Educating Gen Z Kids

Students born between 1999-2015 are known as "Generation Z". These students experience the world significantly different than other generations because of cell phones and the internet.

Interesting Facts about Gen Z Kids:

• Navigate 2 adolescents: Physical Identity & Online Identity
• Most ethically diverse group ever with no true majority
• Identified by moral relativism & less judgmental: "You do you and I'll do me" thinkers
• Attention span of about 8 seconds

Learning characteristic of students from Generation Z:

• Graphically driven (the way things visually looks matters to them)
• Dislike: tests, lectures, classrooms
• Constant multi-taskers: Ex.-listen to music while studying
• Values instant feedback and likes to process instant feedback
• Use "Google" to get information immediately, but do not take the time to validate reliability
• Thrive in collaborative environments
• Wired for fast delivery of content

Chireno ISD Faculty and Administration works to stay current with trends in education that impact student achievement. Educating students from Generation Z requires creating unique classroom environments, developing engaging teaching strategies, and incorporating technology to meet the needs of all learners. Here are some things that we do regularly to engage Generation Z learners and motivate students at Chireno ISD:

• Flexible seating options: Students get to choose seating options outside of the tradition desks found in rows
• Technology applications: Smartboards, iPads, Laptops, Chromebooks, & Google Classroom
• Variety of Activities: Project based learning, Collaborative groups, Student Choice, & Brain Breaks
• Instructional Settings: Outdoor Classroom, Library/Media Center, HS Lobby, Front Patio
• Social Media: Meeting them at the platforms they are using. Ex: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter

• Encourage Real-World Interactions: Gen Zers should be encouraged to interact with others instead of hiding behind a screen. Put away phones at dinner time, talk face-to-face with friends, & be present in the moment to promote communication skills.
• Focus on Short-Term Family Activities: Sneak in family time by finding low-key ways to stay in touch by providing exposure away from devices like taking a walk, playing a game, eating together as a family, etc.
• Integrate Screen Time into Events: Gen Zers are dependent on their devices, so instead of forcing it out, encourage the use of platforms for personal growth by listening to podcasts, complete online trainings, watch virtual tours, or use educational apps.
• Communicate with your Kids: Put away your phones and give your children uninterrupted face time communicating and interacting. Men spend an average of 7 min in meaningful conversation each day and women spend an average of 11 min. How much time are you spending in meaningful conversations with your children? It's definitely something to consider.

#itsagreatdaytobeanowl

Email: brandy.gray@chirenoisd.org
Website: chirenoisd.org
Location: Chireno Independent School District, TX, USA
Phone: 936-362-2132