Zip Tip: Getting Kids' Attention
We all know that feeling when it seems like we are herding cats instead of teaching kids. Somedays the barometric pressure is just off and the kids seem to run wild. Or you wonder if you are even speaking out loud. Well, don’t waste time and energy trying to get those cats’, I means kids’ attention. Try these handy tips for quickly restoring calm and order to the room.
- In a normal volume say: “If you can hear me touch your nose. If you can hear me touch your elbow.” Continue with a few instructions. Kids will begin to see others completing the action and join in.
- Count down from 5 to 0. Give a small instruction or state an expectation as you go. Once you get to 0 everyone should be ready for you to resume. Example: “In 5, you need to head to the table. In 4, grab a Bible on the way.” Continue counting down to 0
- Clap your hands in a pattern. Kids will clap the pattern in response.
- Stop, wait, and resume. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just stop speaking or moving. Stand still and wait. Usually in a second or two kids begin to realize you are no longer speaking, so they turn their attention to see what you are doing. At that time you can resume with everyone’s attention in the proper place.
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