Thursday, August 19, 2021

LINING UP IS EASY TO DO

Kids and lines don't go together very well, but it's a necessary part of classroom life. Instead of "keep your hands to yourself," try one of these positive approaches.
                                             
I’m Ready (Say or sing to the tune from "Gilligan's Island")
I’m looking straight ahead of me.
My arms are at my side.
My feet are quiet as can be,
I’m ready for outside.
Hint! Write the chant on a poster and tape it to the door. 

Line Up Song  (Tune: “Hi Ho, Hi Ho”) 
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to (lunch, play, home, etc.) we go. 
With our heads held high and arms by our sides 
And our belly buttons all in a row. 


Lining Up Is Easy to Do ("Cadence" - Children repeat each line.)
Lining up is easy to do (Slap thighs to the beat)
When you take care of only you.
Feet together hands by sides,
We've got spirit, we've got pride.
Sound off - 1, 2
Hit it again - 3, 4
Out the door - 1, 2, 3, 4,
1, 2 - 3, 4

Hips and Lips
Teacher says "Hips" - children put one hand on their hips.
Teacher says "Lips" - children put index finger from the other hand on their lips.

Hallway Trip 
“Zip” – pretend to zip your lips. 
“Flip” – fold arms across your chest. 
“We’re ready for the hallway trip.” 

Let’s Pretend!
Marshmallows - Have the children put “marshmallows” in their mouths (Puff out cheeks.)
and put “marshmallows” on their feet. (Model walking slowly and gently.)

Museum Hands – Children clasp their hands behind their backs. 

Butterfly Wings or Angel Wings - Children put their hands behind their backs and stick out their elbows and flap them like wings.
                              
Fix It Up
When students forget school rules and appropriate behavior, simply say:
STOP! (Put your hand in the air.)
BACK IT UP! (Have them return to their seats.)
FIX IT UP! (Choose a child to describe the appropriate behavior.)

Hush, Little Children ("Hush, Little Baby")
Hush little children don’t say a word. 
We’re leaving the room and shouldn’t be heard. 
Hands at your side and do not talk. 
Tip toe in the halls when we start to walk. 

Line Up Chant (Kelley DiBella) 
1, 2 Listen and do. 
3, 4 Face the door. 
5, 6 Fingers on lips. 
7, 8 Stand up straight. 
9, 10 Let quiet walking begin. 

Wall Push Ups 
While children are waiting and standing in line in the hall encourage them to do push ups against the wall. 

Self Control  (Becky Gilsdorf)
Use this visual cue to help children who are out of control.
Cross hands over your chest.  (Self)
Slide both hands down the sides of your body.  (Control)
As the child repeats the movements silently it will calm them down.

Air Hug  (Mary Katherine Ellis)
Open your arms as if giving a huge hug in the air.
*This is good for when students see a friend in the hall.
*This is also good when someone comes in or leaves the classroom and the kids want to jump up and give them a hug.

Count Down 
Take 3” X 5” cards and write different numbers from 1-20 (or however many students you have) on each card. Shuffle the cards and hand one to each student. Have students line up in numerical order at the door.