First thing to do is TURN EVERYTHING OFF! If there is a screen on the children will look at it and not at you.
Here are some other tips to engage your students.
1. Look children in their eyes and smile. I don’t care where I go when I sing “I like you there’s no doubt about it” I have the children in the palm of my hand.
I Like You(Tune: “Shortnin’ Bread”)
I like you, there’s no doubt about it. (Point to self and then a friend.)
I like you, there’s no doubt about it.
I like you, there’s no doubt about it.
You are my good friend. (Point to friend and then self.)
2. Give your students 100% of your attention. Be in the moment!!! Send the message that YOU are the most important thing in the world right now. I’m giving you my best and I need to you to do the same.
4. Be enthusiastic! Teachers can add the magic to anything with their facial expression, voice, and body language.
5. Be dramatic and break into a song or do something silly. The brain loves novelty!
6. Physical proximity! Get close to your students. Create an intimate space by having the children sit on the floor in a circle. A gentle touch can send a positive message to the brain.
7. Use their name frequently. You might have a child day dreaming and simply saying their name will bring them back to reality.
8. Do a movement activity to focus those busy hands. Lead children in a cheer or a clapping pattern. Use call backs and attention grabbers.
Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Lollipop. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
We’ve been talking, (Open and shut fingers.)
Now let’s stop! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)
Call Backs
Teacher says: Hands on top (Place hands on head.)
Children respond: Everybody stop (Children freeze.)
Teacher says: Macaroni and cheese.
Children respond: Freeze please (Children freeze.)
9. Use positive redirection to get them to do what you want them to do. Instead of saying, “Sit down and be quiet,” trying singing this tune as you model the motions:
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Lap (Tune: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Legs are criss-cross applesauce (Cross legs and fold hands.)
And our hands are in our lap, lap, lap.
10. Lower your voice and pretend to be calm as you cross your hands and smile.