Students want the teacher to pay attention to them, especially when they need help or want to actively participate in an activity or discussion. Many students get frustrated if they don't understand something and need help, or they get excited when they want to share information. They might try to get the teacher's attention by calling out, shouting the teacher's name, or yelling out answers in response to a teacher's question.

Introduce the skill - (hook) - Ask students to perform a difficult math problem or solve a tricky riddle - do not prompt them to raise their hand, speak one at a time, etc. but DO have students stay at their seat while they work out the problem - students may call out answers, disagree on answers or how to solve the problem, etc. - stop and brainstorm why getting the teacher's attention is important.

Describe the Appropriate Behavior

1. Look at the teacher (maintain eye contact)
2. Raise your hand and stay calm (do not pump your fist in the air or frantically wave your arm back and forth)
3. Wait until the teacher says your name (don't assume the teacher is coming to you first, wait until you are called on)
4. Ask your question (in a pleasant voice)

Give a Reason

• Decreases the noise level
• Shows respect to others
• Getting the teacher's attention in the appropriate way allows him/her to hear your question without distraction
• You might get your question answered more quickly
• The teacher is more likely to call on you
• You don't interrupt others who are having a discussion or trying to answer a question

Practice

• Throughout the day have students practice raising their hands and waiting patiently to ask a question or make a comment
• Have students partner and practice the skill - they can take turns playing the role of the student/teacher
• Have students journal about a time when someone kept calling out while the teacher was working with them - how did it make them feel? did it bother them?
• Consider making a sign that reads "Formal" on one side and "Informal" on the other side. Explain to students that during "Formal" time, they must raise their hands and wait for you to call on them, but during "Informal" discussion time, they may call out answers and have a discussion without raising their hands
• Put students in groups of three - a teacher and two students - one student will use the skill properly and one student will not - have the class decide who is using the skill correctly

Role Play - talk with students about different situations and appropriate ways to get the teacher's attention

• The teacher is covering material on a new topic
• A student gets hurt on the playground
• Students are working at stations and one group needs the teacher's help
• A student in the cafeteria needs help getting his or her tray to the table

Journaling Ideas

• List the steps for how to get the teacher's attention
• List some examples of when you may need the teacher's attention
• Describe a time when you got the teacher's attention appropriately and how he/she helped you
• Why is it important not to yell across the room when you need the teacher
• Describe a behavior you should NOT display when trying to get the teacher's attention

Game: Taboo

Objective:The student will learn to ask an adult for help when needed by getting the teacher's attention appropriately.

Materials:"Taboo Sheet" (below)

What to do:Instruct students that they will play a game called "TABOO". The clue words are occasions in school when students might need to get someone's attention. To play, use 2 students as participants. One student will look at the clue word and describe it without using the taboo words, in this case all listed words are 'TABOO'. If the player uses a "TABOO" word in the description, it doesn't count. Proceed to the next clue word within a one minute time limit. Player with most clue words guessed in one minute wins.

Clue Word: QUESTION Taboo: HELP, ASK, PROBLEM

Clue Word: HELP Taboo: KNOW, ASSISTANCE, TUTOR

Clue Word: RESTROOM Taboo: TOILET, POTTY

Clue Word: SHARPEN PENCIL Taboo: LEAD, WRITE, BROKEN

Clue Word: FIGHT Taboo: SCREAM, HIT, ANGRY

Clue Word: MISTAKE Taboo: ERROR, MAKE, WRONG

Clue Word: EMERGENCY Taboo: 911, HELP, CRISIS

Clue Word: VOLUNTEER Taboo: HELP, ASSIST, OFFER

Feedback

• Praise specific steps followed and give feedback on areas of improvement
• Let students know you will be watching in order to "catch them" using the skill
• Continue to praise and re-teach as needed

• Why is it important to know how to get the teacher's attention without being loud or distracting?
  
• How does the skill of "Getting the teacher's attention" help you in school?
• List some times when the skill of "Getting the teacher's attention" is important...
• Who else's attention might we need to get?
• How can the skill of "Getting the teacher's attention" be used in situations that involve other adults outside of school? How would you change this skill to fit the new situation?

The biggest key in great classroom management is to NEVER move on until you get exactly what you want from your students. Although we are talking about getting the teacher's attention this week, having a signal to gain and keep student attention is essential. It should be quick and painless (not yelling) and like any other procedure, must be modeled and practiced frequently.

• Explain it
• Model it in detail - role play several scenarios
• Practice it - have students talk to neighbors - practice giving signal
• Give specific praise and feedback
• Review it several times a day until it is second nature - and then revisit any time they need to review such as after breaks
• Make it fun, mix it up, and keep it fresh

Academic & Behavior Facilitator

Tech Academy @Pettit Park

Email: hdarnell@kokomo.k12.in.us
Website: http://leadyourheartout.blogspot.com/
Location: 901 W Havens St, Kokomo, IN, United States
Phone: 765-454-7075
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadyourheartout/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @HetherDarnell