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Hello, my name is Vanessa. I would love to teach kindergarten once I graduate in about a year. My question pertains to the engagement of young students, and how we can help these students more interested in the classroom. That is one of my biggest worries at the moment, so I would like to hear some strategies to get the younger students engaged in the lessons. 

Hello Vanessa, my name is Monica. I currently teach kindergarten at a rural elementary school. Engaging students at any age is so important for them to absorb the content being taught. I have found the following suggestions to help with that engagement and attention during my lessons: turn and talk opportunities with a table partner, the opportunities to tie physical movements to an idea being taught, brain breaks when needed, and making the lessons as hands-on or entertaining as possible. It is necessary to engage each student by asking questions and allowing critical thinking. I am still learning every day, but this has helped so much. This is my second year teaching and I have noticed a huge difference since last year as I incorporate more and more tips. Thank you for the inquiry.

Hello Vanessa when I was doing some of my practices at a Pre-K 4 clasroom I was tasked with conducting a sink or float activity which was a very fun and engaging activity. The children where able to predict before and test thing out themselves .The kids loved the activity because it was hands on and they got to try an object of their choice as well. That beong said make sure to have a cover over the tub of water in between small groups so kids don't get any impulses of trying something else .

Hey Vanessa! First year kindergarten teacher here, I will say trying to maintain 20 little minds in a classroom can be a challenge, especially your first year. You learn so much about what works and doesn't work and I do believe each year there will be some variation, as not all students respond the same. However, a few things that seems to keep my students interested are: smelly spots (chapstick on the back of their hand), treasure box reward cards (get a stamp for good behavior and when you fill up your card, you get to go to treasure box), frequent positive praise, fun 'repeat after me,' brain breaks (active youtube videos) between lessons, and I even pick a friend at the end of each lesson to hop a few times on a small workout trampoline. We also do something called 'hall of fame,' when I see a student actively participating, I tell them that they can go write their name on the hall of fame board. Hopefully at least one of these can help you in your future classroom! :)

During my time spent practicing in a Pre-K 4 classroom, I was assigned the duty of leading an engaging and entertaining sink or float activity. The kids could already make educated guesses and put their theories to the test.The children thoroughly enjoyed the exercise due to its hands-on nature and the opportunity to experiment with an object of their choosing. To prevent children from getting bored or doing something else, it's a good idea to cover the water container in between little groups, as that beong mentioned. 

Thank

Thanks, I'm also practicing but don't have any ideas yet

As a student, I was not always interested and most definitely not always engaged in the lesson. With science especially, I think it is important to be as hands on as you can with students. This almost forces them to be present and engage in the activity. I also think relating the material to their lives helps keep students engaged. Lastly, a constructivist approach is a good way to engage the students initially and hold their attention.

I completely agree with you Lilah, I understand completely. It can be tough to stay interested in every subject, especially science which can sometimes feel abstract. I completely agree with a hands-on approach, allowing students to participate directly keeps them engaged in the moment. Relating science to their everyday lives makes it more relevant and interesting. Additionally, a constructivist approach that builds on their existing knowledge is a great way to initially grab their attention and keep them invested in the lesson.

Hi All,

I think the topic and scary feat for all of us 'newbie' teachers is how to keep your students engaged. Building on the interests and maybe the culture of the students will give us push to know what to do to grab students' attention day to day.

Vanessa,

I've just written a paper with a colleague about an amazing Kindergarten teacher who uses science as the hook for all other content areas. Her students are engaged in meaningful and motivating curricula and are so excited to come to school each day. Please let me know if you'd like more inforamation.

Anne

Hi Vanessa, 

Through working with children for 20 years I have learned that to keep children engaged its best to keep things moving. Be sure that in your lesson there are no lull's to allow students time to get distracted. I have also learned that hands-on activities tend to keep students more engaged than just sitting and listening to the teacher talk. Allowing students to use their hands keeps them engaged. 

Hello Kristina,

Thank you for other ways I can implement to keep the children engaged. Seems like I start off good and then the lesson becomes less  engaging. 

Hi Vanessa through my experience as a Head Start teacher, I have noticed that students stay engaged if we select topics of academic learning within their interest and culture experiences. For instance, by using visual aids such as pictures, videos and hands-on activities. In addition, incorporating games to make the lesson more interactive and fun. Using props such as puppets and objects also music can help keep children engaged during lessons. Finally, encourage participation during stories by asking questions and giving them time to answer. Through all these activities the students will feel motivated and engage in learning.