The daydreamers, the Jack-in-the-boxes and children who prefer to sit upside down in their seats: how do you keep them focused?
Some children are 'stimulus seekers' and perform better in a space where there is much to see and experience. The trick is to figure out who should sit where in class. Sit in different places yourself, so that you see what a child sees and hears.
Go for exercise! Do energizers regularly and include movement in the curriculum. Take a look at the Facebook page Doevrijdag: great tips for moving education.
Motivated children can concentrate better. Address your student at a level that is just out of reach of what he can do on his own. That creates a challenge.
A time timer that keeps track of time works well to maintain concentration when working independently. They are also available in a mini version for individual students, so that you can make concrete agreements with a student.
Pupils benefit from predictability: in the structure of the lessons and the steps they are going to take. They also like to know how long they have to stay focused.
Sometimes you just have to do something completely unexpected. Math lesson? That is also possible in the gym. Language? Have students write on the square with sidewalk chalk.
Provide children who need them with materials, such as a seat cushion or stress ball. An occupational therapist can advise on this.
Despite all the tips, does concentration remain a problem? Then there may be something else going on. Talk to parents about it and advise them to see their doctor.