Teacher's School Checklist

Getting students' attention

Ask an interesting, speculative question, show a picture, tell a little story, or read a related poem to generate discussion and interest in the upcoming lesson.

Try "'playfulness," silliness, a bit of theatrics (props and storytelling) to get attention and peak interest.

Use storytelling

Add a bit of mystery

Signal students auditorily: ring a bell, use a beeper or timer, play a bar of music on the piano or guitar, etc.

Vary your tone of voice: loud, soft, whispering

Use visual signals: flash the lights or raise your hand which signals the students to raise their hands and close their mouths until everyone is silent.

Frame the visual material you want students to be focused on with your hands or with a colored box around it.

If using an overhead, place an object (like little toy car or plastic figure) to be projected on the screen to get attention.

Clearly signal: "Everybody…Ready…"

Color is very effective in getting attention

Model excitement and enthusiasm about the upcoming lesson.

Use eye contact

Focusing students' attention

Employ multisensory strategies when directions are given and a lesson is presented.

Maintain your visibility.

Project your voice and make sure you can be heard clearly by all students.

Be aware of competing sounds in your room environment (such as noisy heaters or air conditioning unit.)

Call students up front and close to you for direct instruction (like seated on the carpet by the board).

Position all students so that they can see the board and/or overhead screen

Explain the purpose and relevance to hook students in to your lesson.

Incorporate demonstrations and hands-on presentations into your teaching whenever possible.

Use a flashlight or laser pointer

Use study guides/sheets that are partial outlines

Use visuals

Illustrate, illustrate, illustrate: It doesn't matter if you don't draw well to illustrate throughout your presentation

Point with a dowel, a stick/pointer, or laser pointer to written material you want students to focus on

Note: Overhead projectors are the best tools for focusing students' attention in the classroom

Block out material by covering or removing from the visual field that which you visually don't want students to focus on

Have students write down brief notes or illustrate key points during instruction.

Maintaining students' attention

Move around in the classroom to maintain your visibility.

Teach thematically whenever possible, allowing for integration of ideas/concepts and connections to be made.

Present at a lively, brisk pace.

Be prepared and avoid lag time in instruction.

Use pictures, diagrams, gestures, manipulatives, and high interest materials.

Use higher-level questioning techniques

Decrease the amount of time you are doing the talking

Use direct instruction techniques and other methods of questioning that allow for high response opportunities (i

Structure the lesson so that it can be done in pairs or small groups for maximum student involvement and attention.

Alter the way students are called on to avoid calling on students one at a time

Make frequent use of group or unison responses when there is one correct and short answer

Use the proper structure of cooperative learning groups (assignment of roles, accountability)

Allowing students to use individual chalkboards or dry-erase boards throughout the lesson is motivating to students and helps maintain attention

Use motivating computer programs for specific skill building and practice (programs that provide for frequent feedback and self correction.

Keeping students on-task during seat work

Check for clarity

Make sure necessary supplies are available.

Give a manageable amount of work that the student is capable of doing independently.

Give other "failproof " work that student can do in the meantime if he or she is stumped on an assignment and needs to wait for teacher attention or assistance.

Study buddies or partners may be assigned for any clarification purposes during seat work, especially when you are instructing another group of students while part of the class is doing seat work.

Have students use signals to the teacher/aide for "I need help!" Some teachers use a sign or a colored signal that students may place on their desk that alerts any adult scanning the room that the student needs assistance.

Scan classroom frequently

Consider using a timer for some students who work well with a "beat the clock" system for work completion.

Use contracts, charts, and behavior-modification systems for on-task behavior.

Reward for the certain number of completed items that are done with accuracy.

Provide desk examples for reference.

Use response costs and natural consequences for off-task behavior

Make use of study carrels or quiet office areas for seat work.

Teach students to self-monitor their own on-task behavior