Camera - Keep a digital camera on your desk for those “perfect picture” moments! For example, when children are reading you might say, “Oh, it’s so wonderful when we all read. I’m going to take a picture to save this special time.” I’ve also used the camera for when children are not behaving properly. Don’t’ say a word, but pick up the camera and take a picture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they catch on.
Magic Lotion - You will need an empty pump dispenser of hand lotion for this project. Make a new label for the bottle that says, “Mr./Mrs. (your name)’s Special Lotion” and tape it to the bottle. When children are upset, frustrated, get a boo boo, or have hurt feelings, offer them a “squirt” of your magic lotion. As they rub it in their hands they will begin to feel better. Hint! If children get in an argument, ask them to face each other and give each a squirt of the lotion. As they pretend to rub in the lotion, encourage them to discuss their problem and try to resolve their conflict.
Brain Toys - Fill a shoebox or basket with stress balls, sponge balls, silly putty, knotted socks, a minute timer, small stuffed animals, etc. Suggest children visit the “fidget box” when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.
Fiddlesticks - Take a 20” piece of string or yarn and tie it to a jumbo craft stick. Let children keep these sticks in their desks. When they get restless or wiggly they can get out their sticks and wind up the string, unwind it, and then wind it up again.
Smell and Smile - All you need is flavored lip balm for this trick. Give children who are helping, listening, or working hard a bit of the lip balm on their hand. They’ll smell it and smile! ☺
Leave a Message - This is a great way to recycle an old cell phone. Put it on your desk and explain that when you are busy teaching you don’t always have time to listen to everything the children want to tell you. When a child starts to tattle say, “Leave a message on my phone. I’ll listen later.”
Mirror, Mirror - Place a small mirror above the sink where children wash their hands. Tell them to look in the mirror and sing “Happy Unbirthday to Me” as they scrub their hands. Note! You’ll need to explain that if it isn’t their birthday, it’s their “unbirthday.”
Red Light ~ Green Light - Each child will need a plastic lid (from margarine or a deli container) and red and green paper for this project. Have the children trace around the circle shape of their lid on the paper. Glue the green circle to one side and the red circle to the other side. When children are doing independent work, have them put their circle on their desk. If they don’t need any help, they should put the green side up. If they want the teacher to stop and help them, then they should put up the red side.
