Group management for youth settings: Strategies for attention
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EmailHaving strategies to gain and regain youths’ attention is key to keeping the group on track.
Working with a group of youth with a variety of ages can mean different energies during Michigan 4-H programs, event and activities. As a 4-H volunteer or staff member, it’s crucial to use group management strategies to keep participants engaged and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Having a variety of strategies to maintain and retain the attention of youth is important to create a productive and thriving environment for youth.
Group management is not about controlling the behavior of youth, but making use of your skill set and interactions to help youth develop skills and thrive in that space. There are a variety of strategies to ask for and maintain attention from participants in a program. Sometimes it helps to use methods that youth are familiar with from school or other settings. Whatever strategy is used by 4-H volunteers and staff helps to create an environment where youth feel heard, are engaged and feel encouraged to participate. This, in turn, helps foster a space where they can learn, grow and feel a sense of belonging. When managed well, these groups not only become more productive, but also more enjoyable for everyone involved.
It is important to build consistency with the tool you use to gain attention. Michigan State University Extension recommends considering the following strategies:
- Move around the room: Simply moving closer to a youth who may be distracted can make a difference in gaining their attention. Physical proximity often encourages compliance and helps refocus energy.
- Clarify directions or switch gears: If you notice a loss of focus, take a moment to restate directions or change the activity. Sometimes a quick shift in approach can re-energize the group.
- Take a time out or pause: Use a “time out” or “pause” to help the group regroup. You can signal this by forming a "T" with your hands. A brief pause can help reset attention.
- Use time reminders: Let participants know how much time is left in an activity. Phrases like “____ minutes left” give them a clear sense of structure and help them stay focused.
- Raise hands or clap for attention: Encourage youth to raise their hands or clap to refocus the group. This shared activity is often used in schools, so many youth will be familiar with it.
- Call for attention by noting who's missing: If part of the group isn’t paying attention, say something like, “I’m missing [X number] of members paying attention right now.” This gently encourages those not engaged to rejoin the group without calling out any youth in particular.
- Use non-verbal cues: You can use non-verbal signals such as holding up your hand or pointing to a clock to signal running out of time. Invite responses by standing with open palms, a welcoming smile or a slight step forward, signaling that you're inviting engagement rather than enforcing it.
- Engage with visuals: Draw attention to visuals during discussions. For example, pause and have the group focus on a specific chart or image. This creates a shift in energy and pulls attention back to the topic at hand.
By utilizing strategies for attention within programs, events and activities, we can provide a nourishing and safe place where youth can belong and grow.
For more information about helpful volunteer training content, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series webpage. For additional information around group management strategies, please view the following articles: Group management for youth settings: Routines and patterns, Group management for youth settings: The power of a volunteer’s energy in group management, and Language tips for group management.
