Hi and welcome back to Attentionology for K – 5 Teachers!
Let’s face it…some kids view school as a must-do chore and some see it as a place of opportunity, an engaging center of learning and fun.
Whether or not a student grasps the value of a good education during his/her elementary school years, every child benefits from learning at an early age how to stay on task…how to pay attention.
Try this Short Shot – a one and done idea – that’s a big shot…
Create eye-catching Big Shot Opportunity Bags (or boxes) for Attention that help kids develop a lifelong ability to focus.
It’s a safe bet that your elementary school students will love filling these special bags because they are like party bags for special events such as birthday celebrations.
How to?
I recommend using decorative cellophane bags with colors and designs that are attractive to kids.
Decorative cellophane bags come in seasonal packs – 20 or 25 count – and are usually available at “dollar stores” in the US.
This type of bag is also sold in party supply stores.
Choose or make objects for Big Shot Opportunity Bags for Attention that have easy-to-understand connections to listening and learning skills.
It’s important that each student receive his or her own bag so that the experience is personal.
Choose any of the following objects for filling the bags that suit your grade level.
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star stickers to symbolize star listeners
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chocolate kisses or other small candy as a sweet thank you for staying on task
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small inexpensive pencil sharpeners to remind students to get to the point
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small achievement certificates (Use a copier to print reduced-size certificates) to make the connection between paying attention and achieving goals
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smallest value coin in your currency to remind students that a good education is a path toward earning power
Familiar objects such as star stickers and coins take on powerful new meaning when you offer them to students as symbols of paying attention to learn.
Be as creative as you like in making and choosing other objects to share with the class.
Take time to discuss the attention connection with each object you choose to distribute when you give kids their Big Shot Opportunity Bags for Attention.
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