Invite kids to jump on board the Success Train!
Hi and welcome back to Attentionology for K – 5 Teachers!
New year…new directions…for teachers and students alike…
when we help children jump on board the Success Train!
Post images of a train speeding down a track on a classroom bulletin board.
Write one skill, such as MATH, READING, SCIENCE EXPLORATION, etc., on each train car.
In addition to skills related to your basic curriculum, include skills that relate to children’s abilities to stay focused and on task in class.
Key skills link learning together, just like cars on the Success Train are linked together.
Note that success is dependent on being able to “stay on a course, like a train track, even when distractions appear at every turn.”
Encourage kids to jump on board the Success Train with this awareness.
Key Skills Link Learning Together on the Success Train – Note that key skills link learning together, just like cars on the Success Train are linked together.
Explain that LANGUAGE…the power of expression…is the engine that drives the Success Train.
Ask students to name their favorite word.
For many, the answer might be the word FREE.
FREE is a fun and super expressive, attention-getting word.
The word FREE is so catchy, as we all know, that advertisers of products and services worldwide use it frequently.
Develop students’ interest in jumping on board the Success Train by inviting them to head down the track with the following activities…
These activities are engaging and fun; some are challenging as well.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE SUCCESS TRAIN’S FREE EXPRESSIVE WORD EXPRESS – Post a grade-appropriate cut out train or photo of a train on a bulletin board in your classroom. Add a header that reads Jump On Board the Success Train’s Free Expressive Word Express!
Invite students to write expressive words on cards to tack along the train track when you post your Success Train on a bulletin board.
Invite students to write expressive words on colorful cards. Tack up the cards to the train track to create your own Expressive Word Route.
Encourage students to reference the Expressive Word Route cards during writing time.
Offering opportunities for students to express their thoughts and ideas is a widely recognized best practice in K – 5 classes.
FREE ADVICE – Whip up a box full of FREE ADVICE.
Write helpful hints for achieving success in school (and life) on index cards or on slips of white paper and place them inside a colorful box.
Place the box in a conspicuous place in your classroom and post a FREE ADVICE sign by the box to attract attention.
Encourage students to help themselves to your helpful hints.
Explain that asking for and accepting good advice is a key to success as kids hop on board the Success Train in the new year!
How else can you encourage students to hop on board your special train?
Surprise students be setting aside writing time for them to freely express themselves by creating silly jokes.
FREE JOKES – Surprise students by encouraging them to create silly jokes during writing time.
Post the jokes below and around the Success Train’s track.
Add extra cards of silly words. Kids love silly stuff.
FREE EXTRA CLASS WORK – No joke! Maybe you can motivate kids to jump on board the Success Train by offering FREE PRIZES to any students who complete extra tasks and turn in signed work.
It’s fun to play with the word FREE.
FREE COINS – If you work with children in grades K – 2, set out a colorful bucket of small value coins with a sign that reads FREE SMALL COINS – TAKE ONE COIN – MAKE ONE WISH.
Wishes are free anyway but wishing with a coin adds interest to the activity.
The possibilities for using the Success Train to help children learn are as endless; like a track running as far as a teacher’s wish can reach.
Remember, you don’t need to be a magician to work magic in any instructional setting!
Talk with you again soon,
Barbara ♥ The Lovable Poet
