try using my interactive teaching methods such as videos pictures modeling and games depending on the age group you need to get them involved. If the kids are older try passing out a worksheet that allows the kids to fill in blanks.

You may also try to get the students up and moving during the lesson. For younger students you may start the lesson at the carpet then move them to their seats. During the transition the students will get a small mental brain break and you can refocus their attention. Make sure they are not just seated and listening during the whole lesson.

Ask problem solving questions during the lesson. Have them turn to a partner or their group of tables and have them discuss the answer. Let them know that you will call on one person per group and that it could be anyone. This way all students are prepared to answer just in case they are called on.

Try using lesson hooks to get the students engaged. Try to use videos and different expressions to make sure they are having a good time. Maybe do something silly in the middle of teaching to get their minds back to you.

Do not underestimate the power of positive reinforcement! I find the best way to get students involved is to offer a reward or motivator. I am an aide, and all my teachers keep candy (something small like skittles , etc) at their desk and when a student is involved and active they get a skittle! The school also has something called Bolt Bucks, and if the student is behaving exceptionally well, they get a bolt buck. They can either save these up for a field trip, or spend them every Friday to buy small things like erasers or back pack stickers, etc.

Add in some interactive elements such as clapping, snapping, checking for understanding. Also make sure you're not just talking and talking and expecting the students to be paying attention. Encourage interaction throughout the whole lesson. Moving the seats around grabs students attention, so allowing students to stand, sit somewhere else, etc. could help grab and keep their attention.

I would try to include their interests in the lessons. If some students like sports, use that theme when creating questions or choosing passages to read. Maybe change the names in math problems to your student's names, that may catch their attention hearing their name and start to engage in the lesson.

Try using kahootz. An interactive game to get the students involved.

Provide an engaging lesson for the student that is geared towards their interests and hobbies. Also provide visual cues that can allow the student to focus back on the lesson.

It is said that even college students can only focus on ten minutes of lecture, allow breaks between lecture with activities or other forms of the lesson.

I would do something different with your lesson plans and do a more interactive lesson instead. Students do have a hard time keeping focused but as teachers, we need to work beyond that and get them involved.

I would try to incorporate more interactive activities to keep them engaged. Zoning off is common and I used to do it myself in school! Finding hands-on activities are also a great tool to keep them from zoning out.

I would make the lesson more interesting and bring in more learning style components. Allow for manipulatives, visuals, sound, technology integration... student-centered learning is idea for captivating student interest. Allowing them choices in their learning and collaboration with peers while being monitored and assisted by teacher makes a world of a difference and with proper planning it honestly makes teacher easier. Practice makes perfect be sure to go over expectations and procedures as its own lesson prior to attempting new lessons that are student-centered.

This issue seems to involve more the student being unmotivated. I have two recommendations. The first one is that you need to build community and trust with this particular student. This way the student doesn't think he is learning a bunch of unnecessary information. Next I would recommend implementing a reward system in the classroom. Something simple and efficient like the ticket based reward system in the classroom i work in has done wonders and the students are always content and motivated.

This issue seems to involve more the student being unmotivated. I have two recommendations. The first one is that you need to build community and trust with this particular student. This way the student doesn't think he is learning a bunch of unnecessary information. Next I would recommend implementing a reward system in the classroom. Something simple and efficient like the ticket based reward system in the classroom i work in has done wonders and the students are always content and motivated.

A sign of children that are zoning out in the classroom means they are bored. Maybe change the way you teach your lesson plan you will see the students change the way they act to your teaching.

Try to make lessons more engaging-- provide increments of time dedicated to an open class discussion throughout different points of learning. In the end, when you ask questions, students should feel more prepared and involved in the lesson.

Ask the students why they are spacing out. They may have some underlying condition you are unaware of.

You could make the lesson more interactive. Make sure the students are aware that you will be asking several questions and spark class conversations through out your lessons and how it is important that they pay attention to the task at hand. Also try making it relevant to the students this will engage them more.

make the activity hands on and allow the students to move about so they are kind of forced to stay aware

have attention grabbers for the students to be engaged. Start calling out students so they will pay attention.

Try to have more activities and ways to encourage discussion. Maybe try small group discussions. When having a big group conversation give them an alternative to just raising their hand. Maybe use white boards, allow them to stand when they know and answer, or even just letting them call out. Sometimes just question and answer can get monotonous.

Just try and keep them interested with fun activities.