Shhhhhh!

Is, “Shhhhhh!” not working?  Well, here are a few tricks for you to try!

Student Heroes

5-4-3-2-1-zero                  (Hold up hand and put down one finger at a time.)

I’m looking for my               (Make circles with index fingers and thumbs and

student heroes.                  place around eyes like glasses.)

*Call the names of children who are sitting quietly.

         Special Signals

         Blow bubbles.  Challenge children to look at you and be quiet before all the bubbles pop.

         Open a music box.  When children hear the music they should freeze.

         Blink the lights, play a xylophone, or make some other unique noise or motion.

Simon Says

Begin a game of Simon Says:

         Simon says clap three times.

         Simon says put your hands in the air.

         Simon says touch your ears.

         Simon says blink your eyes, etc.

As children join in the game lower your voice as you say:

         Simon says put your hands in your lap and

         listen to me…line up at the door…get out your

         math books, etc.

Look at ____!

If you can find one child in your room exhibiting the behavior you are looking for then you can say, “If you don’t know what to do, look at child’s name.”

Magic Clap

Explain to the children that you have a magic signal that only your class will know about.  Every time you clap your hands, you want them to repeat the clap and look at you.   Practice clapping various patterns until all the children have joined in..

If You Can Hear My Voice

In a normal voice say:

If you can hear my voice, clap your hands one time.

In a softer voice say:

         If you can hear my voice, clap your hands two times.

In a whisper voice say:

         If you can hear my voice, please look at me.

Continue lowering your voice until children are focused on you.

  

Criss Cross

Criss cross,                           (Sit on floor and cross legs.)

Be your own boss.                  (Fold your arms and nod head.)

Sitting Chant

1, 2, 3, 4  -  glue your bottoms to the floor.

5, 6, 7, 8  - hands to yourself and sit up straight.

For additional resources check out the following links:

• Transition Time: Let's Do Something Different!
• Transition Tips & Tricks: This unit contains over 140 Transitions Tips & Tricks from the Queen of Kids!
• Transition Tips and Tricks for Teachers: Attention-grabbing, Creative Activities That Are Sure to Become Classroom Favorites!
• Teaching Survival Guide - What they Didn't Teach you in College