A couple of summers ago, I attended a Smartboard workshop for teachers in our district.  The presenter from the company had an effective signal for getting everyone’s attention.  For two years since, I’ve used the idea successfully with my grade ones.

I don’t use this particular signal when I’m in a rush to get everyone’s attention.   Instead I use it when my goal is to calm the class down because they have become a bit too excited or noisy.

Here’s how it goes:

The teacher indicates that she is wanting to “gather” the students by first extending both arms in an open rounded fashion and then repeatedly bringing the hands toward the chest.  In silence––and with a smile on her face––the teacher indicates in an inviting way that she is wanting to draw the group together.  The students don’t actually move closer physically but instead are taught to turn and give their silent attention to the teacher whenever they see these “gathering actions.”

With my grade one students, I find that I also need to teach them a physical response to this gentle signal, in order to maintain their full attention during the time it takes to gather the entire group.  Since the teacher is gathering attention, I have taught my students to respond by giving attention back to the teacher.  It’s kind of like casting a spell!

I teach them to look directly at me and repeatedly extend their arms more or less straight out, starting first at the chest and then moving outward.  Sometimes they wiggle their fingers magically too! Once students notice any moving arms in the classroom, they are trained to turn around and start motioning in the same way themselves.  When I have the attention of everyone, I slowly and somewhat dramatically, bring my own hands together in front of me and then downward.  The students mimic, still silent, and then I am able to speak or give directions calmly.  I find it’s quite therapeutic actually!

Although initially it takes a bit of effort and time to teach and practice this particular signal, I find that it’s very worthwhile to do so.  As I said, it’s an excellent way to create an atmosphere of complete calm in the classroom––without ever saying a word.

It’s also a fun strategy to use when there are guests in the room; I’d certainly use it if I was ever being evaluated.  Often visitors are completely taken aback––suddenly the room goes silent and they have no idea how that feat was accomplished.  Most often, still involved in conversations themselves, they completely missed the “magic” that brought it about!

RELATED POSTINGS:

I’d like more ideas for effective attention management signals.

Non-verbal cues for procedures.

School Assembly Procedures

Print This Post Print This Post
For More Information on Disciplineand Learning Click Here
Posted In: Procedures in the Classroom
posted On: June 6, 2010: 1:05 pm: By Kerry Weisner
Comments: No Comments