Fun Attention Grabbers for Kids in the Classroom

We’ve all been there in the chaos of a classroom where you want to get their attention quickly, but trying to talk over them just isn’t working. I know I’ve been there a million times in scenarios like these:

-kids are getting way too chit chatty

-I forgot to give them an important direction after sending them off to do work

-the schedule needs to change last minute

-they’re having so much fun working on an assignment that the noise level is creeping up (this one sounds the best, right?)

Whatever the reason, yelling, “class, class!” at the top of your lungs isn’t an effective way to get their attention. So, what should you do instead?

Use a fun attention grabber!

I’m talking cute, fun, specific phrase, song, or word that grab students’ attention quickly and elicit engagement and buy-in. These phrases help you get the attention of your students and are a great idea to weave into the rhythm of your classroom.  They’re a quick way to pause what students are doing, get student attention, and give your busy classroom the information they need quickly. 

In a classroom, maintaining students’ focus can feel like a balancing act, especially with so many distractions competing for their attention. Whether it’s chatter from a group project, excitement over a fun activity, or just the natural restlessness of kids, capturing their attention quickly and effectively is key to keeping lessons on track. 

That’s where attention grabbers come in! These playful, engaging techniques not only get your students to stop and listen but also set a positive tone that fosters deeper learning. With the right attention grabbers, you can turn a noisy classroom into one where students are eager to participate and refocus in an instant.

Classroom attention getters are a great classroom management tool that benefits the whole class. In this blog post, I’ll tell you the science behind why they work, give you some exciting examples, and provide tips for making them work!

The Science Behind Attention Grabbers

Let’s face it, attention in our students’ young minds functions like a spotlight that constantly shifts toward the newest shiny thing. They may know the behavioral expectations of your class, but their attention spans are short and novelty plays a huge role in capturing, or re-capturing, their attention. It’s not just experience I’m talking from, it’s actual science.

Our brains are wired to seek out novelty because it’s essential for survival and learning. When something new or unexpected happens, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward. This burst of dopamine helps us focus and pay attention to the new stimulus. That’s a lot of brain talk for the simple fact that new things grab our attention fast. 

From an evolutionary standpoint, novelty serves the purpose of alerting us to something potentially important in our surroundings—whether it’s a threat, an opportunity, or new information that can help us adapt.

In addition to greater attention, novelty allows for learning by encouraging us to explore and engage with our surroundings. It keeps us curious and drives us to understand new experiences, which is why students (and adults) are more likely to remember information or events that are unique, exciting, or surprising. Think about something you’ve learned recently!

Novelty also helps break up monotony, keeping the brain energized and engaged, which is definitely useful in a learning environment. Keeping things fresh and moving is the key to sustained attention and engagement in the classroom.

When something unusual or surprising happens, students’ brains instinctively tune in, which is why attention grabbers, like fun phrases or catchy songs, are incredibly effective in a classroom setting. 

These methods not only hold their attention but also set a fun tone in your classroom while promoting students’ positive behavior. This leads to learning that feels more engaging. Attention grabbers are an easy way to create a lively and welcoming classroom atmosphere where students are more likely to stay engaged and participate actively.

When to use Attention Grabbers

You can use attention grabbers any way you’d like and however best suits your classroom. They are a powerful tool at any level and can be used with elementary and middle school, as well as high school students. You can absolutely use them on a daily basis to grab the attention of all students.  

Use attention grabbers in your classroom at key moments to maintain focus and keep students engaged. Here are some ideas of when and how to use them for any age group:

• At the start of lessons: Begin with an interesting fact or story to spark curiosity.
• Transitions to the next activity: Use songs, chants, or visual cues to smoothly shift focus.
• When energy dips: Implement quick, fun games or brain breaks to re-energize students.
• After disruptions: Regain attention with a unique sound or hand signal.
• To introduce new concepts: Use props, videos, or interactive elements to highlight important points.

Attention grabbers work across all age groups by adapting techniques to match developmental levels, from playful songs in younger grades to engaging discussions or challenges for older students. My favorite attention-getter I’ve used is from the movie Finding Nemo; “shark bait!” “woo haha!” (look up the clip if you haven’t seen it, you won’t regret it!). 

Below are a ton of ideas from your classic verbal phrases, to incorporating movement, and even how to use technology! You can use these as they are, switch them up, or come up with your very own. 

If you really want students engaged, you can also try having them create their own. You might have them put a bunch of ideas in a hat and you randomly pick one, or you could have the class vote on which ones they like the most. 

Either way, you’re getting buy-in before you even attempt to use it! That’s a win-win if you ask me. 

Classic Verbal Attention Grabbers

• Call and Response Phrases or Call Backs
  Example: Teacher says, “Class, class!” and students respond, “Yes, yes!”
• Chants and Rhymes
  Example: “1, 2, 3, eyes on me!”
• Clapping Patterns
  Example: Teacher claps a pattern, students repeat it back.

There is one caveat I always like to mention about these attention grabbers- although changing them up is good, having many to remember at one time is not. This can take up too much working memory, increase anxiety and do the opposite of what they are supposed to do. That being said, I suggest changing them up based on the needs of your classroom and using one or two at any given time.

Interactive Movement-Based Attention Grabbers

• Simon Says
  A fun way to bring students’ attention back through quick, simple actions.
• Brain Break Exercises
  Examples: Jumping jacks, stretching, or simple yoga poses to refocus.
• Freeze Game
  Teacher says “freeze” and students must stop what they’re doing and listen.

Visual aids and Auditory Attention Grabbers

• Using Visual Cues
  • Flashcards or signs with symbols like a stop sign or a bell (check out my favorite here)
• Musical Cues or Sound Effects
  Example: Ringing a bell, using a chime, or playing a short tune.
• Funny Hats or Props
  Wearing something silly, like a bright hat, to grab attention quickly.

Incorporating Technology as an Attention Grabber

• Using Interactive Apps or Timers
  Apps like Class Dojo to manage attention.
• Interactive Whiteboards
  Using animated visuals or short videos to recapture focus.
• Music or Sound-Based Attention Apps
  Apps that play short attention-getting sound bites or even playing Spotify

Tips for Making Attention Grabbers Effective

Now that you’ve got a bunch of ideas for what to use as your attention grabber, let’s chat about how to make them effective.

To keep attention grabbers effective and engaging, it’s important to rotate your phrases and techniques regularly. This helps keep things fresh and fun, preventing students from tuning you out over time. The last thing you want to do is have only one tool in your pocket! It’s best to keep them new and relevant so your students stay excited. 

Make sure your attention grabbers are age-appropriate. Try adapting them to the developmental level of your students. For younger children, this might mean using playful, sing-song phrases, while your older students might respond better to quick challenges or pop culture references. Tapping into your students’ interests and what’s currently popular with their age group is key. This gets them way more engaged which makes your attention grabbers more relatable and exciting. 

However, always make these techniques align with the overall tone and atmosphere of your particular classroom. If your classroom is generally calm and focused, choose attention grabbers that fit that environment. If you have a particularly chatty or roudy class this year, you might lean heavily on their interest and what’s popular (middle school teachers, I’m looking at you!).

Lastly, consistency is key—use attention grabbers regularly so students get familiar with them as part of your classroom routine. It makes it easier to regain their focus whenever you need to.

Incorporating fun attention grabbers into your classroom routine is a game changer for both you and your students. Not only do they make transitions smoother, but they also add a touch of fun to the learning environment. 

They help students stay engaged and focused. Whether you’re going to try catchy phrases, movement-based activities, or technology, the key is to keep things fresh, age-appropriate, and aligned with your classroom vibe. When you mixi up your techniques and make them a consistent part of your day, you’ll see a huge difference in how quickly your students respond and refocus. 

Remember, the ultimate goal of attention grabbers is to create a classroom atmosphere where learning is fun and disruptions are minimized. Of course unexpected things will happen, but when students know what to expect most of the time, they can engage on a deeper level. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, make it your own! 

By building attention grabbers into your daily routine, you’ll cultivate a classroom environment that’s both productive and fun for everyone.