Ideas for Getting Students Attention

1. Use a clapping pattern

Clap or tap in a pattern, for example, clap slowly twice and then clap fast three times.
The students are to stop what they are doing and repeat the pattern. If necessary, do it
again until all children have responded and are quiet. If your classroom or program used
this method, there are many ideas that can be combined with this)
2. Lights switched on/off
Children look at the caregiver and listen when the lights are flicked off and on.
3. Whistles
Can be harsh and annoying, however can be effective when outside or for an
emergency.
4. The word freeze!
For an emergency or when attention is immediately desired, the word, freeze, works
well. When the children hear the word, they KNOW something is serious and important!
Every program/classroom should have a 'Freeze' option in place!
5. When you say, "Voices," teach the children to respond with a quiet, "Shhh..."
Use this if the children are too loud. If you want their attention, say, "Voices" again and
they respond with a quieter, "Shhh..." Say it a third time very quietly, "Voices." All
children should be quiet and ready to listen.
6. Shout "AND A HUSH FELL OVER THE CROWD!"
And the kids reply with a drawn out "HUSH!
7. Hold up your hand and say, "Give me five."
The children put their hands in the air and shout "five!" As they count down to one, they
get progressively quieter until "one" is said in a whisper. Or, after saying, "Give me five,"
everyone puts their hand in the air and counts loudly using their fingers from 1 to 5.
8. Every school has a mascot.
Shout your school name and have the children respond with the name of the school
mascot. Example: Caregiver/teacher shouts, "Baldwin and the children respond with,
"Lions." After they shout the mascot name they are to be silent.
9. Just clapping is another way...
And you'll get applause!
10. Do you need a moment of peace?
Tell your students that they will often be playing, "The Still Waters Game"; they will
know the game has begun when you say, "1, 2, 3, --- 3, 2, 1 still waters has begun."

Ask them to freeze like an ice cube and remain silent when they hear that sentence.
Time the children to see how long they can remain still. The goal is to beat their best
time. Hold your fist in the air and each time you see someone move or talk, put a finger
up. Once you have all five fingers up, check your watch and tell the group how long they
were able to remain still.
11., Bump-da-da-Bump-Bump
One favorite attention getter is a teacher/leader saying, Bump-da-da-Bump-Bump and
the children reply in unison, Bump-Bump! This is said to the tune of Shave and a Hair
Cut---Two Bits.
12. Use, "Teacher Says," like "Simon Says."
For example, "Teacher says, touch your nose," Teacher says, Clap once," then
"Teacher says, look at me." This can also be used to line up! Teacher says, "Line Up!"
13. Use a Prop
Shake a shaker, touch a wind chime, ring a bell, use a rain stick, play music or use any
kind of sound maker as a signal for students to be attentive.
14. Laughing Handkerchief
When the group sees a handkerchief thrown into the air, they laugh as loud as possible.
When the handkerchief hits the ground, they go silent.
15. Use humor!
16. Say, in a normal tone of voice, "Clap once if you can hear me."
Those listening will quiet down and clap one time. Then say, "Clap twice if you can hear
me." More children respond with two claps. Finally say, "Clap three times if you can
hear me." By this time you should have the attention of your group.
17. Music
18. THE TALKING STONE, STICK OR MOUTH (Use with Pre-K and up!)
Often during circle or group time, many children want to talk at once. One way to help
children learn how to take turns is to use a visual clue.
19. Say to the students in a loud voice, "All set?" They answer, "You bet."
20. Say to the students Macaroni Cheese! They answer, Everybody freeze!