How do you motivate a classroom of bored teenagers, self-absorbed tweens, or energetic younger students to learn?In this book, you'll explore what Michael F. Opitz and Michael P. Ford have discovered about planning lessons that engage students and enable them to truly enjoy learning. The authors outline key findings from research on motivation and engagement and offer real-life teaching examples from various grades. They show how to systematically propel students to enjoy using their minds every day--and to view themselves as confident learners ready to take on the challenges of the world. Engaging Minds in the Classroom is a must-read for any educator who understands that developing students' love of learning is the catalyst for achievement at every level. Michael F. Opitz is professor emeritus of reading education at the University of Northern Colorado and is a literacy consultant and coach and author of several publications and reading programs. Michael P. Ford is chair of the Department of Literacy and Language, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He is also an experienced Title I reading and 1st grade teacher. Ford is the author of several books and reading publications.