Ask attention-getting questions at the start of a school day, like: “What’s today’s color?”
Hi and welcome back to Attentionology for K – 5 Teachers!
Catch your students’ attention at the start of a school day by asking a thought-provoking question…
“What’s today’s color?”
Ask volunteers to offer answers.
“Is it yellow, like the sun?”
Writing Connection – For each answer, invite other students to e-l-a-b-o-r-a-t-e.
Ask them to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out the picture that they are painting with words to describe the color of the day with details that support their choice.
Offer examples. “Today’s color is yellow, like the sun, and the petals of spring flowers that bloom in my grandmother’s garden.”
This audio instruction connects with the CORE Curriculum, as well as other curricula, and will help children develop language skills that they can apply to writing.
Critical Thinking – Suggest to the class that today’s color might not be one color, but rather a blend of two, like blue-green.
This premise leads to more critical thinking, another skill that is emphasized in the CORE Curriculum.
Door Opener to Poetry – Explain to the class that colors are celebrated in poems and stories in every language of the world.
“What’s today’s color?”
Offer your own answer. “Today’s color is yellow-green, like pollen?”
Some kids might say, “Yuck, pollen!” Especially those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Use this response as a door opener to more language learning…
Poem Featuring Yellow-Green – Share my poem about pollen…
The Trouble with Pollen
Pollen, pollen, it’s everywhere,
On the street, in the air.
Our family car’s turned yellow-green,
The sidewalk is a pollen scene.
Pollen, pollen, it’s everywhere,
Flying about without a care.
My nose is stuffy, my eyes have tears;
Can’t wait until the pollen clears.
Pollen, pollen, it’s everywhere,
Turning puddles yellow here, there.
I don’t often ask for a long hard rain,
But only more rain will clear up this pain.
Pollen, pollen, it’s everywhere,
Sticking to my dog’s fur – that’s not fair.
Why does nature work this way?
Pollen can ruin a bright sunny day.
Oh no, I need a tissue quickly please,
I think that I’m about to sneeze!
What’s today’s color?
This attention-getting question can be a classroom management tool as well as a hook into lessons.
“Uh oh, today’s color seems to have changed from pink to grey; the class focus has gone astray!”
For example, if students’ focus begins to fade, announce that today’s color, in your mind, has changed.
“I thought that today’s color was pink because we all seemed cheerful and ready to learn earlier in the day.”
Continue saying, “I’m concerned that the color pink may be changing to grey. Not the best color for this time of day! Let’s regain our focus on learning.”
Ask the class if they want to plan each day’s color for the school week ahead or be spontaneous in selecting a color on:
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Monday
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
