the more engaged the students become. Sitting at a desk and only using your ears and eyes can become very boring very quickly for young children, but letting them use hands on materials, and interactive play really helps keep them focused and engaged in what they are learning.
      The students had a great time and were learning how to add and recognize coins in  combinations that easily made a dollar. I also really liked how this activity gave the students instant feedback and allowed them to make choices as they learned. The students chose what they wanted to buy, who was on their team, etc. They felt they had a say, and because of it they were opened up and worked better with peers that they felt comfortable with. Most of all, I think this lesson was fun! It's a lesson that took a concept that can be difficult for kids to catch on to, and made it creative and memorable. I can't wait to have my own classroom and find new ways to engage my students in their learning!