You’re standing at the front of your class… and it feels like you’re invisible. You say, “Eyes on me!” but only two heads turn your way. Jamal asks if it’s pizza day, Haley knocks over her pencil box, and Will drops his 40oz metal tumbler, making that oh so loud echoey banging sound. Sigh…
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Multiple times. I’ve you’ve ever dreamed of getting a megaphone, this post is for you! Getting your students’ attention doesn’t have to be a struggle. You’ve got to try call and response for teachers! I’ve started using these quick attention grabbers in my room, and I’ll never go back!
What is call and response? And why do teachers love it in the classroom?
A call and response is a simple technique. You say a short phrase and your class responds with a set answer. And BOOM! Instant attention from everyone!
But the secret sauce is in the routine. You’re giving your students a fun, clear way to snap back to attention. It works because it pulls them into action, and not just commanding them to “be quiet and listen.” It’s interactive and fun!
And honestly, using call and response attention grabbers can help you build a stronger classroom community if you use it consistently. It creates a sense of fun. Plus, it saves you from shouting over the noise! Need more ideas on how to conquer classroom noise? Read this post.
The Real Problem: You’re Tired of Fighting for Attention
The last thing you want to do is spend half of your precious instructional time trying to get your class to listen. Most students aren’t trying to ignore you, they’re just caught up in socializing.
There’s always something more exciting than math directions. You need a quick way to interrupt the noise and refocus the group.
The Solution: Call and Response for Teachers That Work Every Time
How To Make It Stick
Keep it simple- quick phrases work the best. If you can’t say it in a few seconds, skip it!
Match your classroom energy- some groups love silly, others need straight to the point. Pick something that feels natural to you.
Practice it with the class- teach them when they’re calm so they know exactly what to do.
Celebrate fast responses- they’ll appreciate a, “WOW! That was fast!” comment from you.
Rotate your calls- fresh is always fun! You can even use special calls for seasons or holidays.
10 Call and Response Attention Grabbers You Can Use Tomorrow
Ready to try it out? Here are 10 call and response for teachers that are simple, quick, and easy to teach.
- “Class?” “Yes!” (use a silly, and sing-song voice)
- “Macaroni and….” “Cheese!”
- “Holy Moly!” “Guacamole!
- “To infinity…” “And beyond!”
- “Ready to rock?” “Ready to roll!”
- “Hocus Pocus.” “Everybody focus!”
- “Flat tire!” “Shhhhhhh” (students make a hissing sound)
- “All set?” “You bet!”
- “Hands on top!” “That means stop!” (students put their hands on top of their desk, or their heads)
- “Stop, collaborate…” “And listen!” (You absolutely must sing/rap this one! I don’t make the rules)
Try one out. See how your class responds. I bet you’ll be surprised at how quickly they buy into these call and response chants!
How to Teach and Reinforce Call and Response Attention Grabbers
You don’t need a prize box or a behavior chart to make these work. Here’s how I make call and response for teachers work in my room.
Pick only one to start- start with one phrase. Then add a couple more when you think your kids can handle it.
Model it first- show them exactly what you want. Say the call. Teach the response. Be very specific with this part. Tell them what to say, and what to DO! I have students say the response, stop what they’re doing, and turn and look at me. Practice a couple of times.
Explain the purpose- Tell them that when you say this, it means you need their attention fast. Explain that you want to keep everyone on track for learning everything they need to (I usually default to feeling confident in the next grade level, an upcoming test, etc.)
Use it consistently– make it part of your routine. Especially during transitions or directions for independent work.
Celebrate it when it works- Shout out individual students, table groups or even the entire class when they respond quickly AND give your their full attention.
Switch it up- Change it when the novelty wears off so call and response for teachers doesn’t lose it’s power! I have a few choices for holidays or seasons in the poster set!
Want These Call and Response Attention Grabbers Ready to Go?
I love using these so much, that I made my favorites into posters! You know I love a good visual reminder for both the students and ME! I’m always on the edge of feeling overwhelmed, so the visual reminder is great so that I remember to use it consistently.
There are 60 different call and response for teachers to pick from! So you and your students will NEVER get bored with using the same one over and over!
This set of posters includes 3 different styles so that you can match your classroom aesthetics. Each poster has a fun graphic to go along with the call and response.
If you’re over repeating yourself and battling for your class’ attention click here to grab your set of call and response posters!
