On March 1st CAMLE Colorado welcomed Jack Berckemeyer for an energetic morning of learning together on Motivating the Middle. Over 60 middle level educators spent the morning combining movement and learning strategies to take back to schools across Colorado. 

Our wonderful facilitator Jack shared this:

Motivating and engaging young adolescents has never been harder. Sometimes I feel like you could set your tie or favorite clothing accessory on fire in class and our students would be like, “Seen that on a video and this is boring.” The truth is educators are trying to compete with social media and gaming which is feeding the dopamine levels of young adolescents at such a high rate that we as humans can’t compete. 

So, what will compete with the dopamine-filled gaming industry and 20-second social media posts? Hands-on engagement: things they can touch and learn with the ability to move. With all the pre-described curriculum it is hard to get kids up moving and active.

What young adolescents crave are quality interactions, the ability to create, think and most importantly, play. Our students will remember when they play a game, sing a song or create something. They love the interactions with the teachers and with each other.

As I enter my 32nd year in middle level education I have come to the realization that we are over complicating education. An objective on the board will not motivate a student. The ability of a teacher who is willing to use manipulatives and play will spark their interests, get them laughing and learning.

I have found simple uses of paper plates, specific letters of the alphabet and physical movement to help teachers engage their students. On March 1st CAMLE is offering an amazing couple hour workshop where I will be able to show you simple ways to get our students engaged. No philosophy or deep thoughts. No rubrics or assessments. Just simple inexpensive ways to get our kids moving. 

Let’s get back to laughing and learning. Play, engagement and fun are needed in our classroom now more than ever.

By Jack Berckemeyer, Educator, Author, Humorist and Consultant

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From our morning together: