Attention Grabbers

Here's what I do: The first week of school, I tell the kids that I am required by law to teach them 180 days, from bell to bell. I also tell them that my doctor says I'm not supposed to get upset, so I don't scream and yell. What I do is wait for them to get quiet. Then, because of the "law", they will ALL have to stay after class for each minute they waste. And I don't write passes. When it gets noisy, I get completely still and look at the clock. It usually takes less than 10 seconds for a student to shush everyone because they don't want to stay late. I've been teaching for 13 years, and subbed for 8 before that. I think I have raised my voice (never yelled) only three times. It is VERY effective.

Sometimes, in the noisiest of environments, you can get the attention of students without saying a word. I start by standing in front of the group and putting my hand on my head, then my finger on my nose, hands on shoulders, hands on stomach, jazz hands... after one or two movements, someone starts copying you, then it exponentially spreads throughout the room until you have a silent group. You haven't had to make a sound (not even a clap!) Works every time.

When my kids are doing group work, they get very involved. (Sometimes all they are involved in is finding out where the party is this weekend.) I set a timer and display it on the Interactive White Board. I usually pick a weird number (23:42) just because I can. When it gets close, I visit each group and tell the kids to wrap up their thoughts (also checking to see where they are in their process).

Another idea I've used recently is to use my iPod touch's clock feature. I set the timer for 1 minute, and set the sound for crickets chirping or a duck quacking. When I set the timer, the kids hear this weaird sound, I tell the class to finish their thoughts, and a minute later here's this "quack, quack" and we wrap up.

Part of the process of becoming a teacher is finding what works for you, and teaching your students those cues and the lines beyond which you will not go. Take the time to teach your students how to do things in your classroom. The teacher across the hall teaches her AP students how to move their desks into a circle. They practice it. Find a way to capture their attention, practice what they are to do, and then put them in groups just so they can practice. In my class, the groupwork that students are given generally has 2 goals: the curricular goal (finding and creating similes) and the groupwork goal (keeping an eye on the clock and planning the work accordingly).

"The first day of School" by Harry Wong is a great book with tons of ideas on how to decide on the procedures to manage your class including to get the kids to be quiet. I don't want to waste more than a couple of seconds of times and want their attention. I use one of their cues, "Give me 5" and raise my hand. It usually takes a couple of seconds for all eyes, hands and mouths to be focused.

Some great suggestions here, especially grabbing a copy of The First Days of School by Harry Wong (you can buy it used on Amazon for under 20 dollars). That book saved me my first year!

You are right on to do what feels most comfortable for you. What works for one teacher, might not work for another. It sounds like you trying to find "your thing." It's okay -- you will! : )

If you are able, observe a few teachers this summer, or informally interview some colleagues via email from your school site on what works for them when it comes to getting the attention of students.

Good luck, and all the best,

Rebecca Alber
Edutopia

I am heading into my *cough* 10th year in the classroom for me, and I'm still searching for that attention grabber that works for me! In high school, especially with seniors, hand clapping and such feels a little immature, and I don't feel comfortable with it. After reading through the posts, I realized I think I have found it- I DO use timers, online timer is my fave. I put it on the board so all students, and myself, can see it. It is very effective, even when I am conducting trainings with colleagues. So I guess thats "my" thing! I have decided to be a little more vigilant with it this year, and see where it goes. Thanks for bringing this up, great chance for some reflection- and my best wishes to you as you begin your teaching career!

Great suggestion-- use of a timer! When I am conducing workshops with teachers, I do the same thing (use the online timer on LCD projector screen). It seems to create a sense of urgency and often a more enthusiastic, richer discussion.

Though you are entering your tenth year, it goes to show that as educators, we are always learners too, striving to improve our craft -- one of things I love most about this job!

And thanks to everyone for your contributions here so far. : )

Best,

Rebecca
Edutopia

I am going into my third year of teaching 7th grade math. I was also an alternative certified teacher, but had 4-5 years experience with adult eduation (GED). I've used Dr. Harry Wong's methods for classroom management, but have also attended various workshops/conferences where I picked up other strategies.

One in particular that I use and really enjoy doing is at the beginning of class (or when I need their attention), after I have completed roll and at which time the kids are finishing a warmup, I am trying to get their attention. As they continue their small-talk, I turn to my whiteboard and start "talking to it" as if it was a real person. After a few seconds, the students notice and giggle about it a bit and then they question me as to "why are you talking to the bosrd?" Then I explain that it appeared to be the only thing listening to me...it actually gets a little laugh for the kids (who think I've lost it!), but gets the room quiet so that I can begin the lesson. This lets them know I am human and can do quirky things.

Thanks for sharing all your great ideas. We have a standardized approach at our school. We start teaching it to the children in the toddler classes. The person who needs the group's attention (sometimes it's a student) sounds a tone and then waits. As each person notices, they put down anything they are holding and turn toward the speaker. The speaker finishes every message with "thank you" and then the group goes back to work.

I find that if I wait, those who haven't noticed will get clued in by those who have. It's much more effective when students tell one another, than if I were to tell them.

Mary Kate

Mary brings up such a great point here: "It's much more effective when students tell one another, than if I were to tell them."

On giving students a say in the classroom, community members, please check out this inventive idea from Edutopia blogger Nicholas Provenzano, Creating Classroom Rules with a Bill of Student Rights.

What might be some ways you give students voice and choice in your classroom? Please share!

Thanks,

Rebecca
Edutopia