Quiet Time - getting children's attention

[Lorina]

Hey Everyone,

Hope u enjoy my tip...

I brought in a small stuffed bunny-the kids named him "Floppsy" - as a quiet-time incentive. I first introduced him to the class by whispering that Floppsy is a small little bunny who gets frightened by loud noises. If he hears loud noises he might run back into his hole. Very quickly the kids came to realize that if Floppsy was "out" they had to be quiet so as not to frighten him. If they became too loud during an activity, I would simply bring Floppsy out so they could see him and they immediately got quieter. It worked wonders without having to constantly remind them to use their inside voices.

,
L.A

[marj]

Thanks! Great Idea!

[pegrumFDC]

That is a great idea. Not only are the children learning about quiet time but other peoples feelings.

[Lorina]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your responses... I hope you all can implement this idea in your rooms .

I thought it would be better having a cute little bunny rather than a noise control dial (although this may work well with school kids) .

I appreciate your feedback!

[jane]

Great idea! great to see new ideas that are positive and encourage children to think for themselves rather than been constantly remindered about rules,

Ta J

[tiny_tots]

That is such a great idea !
Just curious though - what age group are you working with?

[Lorina]

Ive used with 2 and a half year olds to preschoolers... Works wonders.

Here is another idea to get children's attention...

Teacher says "123 eyes at me"

Children say "123 eyes on you" OR

Teacher says " freeze please" after giving group instructions/ directions

Teacher says " melt"...

,
L.A

[Lorina]

Quiet Spray

Use an empty spray bottle on one side add a label called "Quiet Spray", leave it empty. When you need to get children to quiet down or grab their attention spray "Quiet Spray" into the air. Children will begin to settle... Although in order for this to work you need to explain what the spray is etc.

,
L.A

[nicholasbent]

Thanks for sharing this. Really it will help me.

[RoseRed123]

Do you think it would work with young 2's?

I am in the Toddler room this year and the majority of my experience is with 3-5's...

Do you think I should give it a go?

[Lorina]

If you are referring to using "Floppsy" the quiet bunny it may work with 2 year old however you will need to be over dramatic with your approach. For example: "SHHHHHHHH Floppsy is starting to wake up we have to be really quiet" or "Floppsy can't sleep too noisy". Keep it simple and understandable. You may also want to have "Floppsy" in a special spot in the room so the children are aware of it. Maybe set it up in a basket with a blanket and pillows and have Floppsy sitting up during the day and during quiet time when you want the children quiet you can say "It's time for Floppsy to have a nap, so lets all be really quiet". Something like that may work...

Give it a try and see what happens,

,
L.A

[catchmeifucan]

Young kids clap hands in rhythm or ring bell when all need to b quiet.

[sophiebowaus]

This topic is just right in time for me and my daughter who is 16mos old.What I usually do is to give her a shhh sign to her (finger sign on the mouth) but I think she cant understand what it really means. Well I will try L.A's suggestion. Thanks alot!