Tricks of the Trade - Attention Getters and Transitions

Today I'm joining Jessica from Joy in the Journey and

Becky from Compassionate Teacher. 

They are sharing ideas for getting your students' attention

and transitioning throughout the day.

They have some really great ideas to share.

 

 

Here are a few ideas that I use in my classroom.

 

If You Can Hear Me...

 

I use this one when my class is a little bit too loud.

I will say, "If you can hear me, put your hands on your head.

If you can hear me, put your hands on your hips.

If you can hear me..."

It's funny how quickly kids start to listen and join in on the directions.

 

Begin When I Say the Word...

 

This is a trick for transitions.

I give the directions to the class.

Then I tell them, "Begin when I say hippopotamus."

Of course, you can choose any silly word such as:

humongous, orangutan, antelope, etc.

Here is the trick - Don't say the word right away.

If my word is hippopotamus, I would first say:

hippo, happy, hipster, hypnotize.

Then....hippopotamus.

 

Go and Touch....

 

Here is another transition tip.

Again, I start by giving my directions.

I then give my students three additional directions -

Go and touch three blue things,

two red things

and one white thing.

Of course, you can choose any colors or other directions. 

It just gives the kids a chance to move around the room

before they have to sit down and get started on a project.

 

I'm sure you have used some of these techniques.

What are some others that you use in the classroom?

Share them here or link up with Jessica and Becky.