I was at a farm today. Not just any old farm, but one of the funky new ones with well trained guides: The Big Sheep & Little Cow Farm.

“Be quiet!” is a shout of many an adult unused to dealing with kids, but the farmers today were masters of kid control, using the time tested methods of suspense, intrigue and a just a dash of misdirection…

For example, part way through the tour the farmer said “I’m going to put the next animal out on the floor in front of you. Now be careful, make sure you all sit down and raise your feet just a little off the ground. Why? Because “Flash” just loves to climb up trouser legs!”. Of course everyone sits down and raises their legs.

Then there is a pause, just the right dramatic length, before Flash is brought out. And, of course, Flash …. is a tortoise! “It’ll take him a little while to get to you, so keep your legs in the air” joked the farmer, but he had the full attention of the kids, who were quite relieved and happy to see a tortoise!

Before that was the biscuit jar. We had the story of the homemade biscuits (food is always a good attention grabber), and in the jar there were Jammy Dodgers, Oreos and Custard Creams. The farmer passed the biscuit jar around the group. The first person peered inside, ready to choose a delicious treat, but jumped back in shock! Then a smile. But they didn’t take the biscuit. “Ooo, what’s happening here?” thought everyone else as they patiently waited their turn. And when the jar arrived, just imagine what was inside…..

Well I’m not going to tell you here, you’ll have to visit for yourself! : )

So how can you use a little suspense, an inkling of intrigue or a little fun misdirection to get the attention of your students today?

(You see, you’re just dying to know what’s in the biscuit jar – you’ll have to wait till tomorrow to find out!)