what are some ways to get 2nd graders to listen to you?

Question

im an afterschool care leader that recently transferred to another school and now instead of 5th graders i have 2nd graders to look after.
unfortunately, they had a after care leader that let them do whatever they want. tomorrow is my first day alone with them and i would like to set some rules....what are good ideas for getting them quiet during hw time?

for example:

flicker the lights on and off...

etc...

any ideas?

Answer 1

Be nice with them, do what you can to make them understand that you are the boss. Tell them that if they do not behave themslves, they will fail. Make them raise their hands if they have something they want to ask, otherwise ignore. Just do whatever you can, don't yell, don't attack, tey to cope with them. If you have children of your own, do what you did for them.

Answer 2

Please don't limit yourself by using a gimmick. This will only come back to bite you in the end...pun intended.
As a long time childcare provider, I know what I'm talking about.
The principal at my children's school claps his hands in a particular rhythm. All of the children make fun of him. After the first 2 weeks the all began to ignore him. My Pre-schooler came home clapping this beat. I asked her what she was doing. She told me, "That man always does that when everybody's too loud. He thinks that will make them be quiet. (She giggles here.) They don't stop. It's funny." Yikes!!! I of course told her to stop and listen even if what he is doing is silly.
Try capturing their attention. Find some real show stopper activity for them. Once you have their attention, lay down the law. Tell them what the new rules are, what the consequences are, and what the rewards can be. Stick to your guns. They may pull the "We don't like you." game at first, but it will work out.
I had the same situation at an after school program. The couple that left let the kids run wild. It was a nightmare. The first two weeks, they said they hated me. After that, they were making me cards saying I was the best teacher they ever had and how much they loved me and how much better I was than the previous people. Children respect authority, given with love and attention.
I made sure we had a great planned activity everyday and some free time (with different options to choose from so that it wasn't total chaos).
They were rewarded for good behavior with fun.

Answer 3

I have worked with that age group of children and younger before. Some things that I would do... If I needed their attention, I would whisper "Raise your hand if you can hear me" The children that do hear you will start raising there hands, and the other children will soon follow. Other things to make sure an do, is to always have an activity that they can focus on, that will cut down on the talking, rough-housing and mischief. Another way to start things out is to play a game of Simon-Says, or have all the children stand up and you can lead them in a stretching exercise. The more that you keep them busy with activities, the better the children will behave. And remember to establish authority straight from the start! Good Luck!

Answer 4

DO NOT DO THE FLICKING THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF!!! for some people that can cause them to get into seisures/convultions (sp?)!! if you do that, you have to leave them off for several seconds before you turn them back on.

also, if youre going to implement some new rules/procedures DO NOT make a list before you go in there labeled RULES. rather have list written down and as a group establish the procedures together. this will give the students more "ownership" and should be more likely to follow them.

with young students, the best way to get them to listen to you is to get their attention. sounds simple, dont let it fool you! haha i would suggest obviously introducing yourself, but maybe make something for them to look at that tells them alittle about you; like a collage. also, you need to be stern. let them know that although the last person let them do whatever they wanted, you are not that person and will be doing things alittle differently.
you need to reach them on level of their interest, otherwise they wont care!

most importantly, prepare for the rebelions!!! its nature for children of this age who have not had many rules/procedures.

you can search on yahoo for different icebreaksers/classroom procedures/ etc.
or just ASK US!

Answer 5

come in dressed as a cowboy on a horse.. with guns a blazing!

that'll get their attention.. i'm unsure what will happen next but that will surely work.

and it'll hold their attention for years afterwards.

i knew a teacher who was like that.. always dressing up and giving us the willies each time... we thought he was flighty at first but he was the best teacher we had... when he died we missed him so much.

he was fun... not only did he dress up but he'd bring in things that we'd find interesting like something he had in his world travels collection... like volcano rocks and tools from borneo.... he'd make us participate in bringing in things for the poor and donating it...

we'd all have an assignment to do dress up for the next day.... so on..

he'd pose challenges if we got way bad... like tell us who can behave the longest gets to go with him to mc donalds... free milkshakes and all that.

it's long shotted and risky now days.... i hate how society has ruined inventiveness with the adult, child relationship.

if you're a bit skewed then some ratty parent will make up some story to get you ousted all because they don't like what you are doing because they'll be scared all because they don't understand.

make up little games where there's attention to be had... fun stuff now not too complex... for instance... if there's a project for the holidays coming up... use that.... that will focus them... this is a time filler sort of idea.

maybe it's time to involve them with a little activities.. thanksgiving is coming up.. time to get them organized and have them do a little thanksgiving get together with all of you involving decorations, costumes... food... ?

then work from there.
fun things sure get them together in a hurry.

Answer 6

Do what I do!!! yell out HEY as loud as you can in a low tone...it works. or clap as loud as possible.

if it's individual attention walk up and tap them on the shoulder.

Answer 7

Throw chalk at them!

Answer 8

yes, the light thing. also, try whispering.