Looking for fun attention getters for kids that actually work? Having a few simple attention getters ready to go can help you quickly get students focused without raising your voice or repeating directions. These easy classroom attention getters are fun for students, quick to teach, and perfect for keeping your day running smoothly.
Here are my Top 5, in no particular order!
My Wireless Doorbell
My students love my wireless doorbell. It has so many different chimes and I love to change it up often!
**Adorable lanyard by @theproblemsovlingteacherninja
My Bell
I have a few different bells around my classroom. I can quickly ding one of them to get students’ attention before giving instructions.
Claps
This one is an old teacher standby, but it still works, especially if kids are engaged in an activity and it’s a bit loud.
You can use any clapping rhythms you like, but the one I revert to most is:
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP and students repeat it and then give me their attention.
Chants
I use a lot of fun attention getters from the great Dr. Jean. I had the opportunity to attend one of her trainings several years ago as a newer teacher and I gathered so many great ideas that I still use today! I love her songs, her chants, and so many of her amazing activities.
Class! Yes!
This idea comes from Whole Brain Teaching. We have fun with this one! I say “Class”, they say, “Yes” and then give me their attention.
Sometimes I whisper it, sometimes I sing it, or something else silly and the kiddos answer me back.
If you haven’t checked out this book or their website, there are a lot of great ideas for classroom management there!
What Happens AFTER I Get Their Attention?
I teach my students from day one, that once I get their attention, they need to “give me 5” so everyone will hear me and know what to do next…
- Voice off
- Eyes looking at me
- Ears listening
- Body still
- Hands in lap or at side (free and empty so they can focus)
Then, I give directions, prepare for a transition, share an observation, ask a question, give a reminder…whatever it may be. And, we move on with our activities.
Grab my Listening Rules Chart HERE! 👇🏽
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Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Teaching!
Practical Primary Teacher ~ Jennifer 🍎🍏
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Hello, I’m Jennifer! I teach 1st grade. I've been teaching for over 20 years. I love to design engaging and rigorous activities for my students and help them develop a love for reading. 
