ABSTRACT
Students, especially elementary students, are easily excited by schedule changes, classroom visitors, and special events. To manage their excitement and expectations, let them know about these special activities ahead of time. Remember too that when students do get wound up, it’s best to work with their energy, not against it. If students anticipate a special visitor later in the day, having them participate in a normal, quiet morning may be too much for them. Rather than trying to rein in their energy for quiet work, offer alternative activities that allow for their excitement. They can work in cooperative pairs or you might incorporate additional activities that use purposeful movement, such as responding to true/false questions about the day’s lesson by sitting or standing. Channeling excitement into productivity is much easier than fighting against it.
