LauraEvans-InvolvingInattentiveStudents

In kindergarten, we do a lot of small group work so there isn't too much time spent with everyone a whole group setting. But, during reading the students are all on the carpet for 30 minutes each day and it has been a challenge to keep their attention at this time. Each day, I have been trying new ways to catch their attention and keep it for the entire 30 minutes. There are a handful of students who always pay attention, but then there are a few who have a very hard time focusing. There is one in particular who cannot sit still and needs special attention. I have tried moving him around and away from others who distract him, I have also tried seating him directly in front of me. Sometimes, I have him sit up in a chair rather than on the carpet so that he can sit still better. On the carpet, he rolls around and lays down so sometimes using a chair is successful. We have a star system in the school that monitors behavior and although I try not to always take his stars, I usually have to end up taking them because his behavior is unacceptable. I have tried praising his good behavior and he responds well to this but only for a short time. Another method that has worked for him is to have him come up and be the helper from time to time. I will continue to think of new ways to engage him as the semester comes to an end and this has showed me that I really must always try to teach to every student.