Attention Getters
Give an example of a verbal attention getter.
“One, two, three, eyes on me”, “Bun-dun-dun-dun-dun” students respond “dun-dun”
What do you need to be aware of when kids break out snacks or lunches?
Checking roster against any allergies and washing or sanitizing hands both before and after food.
What are the 4 things we expect kids to respect?
Each other, the instructors, the LEGO, and the room/facility
How early should we expect to open the room for students to arrive?
Typically you should be ready to open the room about 5-10 minutes before the start of class (if a particular site has different expectations, your manager will let you know)
Give an example of a non-verbal attention getter.
hand clapping patterns, quiet coyote, bell or other noise
How should an instructor determine the bathroom policy?
If the facility’s policy is more strict than Play-Well’s, follow the facility’s. If the facility’s policy is less strict than Play-Well’s, follow Play-Well’s.
What is a reasonable progression of consequences for not following the rules?
Reminder; warning; have a conversation with instructor; take a break from the LEGO; instructor talks with a caregiver (and also your manager)
How long after the start time of camp should warm-up end and you transition to the project presentation circle time?
10 minutes (maybe more on first day if sign-in takes longer for a large camp)
When should we use an attention getter?
transitions, adding or changing instructions, time warnings, emergencies, and any other time you need to get the group's attention!
How should an instructor handle walking back to camp from an outdoor space?
Set clear expectations, use your attention getter, try fun/distraction techniques like "walk like a minifig", zig zag patterns, or dance walking
In addition to the rules, what are other important expectations to go over at the start of a week of camp?
How clean-up will work, teach the attention getter you want to use, what it means to be an engineer and how we want students to modify and upgrade their builds
When should you aim to start your snack break?
About an hour and 10-15 minutes after the start of camp (i.e. 10:10/10:15 for an AM camp, and 2:10/2:15 for PM)
If you do your attention getter and only part of the group responds or is paying attention, what should you do?
Wait for it to work or do it again! After doing your attention getter, make sure you have ALL students’ attention before making your announcement. If you start to speak when only half the group is listening, not only will they not hear you, but they will realize you don’t mean business and it will only continue to get worse.
When should you take headcounts for breaks?
Before leaving for break, at break location, before leaving break location & once back in classroom, any time location changes.
What sort of rules do we have for how students use the motors, and why do we have them?
Students should be instructed on how to properly hold the motors, not carrying them around (or swinging them!) by the wires. Some instructors like to compare it to not grabbing a cat by its tail! The motors are fragile, particularly where the wire meets the motor, and it is frustrating (and expensive to replace) when motors start breaking.
What are some methods to help you stick to our camp timelines?
Set recurring alarms on your phone, get your assistant to help keep track of key times, etc.
What is a disadvantage of a verbal attention getter?
Kids don’t have to take the LEGO out of their hands or look at you to respond, also kids can start to shout back the response instead of using a normal voice.
What should you be aware of in terms of your surroundings for break time?
Where bathrooms are located, if your door automatically locks, is this space and/or bathrooms shared by the general public, is there playground equipment we want children to avoid, etc.
What is a creative way to present the rules?
LEGO acrostic: respect the LEGO, the Environment (room, etc.), the Grown-ups, and Others; other creative ideas??
When should you do clean-up in a full day camp?
Do one full clean-up before lunch break (20-25 minutes) as well as at the end of the day. Don't just do a single clean-up at the end of day or you will be running out of parts for later projects, and it will also take WAY too long!