6 Clues to Capturing Kids' Attention in the Classroom

Kids in the Classroom 1. Cultivate a Culture of Achievement: Foster an environment where learning is exciting and asking questions is the norm. Find challenging yet attainable goals for your students, then concoct creative ways to help your kids achieve these goals. For instance, if you're teaching a unit on ancient Egypt, have students compete in a Jeopardy!-style trivia contest.
2. Incorporate Your Kids' Interests into Curriculum
Hands-on activities, long-term projects and group assignments are great ways to get your students actively involved in the learning process. Help your kids draw connections between the material they're studying and real-life situations. For example, if you're teaching your kids about Thomas Edison, have each student think up and create an invention. Then host an inventor's fair where the students can wow each other with their creativity.
3. Support Your Students
Your kind words mean a lot more to your students than you may think. Gauge each student's strengths and areas of growth, then let each child know that you're supporting them on their academic journey. Encourage not just the highest achievers but also students who show academic growth and improvement. When your students experience your support, they'll be more engaged in your classroom.
4. Encourage Parental Involvement
Let your students' parents know how they can get involved in their kids' academic lives. Parents can get integrated into the school environment by joining the PTA or volunteering as a room parent. They can also offer support in the home by making sure their kids go to class and finish their homework.
5. Make School a Safe Zone
Students need to view school as a safe haven in order to be able to concentrate in class. You can make school a safe environment by consistently enforcing disciplinary rules. Make sure that your students know that they can talk to you if they experience bullying or other safety issues.
6. Help Kids Get In Extra Practice
Volunteer as a faculty adviser for a school club. Encourage your students to get involved in extracurricular activities. Sports teams and service organizations are all ways that your kids can form strong support systems with their peers and teachers. This, in turn, will help your students become more engaged in the classroom.