Making Learning Fun: Engaging Students with Imagination with @teachheath

Jeromie Heath engages students by dressing up. Some days he’s Super Mario or a Mad Scientist — other days he’s a pirate. He was even a finalist for People’ Magazine’s teacher of the year (see the video to believe his classroom — notice the standards on the wall – yes, they are still there.) He engages students by immersing them in experiences. On the show, he says, “I’m tapping into their childhood…”

[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@teachheath”]If a child feels you have a connection with them… then they start learning. Jeromie Heath[/tweetthis]

[button href=”http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2046-making-learning-fun-engaging-students-with-imagination” primary=”false” centered=”true” newwindow=”true”]Listen to Jerome Heathie[/button]

In the show Jeromie points out that you don’t HAVE to dress up … you can do little things too.

Note from Vicki: Jeromie has so much energy, but also a practical approach to what engages kids. Students don’t remember worksheets, but they’ll remember the MEMORIES. We all need these epic moments. Wow. I just love Jeromie! (I talk about the importance of celebration in Reinventing Writing. Every class at every age needs this.) 

Add @TeachHeath to your PLN

• @TeachHeath
• Mr. Heath Teacher – his website has tons of teacher math, science, and engagement ideas. (You don’t HAVE to dress up – there are tons here for you.) He’s even made a “Common Core” central page to share with parents.
• Jeromie has a mega awesome YouTube channel with tons of Math and Science Songs including the Math Fractions Song and the Science Rules Song.

[button href=”http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2046-making-learning-fun-engaging-students-with-imagination” primary=”false” centered=”true” newwindow=”true”]Listen to Jeromie Heath[/button]

Teacher Jeromie Heath’s website has tons of resources for math and science teachers as well as engagement and Common Core.

SHOW NOTES: Jeromie Heath – Show #84 – Making Learning Fun: Engaging Students with Imagination

Jeromie Heath is an elementary teacher in Seattle, Washington where he makes learning fun. By incorporating imaginative play using songs, games, and costumes, he engages his students in learning. He also uses thematic teaching, games, and music; although he lacks research data, he feels his students perform well on standardized tests.
Jeromie calls teaching an art where teachers build connections with students in order to further learning. While also using Understanding By Design and mastery learning principles, it is the zany dress up costumes that students will remember. Listen now to find out how this works in Mr. Heath’s classroom.

Jeromie’s Super Mario Classroom

[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@coolcatteacher”]We can be the most amazing prop in our classroom. Vicki Davis[/tweetthis]
[button href=”http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/2046-making-learning-fun-engaging-students-with-imagination” primary=”false” centered=”true” newwindow=”true”]Listen to Jeromie Heath[/button]
Every Classroom Matters is a bi-weekly Radio Show by Vicki Davis on BAM Radio network with best practices for busy teachers. Subscribe.

Show notes prepared by Lisa Durff, Production Coordinator for Every Classroom Matters. Note from Vicki Davis: I added quite a bit of my thoughts to these notes as well – so this show outline is really a mashup of us both. 

Need help listening to the show?

Click “Play” on the BAM Radio Site, or subscribe in a podcatcher. If you need help, use this tutorial.