To get each student involved to the level of their ability, I try to engage them by giving them a choice. (Do you want this red tape or blue? I student looks toward, reaches for or says one, let them start their participation with that chosen thing color of tape, paint, brush scarf, big piece of foil, etc. students who seem non of responsive can be helped by another student choosing for a classmate: which color do you want to give Gracie? Red. Okay. Gracy will use red. Having students make physical or visual contact helps them become more engaged. Letting them knock down or wrinkle up materials as an acceptable choice get more positive “buy in” and gets the other students attention.

I have a student who is extremely self-motivated and who does not want to interact with other students and will barely tolerate adult help/proximity. Are there any activities in particular that you find motivating for students that might help to draw my student in?