One mistake we can often make as teachers is relying heavily on our voices to get students attention in our classrooms.
Students learn to tune it out. We get frustrated and perhaps speak louder, which isn’t a winning combination for anybody. We created this post as a menu to help you choose other attention grabbers so you don’t constantly depend on your voice.
If you are new to the teaching game, like all classroom management strategies, we recommend sticking to a few attention grabbers that you use regularly so the students know what to expect.
Prefer to listen? we chat about this topic on our podcast:
How to get students attention without using my voice?
Use an Instrument
Incorporate instruments like a bell or tambourine to signal when you need to get students attention. Some teachers prefer using a doorbell for a similar effect. The distinct sound will quickly become associated with the need to focus.
Clapping Patterns
Establish a simple clapping pattern that students learn to replicate. This not only grabs their attention but fosters a sense of rhythm and coordination. If you teach older students, they will already have been exposed to repeating a clapping pattern earlier in their schooling, so it is a great one that you don’t need to explain.
Action Patterns
Creating action patterns like tapping your head twice and clapping twice is a great way to get students attention. These simple movements engage students physically and mentally, which can help them refocus on you.
By incorporating physical activity, you’re providing a fun break and stimulating students’ brains, making it easier for them to shift their attention back to the lesson. This technique is especially effective for younger students, as it combines movement and rhythm, which are known to capture and maintain their interest. 
Switching Lights
Switch the lights on and off to signal that you need the class’s attention. The change in lighting quickly grabs their focus and brings their attention back to you. We love using this one for grades 5 and 6 to get students attention. 
Find the UNO Games for Maths here.
Technology Signals
Use a smartboard or projector to display a visual signal or message. For instance, you could display a “Stop” sign or an animated signal that captures students’ attention. 
Visual Cues
Use visual cues such as raising a specific coloured card or holding up a sign that signals the class to stop what they are doing and pay attention.Try also giving your first instruction on the smartboard. ‘Come to the mat’, ‘Close your books’.
For example: A green card means come to the floor
Play Music
Play a short, recognisable piece of music or a sound clip to signal that it’s time to pay attention. Over time, students will learn to associate that sound with needing to focus. We use a similar cue when it is time to clean up by having a designated clean-up song. 
Silent Countdown
Hold up a series of fingers to indicate a countdown. For example, raise five fingers and slowly countdown to zero, lowering one finger at a time. By the time you reach zero, students should be quiet and focused.
Here are two alternative ideas to get students attention that do require your voice but not on a strenuous level:
Use a Secret Code Word
Introduce a secret code word, such as “Pizza.” When giving instructions, students should wait until they hear all your instructions and the code word before moving. This technique ensures they listen carefully to everything you say.
Call and Response
Implement call-and-response phrases where you say one part of a phrase, and students respond with the other. This interactive method keeps students engaged and attentive.
Here are some examples:
- Teacher: “Macaroni and cheese” Students: “Everybody freeze!”
- Teacher: “Hocus Pocus” Students: “Everybody focus”
- Teacher: “1, 2, 3, eyes on me” Students: “1, 2, eyes on you”
By incorporating these nonverbal strategies into your teaching routine, you can create a more effective classroom environment by effectively getting students attention without raising your voice. This is a win for you and your students!
What to read next:
8 Unbeatable Lessons about Books
5 things to avoid as a beginning teacher
Podcast episode: How to easily differentiate Maths
