For instance, if doing a lesson on money, don't settle with the workbook activities that have them circle the correct amount. Instead, have them create a mall in the classroom where they have to actually use currency to purchase and sell different goodies the class has made. For instance, a teacher could be doing a lesson on periods by having a paragraph without any punctuation. The same objective is taught, but the second teacher definitely focuses on the importance of the lesson. They become part of the process of developing what is valued in the classroom.
Many classrooms have rituals when it is story time.
Pillows are taken out, everyone becomes silent, and all eyes focus on the reader. When we celebrate in the learning community, we recognize that people have the power to incorporate the joys and achievements of other people into their lives. There are many different reasons to celebrate in the classroom. One of my favorite is author celebrations. After studying an author's work and life for a few weeks, or even months, the children love to celebrate the author with letters, plays, or songs.