Survey surroundings
Towards the beginning of the session, ask kids what they see around the room. As they label things, acknowledge them. When they notice cameras, you can jokingly tell them you unfortunately won’t make them “internet famous,” but the recording will help you remember what they did, liked, and disliked. Before starting the research, ask the kid to say goodbye to the camera, which should be kept out of reach.
Why this technique
Having kids explore the environment upfront helps them be more comfortable with their surroundings now and less likely to be distracted by them later on.