More "Attention Please" Ideas

A quarter of a century ago, the teacher only had to walk into the room for a hushed silence to fall over the class. I am afraid to say the challenge is a lot greater with today's children. However, your presence as the authority figure is still just as important. Don't worry this same calmed hush can still be achieved. It will be generated on the basis of mutual respect , not fear. Respect comes with a growing relationship and this is exactly where the challenge lies. Each class will be a little different depending on the year level and management style of their permanent class teacher.

Think outside the square!

Make it interesting!

Make it fun!

You will gain the reward as respect.

Here are a couple more humble contributions to add to your list. My book "Relief Insight" has a the complete selection in the chapter called "Attention Please, Class!"

• ECHO : This strategy not only gains attention, it consolidates the message as well as focuses the listening. Explain the game. Teacher give some information. The echo repeats the information accurately. You are looking for the clearest and most accurate echo. I would only call on volunteers to be the echo as it can be stressful for some children who may experience auditory processing challenges. Always call at least two echoes. Allow the class to judge. Reward. The end result will be everyone listening to the information in order the participate. This works very well when giving instructions for a new class activity both indoors and out.

• WHAT'S THE TIME (Your Name)? : The class loves putting in the teacher's name instead of Mr Wolf. The use of the traditional game in a new way immediately hooks their attention. I use my magnetic clock face (see earlier blogs) and vary the difficulty as the year level. Surprisingly older children enjoy the more challenging time telling identification too. Keep the activity short and sweet and when the children least expect it...you say....Wrong! It is time for Maths or Spelling! We all laugh but I have their attention! Never trust a wolf!

Blessings for the journey...

Live,laugh and learn!

Carmel