At The Positivity Project (P2), we’re always looking for ways to help educators bring character strengths and the Other People Mindset to life in the classroom. That’s why the P2 curriculum team is excited to introduce a brand-new set of student engagement strategies designed for PreK–12 teachers.
These tools are more than teaching tips—they’re research-based, adaptable approaches that make lessons more interactive, collaborative, and impactful.
What’s Included
We’ve adapted 13 new engagement strategies for PreK–12, each tailored to fit the developmental needs of different grade levels.
For grades 6–12, you’ll also find class discussion tips, student engagement tips, and check for understanding tips embedded throughout weekly slide decks as hidden slides.
Where to Find Them
You can access the strategies in multiple ways:
- For PreK–12: All engagement strategies are in this document linked on slide 2 of every slide deck for easy reference.
- For grades 6–12: You’ll also find additional engagement strategies in your weekly slides.
- Look for hidden slides in each weekly deck.
- Look for the yellow redirection sign icon sprinkled throughout the daily lessons.
Why We Added New Engagement Strategies
We know that keeping students actively engaged is key to meaningful learning. These strategies were created to:
- Enhance participation
- Foster collaboration
- Reinforce P2 lessons
- Support diverse learning styles
Whether you’re introducing a new character strength or revisiting one your students already know, this toolbox gives you multiple ways to make lessons relevant and memorable.
Bringing Lessons to Life
These strategies are designed to make P2 lessons more than just a time slot in your day—they’re opportunities for students to practice empathy, kindness, curiosity, and more in a dynamic, student-centered environment.
We can’t wait to see how you bring these tools to life in your classroom. Engagement isn’t just about keeping students busy—it’s about making learning experiences they’ll remember long after the lesson ends.
Melissa Killingbeck
Melissa Killingbeck is the Curriculum Manager for The Positivity Project and ensures our resources are at their highest quality. Melissa earned her bachelor's degree and teaching certificate in elementary education and holds a Master's in Education with certification in K-12 administration. Before joining the P2 team, Melissa was a successful P2 Partner School principal in Flushing, Michigan, where she worked for 25 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal. After retiring from public education in 2019, Melissa relocated to northern Michigan with her husband Casey and their Silver Lab, Tank. When not knee-deep in P2 resources, Melissa can be found rockhounding along a lakeshore, enjoying a boat ride with Casey and Tank, or "downstate" visiting their two grown children.
