Have you ever walked into class ready to teach—only to be met with chatter, backpacks, and students still getting settled?
I know I have.
I’ve even yelled so much that I literally lost my voice one day (not my proudest moment).
As my class size has grown, I realized that the first few minutes are critical. If I don’t grab their focus early, half the day feels like I’m trying to drag attention from all corners of the room.
Over time, I’ve built up a toolbox of attention-getting strategies that don’t rely on raising your voice (which often just escalates things).
Here are 8 techniques that have worked well for me—and can absolutely work with adult or health science students too.
1. Gaining Attention Using Call-and-Response
Call out a phrase, and the class replies. It creates a moment of focus before side conversations continue.
- Examples: “Scrubs on!” / “Game on!”
- “I’m clear! You’re clear!” / “We’re all clear!”
Tip: Let students help come up with the phrase—buy-in helps it stick.
2. Clap the Rhythm of a Heartbeat
Clap lub-dub, lub-dub and have students echo it.
It’s short, rhythmic, and reinforces the idea of heart rate.
3. Use an Attention Getting Song
“We Will Rock You” – Queen
That stomp-stomp-clap rhythm is instantly recognizable and students can’t resist joining in.
“Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
The opening riff is bold and energizing—perfect for pulling focus back to you.
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams
Upbeat, catchy, and hard not to smile or pay attention when it comes on.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
The piano intro grabs attention immediately, and almost everyone knows the chorus.
“Thriller” – Michael Jackson
The creepy opening and beat drop get instant recognition, especially fun around Halloween.
*Pro tip : Play just the first 5–10 seconds as a cue—don’t let it run too long or it’ll turn into a sing-along (unless you want that for morale).
4. “Scrub In!” Hand Signal
Hold your hands up like you’re scrubbing for surgery.
Students mirror the action until the class is quiet.
5. Attention Gaining "Countdown with Pulse"
Instead of a regular countdown, use:
“Pulse check in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…”
On “1,” all eyes should be on you.
6. Use Props
Slip on a mask, gown, or gloves dramatically and just stand silently.
Or pull on a patient gown and have a seat somewhere in the classroom.
It’s just weird enough to gain attention.
7. Flick the Lights
I can’t take credit for this technique…teachers have been doing this forever.
A quick lights off / lights on (or flicker) gets attention fast.
Students learn the cue means “look up, silence, eyes to me.”
Works beautifully in rooms where you control the lighting.
8. Whisper to Gain Attention
While giving the plan for the day, keeping lowering your voice to an eventual whisper.
Watch magic happen as students will quiet down to hear your secret.
Pro Tips
Teach the cue explicitly. Walk through it, model it, practice it. Students won’t “just know.”
Pick just a few to start. Don’t overload your toolkit.
Stay consistent. Use the same cues regularly until they become automatic.
Switch it up. When students get used to one cue, rotate to keep it fresh.
Do YOU use any specific techniques to gain attention in YOUR classroom?
Comment and share below!
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