Dear Fli,
I have a group of
3-5 year old students who seem to have a hard time focusing. Instead of listening
to me they are running all over the library. What can I do to engage them?
Help!
Frazzled
Dear Frazzled,
Preschoolers respond well to repetition
and routine. Keep 80% of what you do the same from week to week so that they can know
what to expect. Start each class with a short “meeting” . Your meeting could include a song (the same one every
time), a discussion of the day’s weather, a “letter of the day”, your plans for the day’s class, and
a quick review of 2 or 3 important rules (e.g., no running around the library!)
. Follow your meeting with a reading of the book for the day. This should all
last no longer than 15 or 20 minutes. Plan your related activities to last for about 20 minutes each. Include some free time
at the beginning and/or end of class for the children to play with toys or look at books independently. Find a routine that
works and stick to it!
Good Luck!
The Fli
Submit your classroom challenge questions to the FLI. Technology, adult and children questions will be responded to by an
appropriate advisor!
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