Teachers are so creative with their attention-getters. We’ve got call-backs and signals, jokes and chants, all kinds of fun ways to get our students to stop what they’re doing and listen! But, if your attention-getter isn’t quite cutting it these days, I’m sharing three potential issues and how to fix them up fast!
Problem #1: You Don't Hold Kids Accountable
When you use your attention-getter, students should know to stop what they’re doing and look at you. If you use it, but then continue talking without waiting for their attention, you’re training the kids to ignore your request.
Determine your expectations for the attention-getter and then hold students to it every time. If you say the words, wait for everyone’s eyes and ears before you continue.
Problem #2: It Doesn't Require an Action
Children tend to focus on whatever their hands are currently doing. If you use your attention-getter, but allow students to continue writing, cutting, gluing, etc., then you won’t have their full attention.
Build a movement or action into your attention-getter that requires students to put down whatever is in their hands and physically turn to you. Attention-getters that requires clapping, pointing, or putting hands on their heads, are much more effective!
One of my favorite attention-getters involves me clapping a short pattern and students copying the pattern. At the end of their copying the pattern, they shout “Eyes Up!” Students can’t do the actions without clearing their hands and shouting the words requires them to stop other conversations.
Problem #3: You're Over Using It
To make your attention-getter powerful, only use it when you truly want the students’ attention, not just to quiet the class a bit. I’ve been in many classrooms where the teacher throws out the attention-getter, but then goes off to do something else first. Or she uses the attention-getter over and over during a lesson until it just becomes background noise to the students.
The purpose of the attention-getter is to get the whole class to stop and attend to you. If that’s not your goal, don’t use it!
My next post is all about Quick Tricks for Getting Students to Follow Directions, so that once you’ve got their attention, you can get them on the right path!
Share your favorite attention-getters below!Â
