6 Signals to get your student's attention

Start the school year with a clear signal for attention from your students. It will save you time and save your sanity!

Signals for Attention

Instead of shouting over the students to get their attention, try these signals instead:

Note: It’s always important to tell students the purpose of using signals for attention and to give them time to practice. You can use the same one or two signals over and over again or mix it up!

Raise Your Hand:

Teacher raises hand.

Students stop talking, look toward teacher (option to raise their hands as well)

Countdown

Teacher counts down…5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

By 1 all students are quiet and looking toward the teacher.

Ring Bell or Chime

Teacher rings a bell, a chime or some other auditory signal.

Students stop conversations, and turn toward the teacher for directions.

Rhythmic Clap

Teacher claps in a rhythm (ie Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap)

Students stop talking and repeat the clap sequence

Teacher may repeat the clap if some students have not responded

Stop, Look, and Listen

Teachers sing or say, “Stop, look and listen.”

Students chant in response, “O-Kay!”

Eyes on Me

Teacher says, “One, two, three, eyes on me!”

Students stop talking and respond, “One, two, eyes on you!”

Whatever signal you choose, make sure to be consistent and repeatedly give the students opportunities to practice!