⚡ 10 lesson hooks for fun learning

😲 Tech + engagement = memorable learning

You know when students are interested in learning.

You see it in their eyes. You can hear it in the way they react — or that still silence when you know they’re really paying attention …

… or it’s the healthy buzz in class when they’re working on something in class they love.

How do we design that — and how can tech help?

That’s the focus of my book, Tech Like a Pirate.

Every chapter is packed full of practical ways to not just teach a lesson, but create an experience!

Check out Tech Like a Pirate in paperback or Kindle ebook on Amazon.

PS: We have free book study resources and bulk order discounts for orders of 10+ books. Email [email protected] for details.

💡 THE BIG IDEA 💡

🙋🏽‍♂️Get more buy-in and motivation from your class

It’s time-consuming when we have to teach and reteach and reteach material to get students to remember and understand.

Sometimes a little extra engagement the first time is all it takes to get it to stick right away.

In our EfficienTEACH project, one of the ways to “teach better and save time for what matters most”? Engagement.

How can we get students engaged in learning so they enjoy it — and it makes sense?

My book Tech Like a Pirate is all about this! It’s the techy spin-off from Dave Burgess’s book Teach Like a Pirate.

Each chapter ends with a hook — a way to draw students into learning.

Here are some of the hooks from my book, Tech Like a Pirate, to get learning to stick the first time:

10 hooks for your class:

1. The Teaser Hook: Build anticipation like a pro! Send a short, intriguing message (via Google Classroom, Seesaw, etc.) before class to pique student interest. Tip: Fresh out of mysterious and creative writing energy? Ask AI to craft one for you!

2. The Contest Hook: Turn learning into a game show! Use Kahoot! and other review apps to create interactive quizzes where students compete for points on their devices. Resource: Game show classroom: Comparing Kahoot!, Quizizz, Quizlet Live and Gimkit

3. The Virtual Safari Hook: Take your class on a virtual field trip! Explore relevant locations using Google Expeditions, Nearpod or Microsoft Flip. Connect with experts online to gain deeper insights. Resource: Ditch That Textbook Virtual Field Trip Library

4. The Video Hook: Harness the power of YouTube! Find engaging videos related to your topic, or get creative and make your own! Resource: TEACHFLIX 

5. The Social Media Hook: Replicate the excitement of social media with classroom activities inspired by popular platforms. Resource: 12 social media-inspired hooks for class

6. The Craft Store Hook: Get hands-on! Incorporate a craft project related to your lesson. It could be origami, open-ended creation, or anything that sparks learning through making. Resource: 10 ways to make lessons more hands-on

7. The Safari Hook: Think outside the classroom walls! Is there a location on campus that perfectly sets the stage for your lesson? Use the environment to enhance learning.

8. The Game Hook: Make learning fun! Incorporate even a simple game element to transform a dull activity into an engaging experience. Resource: 10 game hooks to inspire learning in your class

9. The Board Message Hook: Welcome students with a thought-provoking message displayed on the board or screen. Spark curiosity, create a buzz, and ignite questions. Tip: Make it even more intriguing by writing it in a secret code! Use this emoji secret message maker and printable key or take it a step further with your own Caesar Cipher!

10. The Props Hook: Show, don't just tell! Bring in physical objects related to your topic. This could be a book, a picture, or anything students can interact with to deepen their understanding.

💻 Tech Tip

⚡️ Lightning-fast formative assessment with Curipod’s Exit Ticket generator

🤔 What is it?

The Curipod Exit Ticket Generator is a tool designed to help teachers assess student understanding quickly and efficiently. The generator creates an exit ticket based on the topic and grade level specified by the teacher. Once students have responded, they receive AI-generated feedback on the spot.

🧐 How does it work?

To use Curipod's exit ticket generator you’ll need to sign up for a free Curipod account at curipod.com.

1. Access the Generator: Visit the Curipod Exit Ticket Generator page at Curipod Exit Ticket Generator.

2. Create an Exit Ticket: Choose your topic and grade level (this is optional)

3. Click “Do magic ✨”

4. Once the slides are generated you can edit them if you’d like.

5. Click “Present”. Students will log in at curi.live with the PIN.

6. Receive AI Feedback: Once students have responded, they will receive AI-generated feedback instantly!

🎥 You can also watch a video tutorial on creating a Curipod Exit Ticket from Curipod on YouTube.

Go deeper ➡️

Read our post 10 ways Curipod engages your students with AI to learn more about Curipod and how it can save you time in the classroom.

👋 How we can help

There are even more ways I can support you in the important work you do in education:

1. Read one of my six books about meaningful teaching with tech.

2. Take one of our online courses about practical and popular topics in education.

3. Bring me to your school, district or event to speak. I love working with educators!