How To Keep Kids’ Attention
I am alarmed at the number of kids that get labeled ADD and ADHD. I know there are some legitimate chemical imbalances that may require medication but more than once I have confirmed through my experience with kids that there are some cases that are misdiagnosed. It is my hope that the adult(s) in charge will go to all other lengths before putting a child on medication that could be a detriment to their health in their developing brains and bodies.
I personally believe that most kids diagnosed with such conditions are just victims of overstimulation. Think about it. The average child spends a good part of their life watching TV, playing high speed video games, using high speed computers and other devices and then they get to the classroom and are asked to come to a screeching halt, sit still and listen. They get fidgety, they get bored and it really isn’t their fault. They are children and are often addicted to a certain level of stimulation. Put yourself in their shoes. Before putting them on medication, teacher/parent consider, is there more you can do on your part to make your presentation more interesting?
I work with kids a lot. I do living history programs, birthday parties, school presentations and more. I hear various teachers saying they have trouble keeping kids’ attention in the classroom. I would like to share a few things I have found successful that maybe you will also find successful. These techniques and advice are not just for the classroom either, they work at home also.
TIPS:
– With computers being as accessible and affordable these days as they are you need to be utilizing all the apps and tech available to make your presentations interesting, engaging and memorable. It may take a little more time and effort but as a teacher it is your job to teach and that includes teaching in an interesting and engaging way. There are projectors you can use, apps like PowerPoint and easy to use movie making apps. There are free resources on YouTube, mini-movies you can use to jazz up a presentation and more. When you use tech you are using something they can relate to.
– When kids first come in the room after a few instructions about where to sit take time to ask them how they are doing. Ask them about the class they just came from. Have them tell you something interesting they did at home; a TV show they watched, what video game they played, what they did for summer, etc. This will go far to win them over right off the bat. They will have a better feeling that you actually care about them and what they think personally. They are impressed that you care enough to ask them.
– When you want their attention point to your eyes and say, “Let me see everyone’s eyes, let me see your eyes, when you listen you listen with your eyes and your ears,” look around and wait till you get everyone’s attention, if you still have some daydreamers say, “OK we are still waiting for some of you to look up here.” Another similar technique is to raise your hand in some interesting way and say, “OK I need everyone to raise your hand like this.” Some scout groups do this using the scout sign or a fist in the air. Don’t ever get upset or appear out of control. Stay calm. Get everyone’s attention before continuing and anytime you need to stop along the way.
Have an assistant if possible so one of you maintains order at all times while the other specially engages a single student to answer a question or to go to them to give them individual attention. Parent volunteers are great for this. You can quick train your volunteers by telling them to be sure and watch you and to learn what you are teaching so they can also help students.
– Don’t just make students sit in a desk all day. Your teaching session should involve times of them getting up, maybe sitting on the floor in a circle or get their hands doing something like a craft that reinforces what you are teaching.
– Some students need more individual attention. Don’t embarrass such a student just figure out a way to give them the attention they need. Encourage an atmosphere of equality. Some students learn faster than others. Don’t make some students feel pressured or stupid because they don’t work or learn as fast as another. One technique if a student feels pressured is pick another student and say, “Jesse, why don’t you help him out.” That encourages students to support one another rather than laugh at someone a little slower. If you need to partner a student up with another student that you know will help them.
– Divide what you are teaching up in steps, wait for each student to finish and master one step before they move on to the next step. I always tell my students that ALL the steps that I am going to show you are important as the rest of the steps. In other words, every step is just as important as the other. Sometimes I deliberately stop and ask “Which step is most important of what I have shown you so far?” and I wait for the right answer of “All of them!” This reinforces importance of paying attention.
– Always be observing to learn about your class. Learn who the ‘leader’ is. Learn who is the underdog, the clown, even the bully. Engage the leader to your advantage. Draw the underdog out. Your goal is to make them all feel they are of value and equal.
Never play games with boys against girls. That is just as bad as playing one race against another race. Treat all students as equal human beings. Make sure all students do the same to other students no matter what gender, race or whatever. No one is superior to another.
– I have had teachers and parents point someone out to me ahead of time and warn me this or that person will be trouble. I just smile and take it as a challenge and do not single them out based on what was told me. I give them time to be who they are then I decide what I need to do based on their legitimate needs. If I decide a person needs more specialized attention I make sure they get it. My goal is to bring them up to speed and praise them and build them up not tear them down. Help all people to achieve their full potential.
– Allow students to choose who their partner is when it is time to work together but beware and be sensitive. Divide up a little clique that is loud or disruptive. You want to let students feel they have some power to make right choices but you need to always be the one that actually makes sure right choices are made.
These are some techniques I have found to be successful and I hope they help you also.
Benjamin ‘Raven’ Pressley is a prolific writer on a variety of topics. He is also an author of many books available in paperback and Kindle. He also has many free blogs to read as well as audio to listen to. For the many resources and services he offers be sure to visit his website at http://www.WayoftheRaven.net
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