Attention Gaining Signals: Tools for Teachers
Gaining students attention in the midst of a busy and productive classroom can sometimes be difficult. However, implementing a range of effective attention gaining strategies is vital to establishing seamless lesson transitions, clarifying learning tasks and providing guidance during lessons. Gaining students attention is also important for implementing effective classroom management procedures and protocols for learning.
There are many different strategies that can be used by teachers to implement effective classroom management and immediately gain student attention and focus without having to raise your voice.
The strategies below are not exhaustive, but have been strategies I have implemented in different classes over my teaching career. It is important to note some of these strategies may work more effectively for certain classes than others. It really is about trial and error, knowing your own cohort of students and as the teacher identifying what works best for you and is most adaptable for your classroom.
Bell – ring the bell when you need students attention. Have students fold their arms, freeze on the stop or put their hands on their heads. This demonstrates that students are focused on listening to the next instruction.
Timer – set a time during learning time to keep students on task. A timer should be displayed on a screen so students are aware of the amount of time that is remaining. When the timer rings have students fold their arms, freeze on the stop or put their hands on their heads. This demonstrates that students are focused on listening to the next instruction. If you use Dojo Points, there is a timer available on there.
Hand Clapping – teacher claps their hands using a rhythmic pattern. Students repeat the rhythmic pattern. Repeat until you are sure students are focused and listening.
Mirroring – teacher does a range of silent actions, for example, twinkling fingers, then touching head, then shoulders and so on. Students silently follow the teachers actions. When all students are following and are silent the teacher should place their finger on lips before beginning to give instructions.
Raise Hand – teacher raises hand and students do the same action.
Sing a Rhyme/Say a Phrase – teacher can sing or say a phrase. A common example is: teacher says “1, 2, 3” and students reply by saying “look at me”. This is very popular for infants classes K-2.
Use a Musical Instrument – use a tambourine or small drum to play. Once again students should fold their arms, freeze or place their hands on their heads to demonstrate they are focused and listening.
Buzzers – you can purchase buzzers specifically for teaching. There are different buzzers you can purchase for example ones that make animal noises. Place them at the front of the classroom and press them when you need students to stop and focus. Students love these as they are something different and fun.
