one more idea

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one more idea
By DJ

I was switched into K from 3rd last year almost a month after school had started due to enrollment shifts, and here's some food for thought (literally!):
Really pile on the praise for whoever's making the right choice,
"has their self-control on", etc. K's love drama, and they all want to be stars.
Assign seating somehow, especially at Circle time: use simple shapes and/or colors stuck to the floor/carpet, as least for a while, and make yourself a chart to keep by your chair for reference.
Have very definite routines and reminders, such as a rhyme for lining up or a song for coming to the

carpet. They love music!
Remember their attention span is approximately 5 minutes (1 minute per year of age), so vary the sit-down time with stretches and fingerplays.
And if you're REALLY desperate: reward with food! My principal pushed using prepopped popcorn those first few days we were settling in, and I was stuck with it for the remainder of the year. But it wasn't so bad; I gave generic Fruit Loops (just a few) for sitting quietly on the carpet anytime before lunch, then 3 mini pretzels (round, not sticks) at end of day circle. It's amazing what they'll do for snacks! And now that I'm back teaching 3rd in another building, I find myself missing having easy snacks around for me after school, too! Good Luck!