3 Simple Ways To Get Attention in the Classroom

One of the major struggles teachers face with young children is getting their attention.

Often times than not, attention span issues are related to children more than older kids or even adults.

You could always shock them into attention by wearing a comedy costume each day, or dancing around, or maybe bring in some animals and turn your classroom into something looking like a zoo…

OK, hold that thought, because for an everyday lesson? Please… it’s just not realistic, even though the kids would love this kind of stuff.

Perhaps you can save up you greatest attention-getting intro’s for those future learning themes.

On a daily basis, however, you need more down to earth strategies. Something you can readily grab from your bag of tricks you can count on to get attention in the classroom.

So here are 3 simple ways any teacher can use:

1. Ask Questions

Yes simply asking questions. This strategy really gets their attention as kids are always curious. Questions will often generate a room full of raised hands.

Not only do kids then give you their utmost attention, but they also improve their critical thinking skills. Especially when you hit can relate questions to topics that interest them most.

Through mentally engaging questioning process kids minds are triggered into action. They start to ask themselves further questions, and gradually work their way through exploration, discovery and problem solving – all of which greatly increase their learning.

2. Do Some Exercising

Say what? No, really!

You can allot a short period of time to moving and singing with the kids – to their favorite songs, beats, rhymes and finger plays to awaken their senses.

More so, you can just invite them to do some light exercises before starting the class. Like doing some stretches, knee bends, jumping jacks, and what not.

It could really be anything that increases the heart rate. Everyone will be more alert afterwards.

3.  Tell Them a Story

Usually Early Childhood Preschools dictate a default period for storytelling.

It is good to have a story time, since it not only captures their attention but it also is a great way to introduce lessons or themes.

Nothing beats a story telling session to effectively get attention in the classroom – particularly when it’s a story of their choice/interest coupled with facial expressions and voice modification to the different characters. This is a sure fire way to keep the kids eyes glued to you, leaning forward, listening to every word you utter.

Stories act like a big facade, behind which are a variety of contexts for children to link their experiences, memories, emotions and opinions on the lesson or theme. This provides an alternate way to understand and remember what has been taught and valued.

It Doesn’t End There

Teaching can sometimes be overwhelming. When you can’t seem to hit the right strategy to implement it’s easy to get tired and be stressed out.

But always remember that there is great hope in every frustration. There is and will always be a way; for only one weapon isn’t enough. With a combination of tactics teaching becomes less stressful, more effective – and before long a whole lot of fun.

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