Engagement & Flow: What We Can Pass On to Students

Kristijan Musek Lešnik
Nov 11, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Engagement is being deeply absorbed in meaningful work; flow is that sweet spot where challenge meets skill. Classrooms spark it with relevance, choice, clear goals, immediate feedback, and a climate of safety and belonging—modeled by an engaged teacher.

“Engagement reflects an active approach to life — a curiosity, commitment, and passion for the things we do. And the classroom is one of the best places to build it.”

When We’re Fully Engaged

We feel truly alive when we do things that absorb us completely. When we do what we love, what excites and inspires us —we feel more confident, creative, and alive. When we’re in flow, time disappears. We’re not counting minutes — we’re present, here and now.

Yet in today’s fast-paced world, many of us rush from one expectation to another. We do things not because we want to — but because we should. Because it’s what’s expected. Because “that’s just how things are.”

In this endless race, the first casualties are often the things that once brought us joy —the hobbies, passions, and small moments of creativity that once made us feel alive. “I used to love that — until I ran out of time.” “If only I had more time for things that truly matter.”

We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them ourselves.

Engagement Builds Well-Being

Higher engagement is linked with less stress, fewer negative emotions, and greater wellbeing and performance. In school, engaged learners show persistence, creativity, and joy in learning.

Engagement is a protective factor — it nourishes both well-being and performance.

Early Engagement Shapes Lifelong Motivation

Children who feel engaged in school — who can lose themselves in curiosity and challenge — build foundations for lifelong motivation and resilience. That’s why nurturing engagement in preschools and in classrooms matters so deeply. It’s especially vital for children who show signs of apathy or lack of enthusiasm.

We can’t force engagement — but we can invite it. We can create conditions where it grows naturally.

These conditions appear when:

The tasks are interesting, relevant, and challenging for students, and
The learning environment offers positive emotional experiences — a sense of safety, belonging, and control.

When children feel capable and connected, learning becomes a source of joy.

The Teacher’s Role: Modeling Passion and Presence

There’s one crucial factor in this equation: the teacher’s own engagement. The best thing we can pass on to children is not just our knowledge — but the energy and enthusiasm that come from loving what we do. Only an engaged teacher can awaken engagement in students.

Children sense it instantly. When they see our eyes light up, when they feel our genuine passion, they respond with curiosity and trust.

Engagement is contagious. Just as apathy spreads, so does joy. The teacher’s mood, energy, and presence ripple through the classroom. When we teach with passion, our students don’t just learn from us —they catch our enthusiasm.

What I Can Do for Children

Remove distractions that break focus.
Design tasks that are interesting, relevant, and within each child’s ability — but still challenging.
Help children believe in themselves by creating opportunities for success and confidence.
Encourage active, cooperative learning
Model engagement — teach with energy, curiosity, and heart.
Give students a voice and choice
Create atmosphere first, content second.
Be authentic and sincere in every interaction.
Offer honest, caring feedback that shows you truly see them.

What I Can Do for Myself

Take time for activities that bring joy — don’t sacrifice them.
Learn to pause and enjoy the present moment.
Find balance between what you must do and what you love to do.
Take mindful walks in nature.
Reflect on why you chose teaching — and what parts still make you smile.
Ask yourself:
- When do I feel most alive in the classroom?
- How much of myself do I bring into my teaching?
- What activities fill me with passion and flow?

It's simple: when teachers thrive, students feel it too.

Final Thought

Engagement isn’t just about hard work — it’s about connection. When children (and teachers) discover what makes them come alive, they don’t just perform better — they become happier, more resilient, and more fulfilled human beings.

Passion is the bridge between effort and joy. And the classroom is one of the best places to build it.