How to Keep a Large Group of Kids Calm

When you work with children, it's important that you know how to keep them calm and orderly. A large group of kids can seem intimidating, but if you manage them correctly, you can have a good time with a group of kids. Read on to learn how to keep a large group of kids calm.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Start the day telling yourself that you're not going to yell at the kids. The more you raise your voice to be heard, the more they raise their voices to talk over you.

2. Tell the kids your expectations before you do anything else. This includes laying the ground rules, covering consequences and your schedule for the day. When kids know what to expect, they are more likely to follow the rules. Stay consistent throughout the day, making sure that you follow what you say.

3. Have a rewards system in place. For very young children, things like stickers and stamps work well. Older kids remain calm and follow directions when they know a candy bar or other treat is the reward.

4. Show a movie that the school and parents approve of, and one that's more recent and keeps the kids' attention. A movie does wonders when trying to keep kids calm on a rainy or snowy day.

5. Play group games and sing songs. Popular games include Heads Up Seven Up, I Spy, Red Light Green Light, Mother May I and Simon Says. Fun songs include, Old Macdonald, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and The Wheels on the Bus.

6. Separate kids that feed off each others energy by putting them in different places in line, during snack and in the classroom. Let them run off their energy during recess.