What are some good methods for getting second graders to stop talking and pay attention during lessons?

Question

Positive suggestions are most helpful. But any other ones that are equally or more effective and will get me three years with good behavior are welcome also.

Thanks to the nine of you who have responded so far. All of you have provided or revived considerations that I will take with me into the classroom. Hajgora7, thanks for the kind words. David G, thanks for the wicked good laugh. Your suggestion is tempting . . .

Answer 1

At my daughters' school the teachers used a technique whereby the teacher would hold up their hand without saying a word - as each student noticed the hand up they would raise their hand - eventually all the students would be sitting quietly and the teacher would not continue until each student was quiet and had their hand up. It worked very well and the teacher never even had to say a word. I have even seen this work during assembly where the whole school population was in the auditorium. The hands just started raising and things got quiet. Works for every age group. Try it and good luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Play little games that are relevant to the lesson all throughout the day. Don't forget, 2nd graders are just kids, and it's nature that makes it difficult for kids to pay attention for too long. Maybe every 15 minutes or so, have a sudden (verbal only) "pop quiz" with a question about something you've been talking about. Whoever gets it right first, gets a star. Whoever has the most stars at the end of the day, gets a small prize. (A goofy pencil, something like that.)

Answer 4

You have to remember the attention span these 2nd graders have. Try to make a game out of the lesson, where they can participate. Maybe even a reward to the one who pays close attention, like extra fun time or a pick of the pot where they can win a lunch time with the teacher. We do it at our school for good behavior. You can also let the ones who listen pick a ticket and whomever has the most at the end of the week can pick a prise out of the treasure box. Hope this works for you.

Answer 5

Children talk during lessons because they are bored. Being more dramatic as you teach will attract and hold their interest. This can be as simple as making noises to illustrate a point. Getting them to use their imagination to see and understand what you are teaching them will hold their rapt attention. Make the lesson as interactive a possible because this also involves them in it. Both of these techniques will create interest and will eliminate the disruption.

Understand that their world is not that large. It extends from home, to school, the playground, and the cafeteria, and that's it.
Their focus is on themselves, get them entertained, or involved (preferably both) and they will pay attention.

Answer 6

I find that with my six year old, having her do some stretches before home schooling lessons is good. However, the best thing is to know and appreciate the material so you can teach it from the heart, with enthusiasm. However, I trust you either already know that, or soon will learn.

I must commend you, though, on taking on a whole class of them. You have my absolute respect. I'm glad to see you have willingness.

Answer 7

As a teacher one must be firm, fair, and consistent. I have taught my kindergarten children that our schedule is a fixed one and that we must complete our writing lesson before we have snack. We must do our circle time ( daily routine + bi-monthly theme ) before gym. etc...Difficult tasks staggered by fun or easier activities can help. Hands on activities are the best for our younger students.

Answer 8

Are you a freelance author who would like to learn a lot more about how to earn great cash undertaking what you get pleasure from? If you want to advance your writing occupation

Answer 9

try a hands on thing, or something where they have to divert their attention to a task. i have a hard time paying attention in class, and im a sophmore in college. the more hands-on, involved it is, the more they'll pay attention

Answer 10

sacrifice a few days to waiting for the kids to be quiet. simply stand or sit where you usually are, and wait for them to stop talking. the more obvious place you are, the better. clock how long it takes for them to listen up. tell them they took up such and such amount of your time, so you will take that time out of their recess, to continue the lessons. it might take a few days, but they will learn fast!