Today I got to help with three class Valentine’s parties. Yes, three. First, third, and fourth grades. I spent three hours at the school this afternoon, and let me tell you: my respect for elementary school teachers grew even more. But man, those kids are cute and so much fun!
While I was in each classroom, I noticed each teacher’s attention grabber– the quick little saying or line they’d call out to get their class back on track. They were all so different, but all achieved the same result. In fourth grade, I heard the teacher say, “Shark bait!”, and the class would respond with, “Ooo haha!” It worked like a charm. The third grade teacher counted down from five, and once she reached one, all the students chimed, “Thumbs up, arms folded!” In first grade, the teacher rang a quiet little bell, and all students knew that meant to stop what they were doing and stop talking. The last time I was in the kindergarten classroom, the teacher quietly said, “If you can hear me, touch your nose… ears… head, etc.”.
In all of these situations, I was amazed at how quickly the students responded to the cue. They had been well trained to know what the expectations were, and what they needed to do to meet them. I thought back to my time in the classroom, and wondered if I would have done or said anything differently. I think I probably would have tried something a little more exciting than just counting down from five, but at the time, that worked for me.
There are countless ways to get the attention of your class. Regardless of how you choose to get their attention, one thing is the same across the board: you have to train your class what the cue is and what the expectation is. If you do that, you are setting yourself up for success. Here are a few other attention grabbers I have heard:
- Teacher: One, two three! Eyes on me! Students: One, two, eyes on you!
- Teacher: Hocus pocus! Students: Everybody focus!
- Teacher: Holy moly! Students: Guacamole!
- Teacher: All set? Students: You bet!
- Teacher: Flat tire! Students: Shhhhh!
- Teacher: Mac and cheese! Students: Everybody freeze!
- Teacher: Hear ye! Hear ye! Students: All hail the queen/king!
- Teacher: Are you ready kids? Students: Aye, aye, captain!
- Teacher: To infinity! Students: And beyond!
- Teacher: One, two! Students: Peek-a-boo!
- Teacher: Ready to rock? Students: Ready to roll!
- Teacher: Chicka-chicka! Students: Boom boom!
- Teacher: Scooby dooby do. Students: Where are you?
- Teacher: Marco! Students: Polo!
- Teacher: Eenie meeny. Students: Miney mo!
- Teacher: Red Robin! Students: Yummmm!
Non-verbal cues can also work well! Ringing a bell, shaking a noise maker, or giving a hand signal can all be effective in getting your class back on track.
What are your favorite ways to get your class focused and ready to learn?