ABSTRACT
With a room full of students, getting everyone’s attention on short notice can be difficult. That’s why teachers use quick attention grabbers to quiet students immediately. To ensure the success of your attention grabber, teach its meaning and the expected response to it when given. For silent attention grabbers, see 5 simple motions under Procedures Pave the Way. Your attention please!
Turn off the lights.
Clap a rhythm.
Hold one hand in the air.
Ring a bell.
Say “freeze.”
Develop an acronym or phrase that means to stop and listen, such as SALAME: Stop And Look At ME (Wong & Wong, 2005).
Say “All eyes on me.”
Play a short musical passage—sound three notes or stroke a xylophone. See Music to Manage By for more ideas about managing the classroom with music.
