Attention Getters in the Art Classroom

Attention Getters for the Art Classroom

Whether teaching online or in person, there will be times when you need to stop the class and say something. Here are three attention-getters that won’t grate on their nerves!

1) Call & Response Attention Getter

You’ve probably heard them. Like saying, “Mona,” then having students say, “Lisa.” If you live in Ohio, like me, you’ll be familiar with the Ohio State Buckeye cry of “O-H” followed by “I-O.” They can be useful and will come in handy when the principal walks in and wants to greet your class.
I’ve written a blog post full of call and response ideas that you can use if you want to hear some more ideas.

2) If you can Hear my Voice …

I picked up a really fun idea from a lady that was doing a series of professional developments for our school before we opened up a new building. We all know that teachers can be the worst students! The great thing about this attention-getter is that you don’t have to “train” your students (or adults) on how to do this ahead of time. You simply say, “if you can hear my voice, put your hand on your head” (in a quiet voice). Then go on to something else: “if you can hear my voice, flap your wings like a chicken.” Make them as silly or as simple as you want. Kind of like playing Simon Says! Eventually, the people chatting will catch on and want to play along. By then, you’ll have their attention, and you can thank them before moving on to what you really wanted to say.
 
Here are some ideas:

… put your hands on your head.
… clap once.
… clap twice.
… hold your pencil in the air.

One really clever variation I heard about was to say, “If you can hear my voice, point to someone who is talking.” Repeat quietly (as needed) until they are all pointing at you.

Another is to say an artist’s name (or a series of artist’s names, if needed).  For example, “If you can hear my voice, say, Michelangelo.” 

3) Clap & Respond

I learned this one from a music teacher. Part of what he was teaching them was to repeat back a rhythm that he clapped. Usually, it started with clapping to the rhythm of 1 – 2 – 3& – 4, then students would clap back long, long, short, short, long claps. Next, he would clap a different rhythm to a 4-beat measure, and students would clap back the same rhythm. Usually, by the 3rd time (worst-case scenario during a Christmas assembly), he would have the student’s attention. This same idea can be used in the classroom or lunchroom, etc. once you’ve trained the students on what to do./spacer

Quick Tip: It doesn’t work in a room full of adults who have no idea why you are standing in front of them clapping your hands. But you could say, “if you can hear my voice, clap your hands like this.”

 

4) Use Sound

I’ve used a rainstick in the past, and students loved it. It’s such a calming noise. When they heard the rainstick, they knew it was time to listen.

Some teachers love using a remote doorbell.

I’ve also heard of teachers using some kind of squeaky toy.

Basically, anything that makes an unusual sound:

  • A musical instrument
  • Chimes
  • Bell
  • Maracas
  • A Shaker

To add a fun twist, you could call up a student who is working quietly to make the sound for you.

 

Which attention getter will you try this year?  Let us know in the comments below.

The Benefits of Drawing

Click on the image to get your free infographic!

Use this infographic to display in your room or share with parents, administrators, or other teachers as a way to point out some of the academic benefits of learning to draw. While they are not the only reason for using drawing as part of a balanced curriculum, they are certainly worthy of celebrating and may help you advocate for including drawing as part of your art or classroom learning experiences.

You can read more about The Benefits of Drawing in this blog post.


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Two boys smiling at us with their thumbs in the air. The text says, "Art Teacher Tips - Attention Getters".
Stacey Peters

Stacey Peters

I create engaging drawing resources that help students build confidence and express themselves through art. I'm a former elementary art teacher of 25 years turned business owner. Giving you the tools you need to bring more drawing into your classroom brings me joy.

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