How+can+we+as+educators+create+a+classroom+environment+and+lesson+plans+that+foster+student+interest+while+still+covering+the+needed+curriculum?

How can we as educators create a classroom environment and lesson plans that foster student interest while still covering the needed curriculum?
 * Using what the students like/choosing writing in which students can relate.
 * Listening to student opinion.
 * Don't spoon-feed students information. Help students acquire knowledge rather than force facts down their throats!
 * Don't simply take the easy way out and use boring worksheets to teach. Make it interesting!
 * Lessons:
 * Literature Circles, Mini-lessons, YAL, etc.