Grabbing the Attention of the Generally Unattentive

Second graders can be a bit like stones launched from the slingshots of the blind. They go here and there, at an amazingly fast past, with no heed to what's in front of them.  This means wrangling them into any sort of order that is sufficient for instructing them takes great patience, and often a bit of clever trickery.

I do several things that help my students refocus when we are in the midst of an activity.

During Quiet Work Times:

If the room is silent, like during reading or writing, I have a 2-foot gong that I bang.  The noise is startling and definitely calls everyone to attention.  If that doesn't stir them out of their literacy trance, I have a bike horn that I will honk.  I alternate between the two to keep it interesting.  Many teachers use horns, gongs, chimes, or bells to get the attention of their students.  This is a helpful way of ensuring that everyone knows it's time to stop and listen to the teacher.

During Noisy Times:


Sometimes the room just gets loud.  Kids are busy using various materials and manipulatives, socializing as they work, or there is a hum of busyness that is just a bit loud.  When this is the case, I use an attention getter that refocuses them by using their bodies.

Teacher:  If you can hear me put a hand on your hip...
Students: They put a hand on their hip
Teacher:  If you can hear me put a finger to your lip... (shhh)
Students: They put their finger to their lip

Another one:

Teacher: Bow down before the one you serve (to the tune of Nine Inch Nails Head Like a Hole)
Students: You're gonna get what you deserve (they move their arms in a bow-like motion)

When the Kids are at their Desks:


If the room is at a typical noise level and you just need to grab their attention, I do a few different things to get them to turn and look at me for further instruction.  These call and response tactics are a great way to get the whole class to stop at the same time.


Teacher: Here Ye, Here Ye
Students: Hail to the Queen!

Teacher: I don't wanna grow up
Students: I'm a Toys R' Us Kid

Teacher: I wish I was
Students: An Oscar Meyer Wiener

Teacher: Double your pleasure
Students: Double your fun!

Teacher: Mmm, Mmm
Students: Good!