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1. I am always in the class when it starts so that
it never “really” gets out of control and all of what seems out of control to an outsider is really “controlled chaos”....which helps get energy burned up!
2. I start out with singing and lots of energy burning songs. I offer rewards for those who sing the loudest, etc. My reward could be anything from a balloon to a tootsie roll. They have to put the reward in their pocket or I get it back.
3. I tell them that I have games planned and a quiet prize reward. I tell them that the games are super fun (and they are!!!!!) & we will ONLY play them if I can teach my lesson without interruptions. I also tell them that I will choose one kid for the quiet prize and if it is really hard to chose....I will pick two. (You would be surprised how many kids think they could never win first but will try for second place.)
4. I pray right before my lesson and mention kids by name. Often if I have 20 kids, I will pray for all 20! Fast, yes, but I will pray around the room. Kids love to hear their name mentioned in prayer.
5. As I teach, I ask questions. I walk around the room and gently touch a wiggly kid. If someone starts to talk I just stop and look at them. I will place my finger over my mouth and say, Shhhhh!
6. After each 2 or 3 points I will stop and say, “Let’s Review what we have learned so far.” I will ask 2 or 3 questions and offer a similar prize as the ones mentioned above for each correct answer. Then I will restart my lesson.
7. I smile a lot and never beg or threaten. I tell the kid only once to be quiet. Then I gently lay my finger on his shoulder and stare him down until he back down. They always do. I am smiling the whole time so the kids believes that he is doing a favor for a very nice teacher. He gets quiet because he likes me and believes I like him....and I do!
