Keeping Kids Focused: Fun Tools for Early Years Teachers
It’s all going well. Until it isn’t!
We all know those moments in a pre-school session when everything’s going well—until one child decides it's time to play hide-and-seek with the resources or make up their own game. Sound familiar? Managing behaviour in early years, especially with our little ones who have SEND, can feel like a balancing act. But don’t worry—we are here to share some of our favourite tricks and tips to keep sessions running smoothly and the kids learning happily.
Here’s our incredible Teach Me Too team using TTS Resource’s Light Up Buckets during a break from filming.
1. Hands-on Learning = Happy Kids
Let’s face it: kids learn best when they’re up and moving. Sitting still isn’t exactly their natural state, and that’s okay! The magic happens when we strike the right balance between movement and moments of sitting and focusing. But part of growing up and accessing learning as you head to school is locked behind the skill of sitting and engaging. Being able to appropriately engage in an adult-led learning session not only helps you learn, but gives you the skills to access the learning in mainstream environments and gives you the first steps on the road to progress.
Using physical resources—think blocks, sensory toys, buckets, switches, or anything they can touch and explore—keeps their brains engaged and their bodies busy. This gives them a bridge between physical play and a structured learning session. And honestly, isn’t it more fun for everyone when learning feels like play?
2. The Power of Ignoring (Yes, Really!)
Now, here’s a game-changer we swear by: ignore unwanted behaviours. We know, it’s easier said than done, especially when a child decides to pull a disappearing act with the puzzle pieces. But giving attention to those behaviours just reinforces them. Instead, let them know with your actions that you’re not phased. Keep your focus on the children who are following along and engaging positively. Trust me, the others will notice.
3. Bring Out the Big Guns: Light-Up Magic
Every teacher needs a few tricks up their sleeve, and that often involve things that light up, spin, or glow. Let me tell you about one time one of our favourite Teach Me Too-ers (well we actually love them all, so no favourites) was determined to avoid the learning in our session by hiding toys. Out came the light-up bucket!
Now with a mixture of ignoring the cheeky moment and engaging the others with putting resources in the bucket the child hiding the toys quickly wanted in! There was attention for hiding the toy, but there was plenty for putting them in the bucket.
It’s amazing how much little ones can love to post, or place items in something that they would never give up to the grown up otherwise. These kinds of tools are great for shifting focus and resetting the vibe in the room. Check out Trina from 21 Together in action (in an exclusive pre-edited preview of the upcoming Maths Before Numbers series!).
Pro tip: Introduce these items with a bit of excitement, and use them as part of the lesson or as a special “surprise tool” to re-engage everyone.
4. Praise, Praise, Praise
We all know this one, but it’s worth repeating: catch them being good! When kids hear you say, “Wow, I love how you’re sitting so nicely,” or “Great job sharing with your friend,” it lights them up from the inside. Positive reinforcement makes them want to keep doing the right thing, and it helps the whole group see what behaviour earns attention. If someone is going off track that is the perfect time to put real emphasis on praising the child doing the right thing, before expertly using something fun to re-engage the child and then praise them for joining back in.
Here’s a couple of examples of how Trina praises each little success.
5. Build Your Toolkit of Tricks
You will have so many options to hand in your homes or schools. Think of it like your emergency kit for classroom hiccups. If you are looking for something new to brighten up your engaging options, then here are some go-to's from our lovely partners at TTS:
Glow Lanterns: Perfect for calming moments or redirecting attention.
Colour-Changing Domes: These are instant crowd-pleasers that keep little hands and eyes engaged.
Colour Change Buckets: These are great when you want to collect toys or resources back in. Or simply for a sorting activity.
Having these tools means you’re ready for anything a pre-school session throws at you, whether it’s a wandering mind or a case of the giggles that needs gentle refocusing.
Light Up Buckets and Diamond Glow Domes from TTS.
Wooden scales (featured in the Maths Before Numbers series) and Light Up Lanterns from TTS.
Wrapping It Up
Teaching pre-school, especially with kids who have SEND, is full of those little “aha!” moments when the right strategy clicks. And while every session won’t be perfect (because, let’s be real, kids are unpredictable!), having a few tried-and-tested tricks can make a world of difference. So, keep that light-up bucket close, ignore the distractions, and celebrate every little win. You’ve got this!