Play! Listen! Talk!

The attention of every child who came into our classroom today was drawn to the fun nature play activity. After all, what preschooler wouldn’t want to create a desert scene with such touchable items as oddly-shaped twigs, interesting leaves, soft sand and rough burlap? We had lots of fun playing and talking about the way in which Abraham obeyed God as he traveled to a new home. In some classes there are kids (and teachers!) who don’t want to get their fingers sticky with glue. But not these kids!

I’ve noticed that every class of kids seems to have their own favorite activities. This year, for example, we’ve noticed that rarely do the kids want to play with the dishes in our little kitchen corner. By contrast, each week last year we had pretend cooks and chefs and moms and dads galore—all enjoying the play with toy dishes and food. It’s one reason I’m so glad for the variety of play activities from which to choose in our curriculum. My co-teacher and I can easily find attention-getting activities that work for each group of kids.

There’s something else I’ve noticed about getting kids’ attention, however. When a teacher is enjoying the play right there at the table or on the floor, even a not-so-favorite activity draws a child’s interest. With the busy lives that even preschoolers and their families lead, an adult’s focused attention is so valuable to a young child.

Your attention—whether it’s keeping track of the favorite activities of the kids in your class, or whether it’s taking the time to play, listen and talk with each individual child—your attention will get your kids’ attention!