5 types of hooks for writing for middle school students

Build classroom community and classroom culture.

Make content feel more relatable and relevant.

Create an event that students can connect to.

Lead into asking questions (lingering questions).

Increase student engagement and motivation.

Did you know that the synonyms for the word “Hooked'' are enamored, captivated, absorbed? Are those not the words we want as teachers to describe our students in the act of learning!? If that alone doesn’t convince you to incorporate hooks into your lessons, maybe these reasons will! Hooks give teachers that edge they need to bring students attention back to the classroom, spark their interest, and give them the boost of energy they need to delve into the upcoming content. Diving into rigorous content when the majority of your class is not cognitively present for is a perfect storm for a flopped lesson, confused students, and a teacher walking away frustrated. Another student is watching what is happening out the window and about 8 others are daydreaming about what's for lunch and what they’re going to play at recess. One student is playing with his shoe laces. Imagine you’re standing at the front of the classroom.

What do they respond to best? What are their interests? Why Hook Them? Hooks can be short around 2-5 minutes with a short video, photograph, sound clip or they can take some time by doing a virtual field trip or a movement.

Hooks can be used to connect background knowledge to the lesson, bring excitement into the students' learning, and/or provide objectives to the content. You have been hooked! What is a hook?Ī hook is when a teacher uses an engaging way to grab their students' attention before the lesson. The movie has your complete attention and that was their goal. You have background knowledge of what could happen to Captain Hook, you are wondering why the crocodile sounds like a ticking clock, and you continue watching because you need more! This is not the time to pause the movie to get a snack. As the viewer you are immediately engaged.

How many of you pictured the crocodile from Peter Pan? If you have seen Peter Pan this simple phrase brings you back to the scene where Captain Hook realizes he is not alone in the water.

5 types of hooks for writing for middle school students