Look at This!

Catch kids’ attention with a mask that you assert holds magical powers for you to see.

Hi and welcome back to Attentionology for K – 5 Teachers!

Here’s an engaging command to catch K – 3 kids’ attention…

“Look at this!”

All eyes will follow your lead, not just because of your command, but because of the curiosity and excitement that it will generate.

“Look at what?” Kids will wonder.

In response, hold a mask to your face and tell the class, “Look at the magical powers I’ve mastered, powers I want to share with you!”

Masks Offer ”Magical Powers” to See – Colorful masks attract attention in a heartbeat. A mask visually invites students to look at this!

Why? Mystery lies behind a mask. What’s there; who’s there? Why has my teacher masked her face? What can she now see?

Surprise students by donning a mask and using “magical powers” to hook kids into lessons.

For example, tell the class to look at this…the mask’s “magical powers.” Announce that the mask lets you see the basic problem-solving process at the center of the Core Curriculum:

• Ask
• Imagine
• Plan
• Create
• Improve

Connecting steps to the mastery of skills by using a visual symbol, like a magical mask, helps children remember the steps.

Let young students take turns wearing the mask to gain “magical learning power.”

Usually associated with special occasions like Mardi Gras or Halloween, masks make marvelous attention-getting tools any time of the school year.

What other ways can you ask your class to look at this? (more…)