Engagement Strategies - Attention Signals

 Overview

  Use in the Classroom

Attention signals use a ‘Call and Response’ technique where the teacher performs an action and the students reply with a pre-determined response. Once students are attentive, the teacher can give the next set of instructions using clear and concise language.

Example:

Other creative attention signals include:

• Word of the Day - use the word of the day as the trigger to start a transition or provide instructions.
• Objects – such as a bell or a musical instrument.
• Music – a short song can be used to allow students time to pack up and be ready to focus on the teacher

  Personalised Learning

When students with additional needs are being engaged with learning through the use of attention signals, there can be some potential barriers that need to be considered. These may include the immediacy of response, the need for a verbal response, or a noisy classroom environment. Some potential adjustments may include:

• Provide additional practice for the student outside of instructional time.
• Provide a visual of the verbal response: eg: small picture or card.
• Reduce the response to one word only plus a gesture.
• Combine verbal and visual attention signals eg: clap and words.
• Special sign eg: a glittery star and words “Shiny star” .. “In the sky.”
• Practice the signal and response with the student in an empty classroom to reduce sensory overload and allow for success in the whole class setting.

  Resources