How Ms Brooks Captivates Her Class: Back to School with Canva Education

Every school year, teachers face the same challenge: how to make learning exciting and meaningful for their students. This is the story of Ms. Brooks, a passionate secondary math teacher who transformed her classroom into a space of curiosity, play, and connection. Inspired by a teacher who once changed her life, Ms. Brooks now dedicates herself to nurturing her students' imaginations and confidence—even when the subject matter could seem dry or difficult.

In this article, I’ll share Ms. Brooks’ approach to teaching, her philosophy on problem solving and play, and how tools like Canva Education can help educators create unforgettable learning experiences. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just curious about innovative education techniques, this deep dive will inspire you to rethink how we teach and learn.

Table of Contents

• 🌟 The Teacher Who Changed Everything
• 🧮 Teaching More Than Math: Problem Solving and Play
• 🎯 Captivating Imaginations: The Back-to-School Challenge
• 🔑 The Light Bulb Moment: Celebrating Student Growth
• 🛠️ Transforming Teaching with Canva Education
• 📚 Why ‘How’ We Teach Matters More Than Ever
• 💡 Practical Tips from Ms. Brooks to Captivate Your Class
• 🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 🌈 Conclusion: The Power of Inspired Teaching

🌟 The Teacher Who Changed Everything

Ms. Brooks often reflects on a teacher from her own school days who made a profound impact on her life. This teacher wasn’t just an instructor but a mentor who nurtured her curiosity and encouraged her to face big challenges. It was this encouragement that propelled Ms. Brooks to join the air force and eventually become a teacher herself.

This story is a powerful reminder that teaching is not just about transferring knowledge but about inspiring students to explore, take risks, and believe in themselves. That teacher’s influence planted a seed in Ms. Brooks that continues to grow in her own classroom.

For many educators, the goal is to be that same catalyst for change—to be remembered not just for what they taught but for how they made students feel and think.

🧮 Teaching More Than Math: Problem Solving and Play

Ms. Brooks teaches secondary math, a subject that many students might initially find intimidating or boring. However, she emphasizes that her classroom is not just about learning fractions, equations, or formulas. Instead, her focus is on teaching problem solving and the value of play.

Why play? Because play stimulates creativity, critical thinking, and engagement. When students approach problems like puzzles or games, they are more likely to experiment, make mistakes, and discover solutions on their own.

Ms. Brooks believes that cultivating a playful mindset in math enables students to:

• Build resilience in the face of challenging problems
• Develop deeper understanding rather than rote memorization
• Enhance collaboration and communication skills
• Experience joy and satisfaction in learning

By framing math as a playground for ideas, Ms. Brooks transforms her classroom atmosphere from one of anxiety to enthusiasm.

🎯 Captivating Imaginations: The Back-to-School Challenge

Each new school year brings fresh faces and fresh challenges. Ms. Brooks sets a personal goal every year: to captivate her students’ imaginations right from the start. This is no small feat when students might come in with preconceived notions about math being boring or hard.

To meet this challenge, she asks herself three key questions:

1. How do I make something they might think is boring exciting?
2. How do I ensure they feel encouraged and supported?
3. Ultimately, how can I make a positive difference in their lives?

These questions guide everything from lesson planning to classroom activities. Ms. Brooks uses creative and interactive methods to breathe life into her lessons. For example, she integrates games, real-world problem scenarios, and visual aids to make abstract concepts tangible.

Her classroom is a space where students feel safe to explore ideas without fear of judgment, where mistakes are seen as steps toward understanding rather than failures.

🔑 The Light Bulb Moment: Celebrating Student Growth

One of the most rewarding experiences for Ms. Brooks is witnessing what she calls the "light bulb moment." This is when a student finally grasps a concept that once seemed confusing or impossible.

That instant of clarity is more than just academic success; it’s a boost to the student’s confidence and self-esteem. Ms. Brooks knows that these moments are the sparks that fuel lifelong learning and curiosity.

She often says, “Beyond learning fractions and equations, our greatest achievement as a class is connection.” It’s about building relationships where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

This connection extends beyond the classroom walls. It creates a foundation for students to tackle future challenges with confidence and curiosity.

🛠️ Transforming Teaching with Canva Education

In today’s digital age, educators have incredible tools at their fingertips to enhance learning. Ms. Brooks embraces Canva Education to create engaging, interactive, and visually appealing lessons that capture students’ attention.

Canva Education offers AI-powered tools and student-friendly templates for every grade and subject, making it easy for teachers to design unique educational materials. From interactive games and reward systems to memorable mnemonics and arithmetic adventures, Canva helps bring lessons to life.

Some of the ways Ms. Brooks uses Canva Education include:

• Designing interactive quizzes and games: These foster engagement and make review sessions fun.
• Creating visually appealing lesson plans: Colorful charts, diagrams, and infographics help students grasp complex ideas more easily.
• Building unique reward systems: Incentives that motivate students and celebrate their progress.
• Developing mnemonic devices: Creative memory aids that stick with students long after the lesson.

The best part? Canva Education is 100% free for K-12 teachers and students, making it accessible for classrooms everywhere.

📚 Why ‘How’ We Teach Matters More Than Ever

Ms. Brooks’ story highlights a vital truth in education: what we’re taught matters, but how we’re taught inspires. The methods and environment we create can either ignite a passion for learning or extinguish it.

Traditional education often focuses on content delivery—getting through the curriculum and covering standards. But Ms. Brooks shows us that when we prioritize connection, creativity, and play, learning becomes an adventure.

This approach aligns with modern educational research that emphasizes:

• Student-centered learning: Tailoring lessons to students’ interests and needs.
• Growth mindset: Encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities.
• Collaborative learning: Building social skills and shared knowledge.
• Emotional engagement: Connecting lessons to students’ lives and aspirations.

By focusing on the “how,” teachers like Ms. Brooks create classrooms where students don’t just learn—they thrive.

💡 Practical Tips from Ms. Brooks to Captivate Your Class

If you’re inspired by Ms. Brooks and want to bring some of her magic into your own classroom or learning environment, here are some practical tips you can try:

1. Embrace Curiosity and Encourage Questions

Start each lesson by posing an intriguing question or problem that sparks curiosity. Encourage students to ask their own questions and explore multiple solutions.

2. Incorporate Play and Games

Turn lessons into interactive games or challenges. Use digital tools like Canva to design quizzes, puzzles, or escape-room style activities that make learning fun.

3. Use Visual Aids and Storytelling

Visuals help students understand abstract concepts. Combine storytelling with diagrams, infographics, and colorful presentations to make lessons memorable.

4. Create a Supportive Environment

Celebrate effort, not just correct answers. Let students know it’s okay to make mistakes and that every attempt is a step toward learning.

5. Connect Learning to Real Life

Show how math and other subjects apply to everyday situations or future careers. This relevance boosts motivation and engagement.

6. Utilize Technology Wisely

Leverage free tools like Canva Education to design engaging materials. Explore templates and AI-powered features to save time and spark creativity.

7. Foster Connection and Community

Build strong relationships among students and between teacher and students. Connection creates a safe space for learning and growth.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can teachers make math more engaging for students who dislike the subject?

A: Incorporate interactive activities, real-world problems, and play-based learning. Use visual aids and technology like Canva Education to create fun, relatable lessons that spark curiosity.

Q: What role does play have in secondary education?

A: Play encourages creativity, problem solving, and resilience. It helps students approach challenges with a growth mindset and reduces anxiety around difficult subjects.

Q: Is Canva Education free for all teachers and students?

A: Yes, Canva Education is 100% free for K-12 teachers and students, making it accessible for classrooms worldwide.

Q: How can teachers support students’ confidence in learning?

A: Celebrate effort and progress, provide positive feedback, create a safe learning environment, and encourage students to view mistakes as learning opportunities.

Q: What makes a “light bulb moment” in the classroom?

A: It’s the instant when a student truly understands a concept, resulting in increased confidence and motivation. This moment often leads to deeper engagement and continued learning.

🌈 Conclusion: The Power of Inspired Teaching

Ms. Brooks’ journey from a student inspired by a caring teacher to a passionate educator herself is a testament to the transformative power of education. Her commitment to problem solving, play, and connection redefines what it means to teach math and beyond.

By embracing creativity, technology, and empathy, teachers can create classrooms where students not only learn but fall in love with learning. Tools like Canva Education empower educators to bring their lessons to life, making every school year an opportunity to inspire and captivate.

As we head into a new school year, let’s remember that how we teach shapes the future. When we nurture curiosity and support each student’s unique journey, we open doors to endless possibilities.

Here’s to making every classroom a place of wonder, growth, and connection—just like Ms. Brooks does every day.