The following transcript is from an online chat between a trainer and a user on our online course, Taking Care of Behaviour. Trainers are available for regular online chat discussions for all users of our online behaviour courses.
Frank Farrell: Hello, *User
*User: Hi Frank, I was wondering how to make sure to keep class’s attention.
Frank Farrell: Hi. Please tell me a little more about the class. Age, subject etc.
*User: I have some pupils after a long day at school and they are not very focused.
Frank Farrell: Do you mean you are running some after school sessions? How many pupils and how old?
*User: I teach French and children are aged between 6 and 8. I try to play as many games as possible but then they get too excited. I find it hard to stroke a balance.
Frank Farrell: How long do you have them after school?
*User: Yes, after school lessons. I teach them for 30 mins, which is very short.
*User: I tend to ask them count up to ten until they simmer down that works. Do you have any other suggestions?
Frank Farrell: Well, first of all, I know 30 mins is short but at that age and by that time of day it's about enough. Part of the problem is, as you say, they are tired. They may be hungry, too. Perhaps some biscuits and drinks could be built into the session to create a break. They could have to ask for them in French. You are doing the right thing to try and find a balance. What about 'games' such as word searches and simple cross words (these can be created for free online, as can word searches)? It might be worth trying some simple role-play but perhaps they have to begin as a silent movie and then are gradually allowed to add speech.
Frank Farrell: I don't know how much space you have. Are the children able to move around very much?
*User: Yes food might work especially at the end of the day. A cross word could be inserted to warm them up while they are sitting, Brilliant! We have the use a good size class at the moment
Frank Farrell: I teach my pupils a silence signal. I raise my hand and when I do so they have to do the same, stop what they are doing and look at me. If a partner doesn't see me, then they just touch them on the shoulder to get their attention and point at me to show I have my hand raised. We play game to try and get the class from noise to silence in, say, 5 seconds. They like the challenge.
Frank Farrell: If they can move around then you could have them do three things: walk around slowly, walk around briskly and stop completely still. The instructions could be given in French. This allows for some brisk movement but part of the 'game' is to freeze, so it encourages them to stop.
*User: Thanks Frank that’s very helpful. I will start trying these tips and I will build up their behaviour from there.
*User: Thanks! Speak to you soon :)
Frank Farrell: Wait!
Frank Farrell: I have one more!
*User: Oh sorry still here!
Frank Farrell: Pair up. One is a mirror. You give instructions in French (brush your hair; brush your teeth; smile; frown etc.) So, one does the action and the other has to mimic as if a mirror. After a while they can swap around. It requires concentration but seems like a game to them.
Frank Farrell: Google Free ONLINE crossword maker and you will find s few to choose from.
*User: I have taken notes. Thanks so much for that. I have ideas for some weeks now! I am so glad I managed to chat to you. I will start using these tips ASAP.