Hi and welcome to my new blog featuring tools and tricks to catch and keep K – 5 students’ attention. On a weekly basis, Attention-ology for K – 5 Teachers will offer new approaches to classroom management in a world driven by distractions. It’s a challenge that many educators agree grows each year! I hope my blog will also be a place for you to share your success stories with other teachers related to keeping kids on task, including but by no means limited to, students with ADD or ADHD.
Since 2001 I’ve taught close to 14,000 K – 5 students in schools across North Carolina’s largest school system, a system that is also one of the largest in the US. When I go into a classroom as a visiting writer I have only five days to help students get good work done so necessity has been the proverbial “mother of invention” for me, meaning I’ve created all kinds of quick and easy techniques to peak and keep attention in class.
Here’s a quick tip to putting smiles on young childrens’ faces and getting eyes and ears ready to listen and learn: Up the pitch of your voice to sound like a leprechaun – great time to try this close to St. Patrick’s Day – and suddenly start speaking with your new wee voice. You’ll have instant attention!
Remember, you don’t need to be a magician to work magic in instructional settings!
Talk with you next week,
Barbara ♥ The Lovable Poet
