Have you ever struggled to regain your students’ attention in a noisy classroom? Instead of resorting to shouting, why not try using attention getters?
Attention getters are fun, interactive phrases or actions that quickly grab students’ focus without disrupting the classroom atmosphere. These playful cues create a positive relationship with students and are more effective than simply yelling. They also help improve classroom behavior and can make transitions smoother.
The best attention getters are those that involve both the teacher and students—often with students responding in chorus. They can be silly, rhythmic, or even incorporate clapping or singing to maintain engagement.
Here are 20 fun attention getter ideas:
- Teacher: 1, 2, 3, eyes on me!
Students: 1, 2, eyes on you! - Teacher: Macaroni and Cheese!
Students: Everybody freeze! - Teacher: Ready to listen?
Students: Ready to learn! - Teacher: Scooby Dooby Doo…
Students: Where are you? - Teacher: Zip it, lock it!
Students: Put it in your pocket!
And many more! You can even use non-verbal attention getters, like clapping rhythms, waving a flag, or inflating a balloon.
Remember, explain the responses clearly so everyone knows what to do. Over time, you can create your own fun catchphrases with your students!
Attention getters not only help with focus but also make the classroom a more enjoyable place to learn. Want to incorporate more creative classroom management tools? Our ENmaven program offers compact teacher worksheets that make these strategies easy to implement. Check them out and enhance your classroom experience!