When working in a reception class during my final teaching practice I tried really hard to develop strategies for regaining the children's attention whilst on the carpet.

The strategy that I found most useful was: Are you listening - this game is a little bit like simon says but I'd start by saying, "if you are listening put your hands on your lap" after about five instructions all the children would be joining in and focusing their attention towards myself. this methos does take a few moments to work but is effective when it does.

Another useful tip that I used whilst teaching PE was to use a musical instrument e.g. a jingle bell to get the children to stop. This saves your voice and provides an effective method of stopping the children.

Here's another idea from Candy Sugiyama ...

When I need to get the attention of my students, I never raise my voice. Instead, I clap out a rhythm, and the students repeat the rhythm. That is their signal to stop whatever they are doing and focus on what I have to say.

Another idea from Sonja Cheal...

A really good way to get the attention of the class without losing your voice is to stand at the front of the class with one hand in the air. Then make a long, continuous 'shhhhh' gradually getting quieter as more and more children realise you require their attention. I have found this to be particularly effective as it gives children those few extra seconds to finish their sentences and snippets of conversations that really just can't wait!

More ideas from a visitor...

When I need the attention of the students in the class I use different technique but these two are more effective:

(1) I used to gossip with one or two students and in seconds all students move their attention towards me and the students whom I gossip to join or know the matter. Then I take the advantage of this and come to my actual point.

(2) When the attention of students is needed, I mostly come to the front of the class and look at the students in a strange way and show through facial expression that I am about to say something valuable or observing the class to do different. Resulting, I get the attention of the students.

Another idea from a visitor...

Here is a simple yet effective idea for gaining the attention of a "highly spirited" class: hit a tambourine 3 times (the children have been instructed that this means stop and so all say the word "stop"), shake it for a few seconds (the children will have been instructed that this means look and so all look at you and point to their eyes), then fold your arms (which means that the children should copy and be ready to listen). I have been using this with 6 year olds since the start of term and it really seems to work.

A suggestion from Riaz...

This works well for younger children. If I need their attention I say 1,2,3,4,5 and they reply - once I caught a fish alive etc.

Rate / Review this idea: