Counting Up & Down
Overview:
Objective: Use a Count Up or Count Down to facilitate a transition in group activities.
Why use this tool? Counting is an effective attention-getting signal because it prevents a teacher (parent, coach, etc.) from raising their voice to get attention. It gives children time to transition from doing an activity to listening.
So what’s the difference between down and up? Counting Down grabs attention! Counting Up, on the other hand, is low pressure and open-ended.
Instructions:
Counting Down
Sometimes you need to get peoples’ attention quickly. This is a great time to use the countdown. Counting Down also makes most sense when working with a large group of people.
It is important to create expectations around the countdown. For instance, your children or friends should know what to do when the countdown reaches zero (e.g., smile and freeze).
Counting Up
On the other hand, Counting Up is an open and inviting practice. As the facilitator, I always Count Up when asking the students to “Circle Up!” Consider adding additional breaths and reminders of behavioral expectations. For example, you might say:
One, [*breathe*], respect the circle!
Two, [*breathe*] give space to each other!
Three, [*breathe*] be still once you find a spot!”...etc.
If everyone circles up quickly, draw attention to that fact. For example, say something like:
“You all circled up before I counted to 10 so we can go back to playing games. How does that feel?”
“I thought we needed to practice circling up, but you did it so quickly, quietly, and safely that we can play games again.”
If it takes time for everyone to circle up, consider giving a constructive message:
“Thank you for letting me count to 25! Did you know I like to count my breath to practice being patient?”
Move on to the next activity when everyone responds quickly to the Count Down or Count Up.