Speaker 1: Sometimes, student misbehavior is completely unintentional. When this occurs, it's usually a whole class issue related to inattention. For example, maybe you're using a turn-and-talk strategy to engage your students in active learning and they get a little too engaged in the talking part. You try to get their attention, but it only results in you wasting your breath and becoming frustrated. Instead of escalating the issue by giving out consequences, you need a way to intervene with an intention-getting strategy. Here are two of our favorites. Number one. One, two, three, eyes on me. This technique is especially good for elementary school students. It's really simple and based on a call and response.

Speaker 2: One, two, three, eyes on me. One, two, eyes on you.

Speaker 1: A simple rhyme will easily stick in your students' minds and help them to remember exactly what you want them to do. Feel free to add in some hand gestures for even more engagement. Number two. Clap once. This one is more useful for high school and middle school students. It doesn't require them to say a single word, but rather relies on making a noise with their hand.

Speaker 2: Class, clap once if you can hear me. Clap twice if you can hear me. Clap three times if you can hear me.

Speaker 1: Clapping is a great way to signal students that you need their attention. It has the added benefit of creating positive peer pressure to focus on the teacher. With both of these strategies, make sure that you teach them before you use them. It's important for your students to know that they are intended to get their attention and that everyone is expected to participate. Then, you'll be ready to get your students refocused in no time.