Get the Attention of a Class - Part 2

As getting the attention of children is an on-going challenge, this week we continue to offer you suggestions to make this a fun experience in your classroom:

• As children are working, run around and put a light bulb over the heads of anyone who is thinking or getting ready to listen.
• Teach children to copy your hand gestures. Make different funny hand movements every day so this doesn’t become stale.
• Tell children to put their fingers over their mouths if they are listening.
• Tell children to smile when they are ready to listen (it’s difficult to talk when you are smiling big!) 
• In the morning, show children the 'secret signal' for the day. Make it something strange like patting your knee or turning in a circle. Explain that when they see you do this - everyone needs to stop and look. They will love all the crazy things you do!
• Various attention grabbing statements like “1, 2, 3 eyes on me,” where children respond with “1, 2, eyes on you” can be changed to things like “bumpity bump,” where the class responds, “bump, bump.” By constantly varying this, children are more likely to look at you and listen. 
• Use giant hand clappers to surprise the class.

Head on over to your favorite party store to find these inexpensive “toys” that are sure to encourage listening ears and get all eyes on you! 

Standards Alignment:

NAEYC – 2.A.07 & 2.A.08

Head Start – II. B & C