Posted by Clara/PK
I teach 3 and 4's in a combined class. I fill a spray bottle with water and call it "Magic Quiet Mist." When the kids get loud or antsy, I spray the mist into the air, it falls on them and they must be quiet because it's magic. They love this and most days it works. Some days if I used it like I needed, they would be soaking wet when their parents came to pick them up. I read about this somewhere - can't remember where it was - but thought it was a great idea!

I have a similar idea to this one...can't remember where I came across it. I used an empty container...I think it was a large spice bottle, and covered it with contact paper, so you can't see the inside of it, and decorated the outside. Then you add a little rice so it makes a soft sound when you shake it. I called it my Brain Sprinkles....which is also magic! You just shake it over their heads and tell them the sprinkles are invisible (or so small you can't see them). The kids love it, and it helps them calm down sometimes. I don't use it much, but it also comes in handy when we are beginning a new topic and I really need their attention.

Posted by Leah
Be enthusiastic - try to tell some of the story - use books with large, colorful pictures. Get them involved by asking questions. The other teacher needs to sit next to the ones who have the most trouble listening. Make each child a name plate on a 4" by 12" piece of paper that is laminated. Place them on carpet squares where you want them to sit.

You could try using a bell to get their attention. Do not over use it, but teach them to "Freeze like an Ice Cube" when they hear it and praise those who do respond appropriately.

Posted by Karen M.
Oh, it's so hard to adjust when the chemistry's been changed! Your new students don't know the routines or expectations; it's almost like the first day of school! How many children are we talking about out of the 16? Less than half? Is there any way you could separate that group for a separate circle time? This way you could do a shorter circle time, more movement activities that are appropriate for the younger age, shorter story, shorter fingerplays. One of you could have the younger group, and one of you the older group. Meet in different areas, then rejoin later.

Posted by Clara/PK
I have a similar idea to this one...can't remember where I came across it. I used an empty container...I think it was a large spice bottle, and covered it with contact paper, so you can't see the inside of it, and decorated the outside. Then you add a little rice so it makes a soft sound when you shake it. I called it my Brain Sprinkles....which is also magic! You just shake it over their heads and tell them the sprinkles are invisible (or so small you can't see them). The kids love it, and it helps them calm down sometimes. I don't use it much, but it also comes in handy when we are beginning a new topic and I really need their attention.

Posted by Caitlyn
I think that in order to keep students this young to pay attention you should just always remain extremely enthusiastic, keep the pace moving quickly, and a friend of mine used the noise clappers. If you use something that makes noise and will get their attention, without being too loud, this is a great way to help them get focused.