Throughout grade school, students attend multiple assemblies where they, faculty, and staff all come together to listen to select teachers and staff speak about issues regarding the school. Sadly, these assemblies aren’t the most exciting, and most of the time, students will tune out. Here are a few ways to make assemblies an interesting event and get students interested and focused on what is happening in the school.
Interact With the Students
Students are essential to any school, so it only makes sense to involve them in the assembly, especially if you want to keep them engaged. When students have a chance to speak, or there is a chance that they will be called on to speak, they become more alert.
This sudden attention could be from the excitement to be in the spotlight or because they are nervous. Asking a simple question about how their day is going or an informative question, such as their favorite animal, will help them get involved and retain their attention before you go into any announcements you have.
Say More With Fewer Words
Being concise and precise in your language is a primary element in public speaking, even if you only speak to teens and adolescents. Anyone at any age will most likely begin to tune out when a person rambles or speaks on a topic for too long, which is why every word needs to count.
Tightening up the language of the announcements will make the assembly more interesting and engaging. And if you want to make things even more entertaining, you could throw in a joke or two to get the kids laughing.
Add a Performance
Sometimes it helps to have a professional come to the assembly to engage the kids. Using a performer will interest the kids as it is something different and supplies a new experience they usually wouldn’t get at school.
Hiring someone specializing in science or magic will be a great treat for the kids at the assembly. And to ensure that they are more awake during the announcements, ensure you have the performance at the end to keep them in anticipation.
Add Visuals To the Conversation
It’s not always exciting to hear someone talk about school procedures and changes, but adding visuals will help liven up the conversation. A simple PowerPoint presentation will give students something to focus on while they listen and help them remain attentive to what you say.
Adding a video or a few memes to the slides will give them a laugh and something to entertain their minds so they may have a better understanding as they listen more closely.
Assemblies are important to have but not always the most entertaining. Including these methods will greatly help your next assembly and get the important messages across to the kids about their education.