Keeping the attention of energetic kids is challenging.
But, it’s also an opportunity to build relationships and have some fun.
Take a proactive approach to group management with these tips:
Get creative with secret handshakes
One-on-one conversations, silly claps, cheers, get-to-know-you games, and compliments are great ways to build rapport and mutual respect.
Consider learning styles
Just like adults, kids have different learning styles: Visual, Aural, Verbal, Physical, Logical, Social, Solitary. Try to incorporate as many as you can—for instance, don’t just verbalize instructions, show what you mean with movement.
Use attention-getters and signals
Disarming kids with humor isn’t just effective, it builds trust and connection between students and adults. Playful attention-getters are fun and practical; signals can be any sound or body movement that indicates an action: a whistle, clapping, two fingers raised, or a verbal cue.
Watch Coach Shawn demonstrate a few of our favorite attention-getters
(It’s impossible not to smile while watching. Be warned!)
Get clapping and have fun, and as always, let us know how it’s going!
We’re getting feedback and hearing inspiring stories about play from all over the country. In a few weeks, we’ll ask more schools to take the Recess Checkup to see how their recesses stack up.
If you haven’t done so yet, let us know what brought you to Recess Lab and what your experience of recess and play has been.
Start the year off right by taking the Recess Checkup. This three-minute quiz will help you identify areas of strength and provide strategies for areas needing improvement.
