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Hooked On Attention

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Lesson Plan

Hooked On Attention

Students will learn and practice three clear attention-getting signals—raised hand, clapping pattern, and call-and-response—to effectively gain and maintain classmates’ focus.

Establishing consistent attention signals helps minimize disruptions, ensures smooth transitions, and builds a respectful learning environment where all students stay engaged.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Model signals, guided practice, partner activities, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Hook Students

2 minutes

  • Display Attention Signal Poster
  • Ask students to describe what they notice about the signals
  • Explain that these signals will help them focus quickly

Step 2

Model Signals

3 minutes

  • Demonstrate each signal one at a time
  • Class responds silently by practicing the signal
  • Highlight key features: volume, clarity, posture

Step 3

Student Practice

7 minutes

  • Pair students and give each pair Attention Practice Cue Cards
  • One student uses the signal; partner responds correctly with silence and gaze
  • Switch roles after each cue
  • Circulate and provide positive feedback

Step 4

Reflect and Close

3 minutes

  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to demonstrate their favorite signal
  • Ask: How did the signal help you focus? What felt clear?
  • Summarize importance and set expectation: use signals at lesson start
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Slide Deck

Hooked On Attention

Techniques to get and keep your classmates’ focus
15 min │ Grade 6 │ Tier 1

Welcome everyone! Today we’re learning three clear attention-getting signals. These will help us start lessons smoothly and stay focused. Let’s get hooked on attention!

Lesson Agenda

• Why attention signals?
• Introduction to signals
• Model & practice
• Reflect & close

Quickly run through the agenda so students know what’s coming. Keep it brief.

Why Use Attention Signals?

• Minimize classroom disruptions
• Ensure smooth lesson transitions
• Foster respect and engagement

Explain each bullet: signals reduce disruptions, make transitions smooth, and build respect.

Our Attention Signals

Attention Signal Poster

What do you notice about these signals?

Display the poster prominently. Ask students: “What do you notice about these signals?” Give time for a few responses.

Modeling the Signals

• Raised Hand: clear posture, held high
• Clap Pattern: 2 claps – pause – 1 clap
• Call-and-Response: Teacher says “Listen up!” Students reply “We’re all ears!”

Demonstrate each signal one at a time. After modeling, have the class silently practice the same signal. Emphasize posture, volume, and clarity.

Student Practice

• Pair up and grab Attention Practice Cue Cards
• One student uses the signal; partner responds quietly and looks at speaker
• Switch roles after each card
• Aim for clear execution

Explain the practice routine. Hand out cue cards and circulate to give feedback on volume, eye contact, and posture.

Reflect & Close

• Volunteers demo their favorite signal
• Discuss: How did it feel to focus? Was it clear?
• Remember: We’ll use these signals to start future lessons

Invite 2–3 volunteers to demonstrate their favorite signal. Ask guiding questions, then reinforce using these signals at the start of future lessons.

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Reading

Attention Signal Poster

Stay focused and ready by using these clear signals! Pick the one that suits you best.

👆 Raised Hand
• Hold your hand straight up, fingers together
• Make your arm tall—no waving
• Wait quietly for the teacher to call on you

👏 Clap Pattern
• Clap twice… pause… clap once
• Keep your hands at chest level
• After the last clap, stop and look at the speaker

📣 Call-and-Response
• Teacher says “Listen up!”
• Students reply “We’re all ears!”
• Say it clearly, then be silent and attentive

Remember:
• Consistency helps everyone know what to do
• Practice makes these signals quick and automatic
• Use signals at the start of lessons to get everyone’s attention!

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Activity

Attention Practice Cue Cards

Use these cue cards for partner practice. Each card tells one student which attention signal to perform. The partner responds silently and looks at the speaker.

How to Use:

  1. Shuffle the cards and place face down.
  2. Student A draws a card, reads the prompt, and performs the signal.
  3. Student B responds by being silent and making eye contact.
  4. Switch roles and draw a new card.

Cue Cards:

  1. Use the Raised Hand signal to gain attention.



  1. Use the Clap Pattern signal (clap twice… pause… clap once).



  1. Use the Call-and-Response signal: Teacher says “Listen up!” and you reply “We’re all ears!”



  1. Use the Raised Hand signal to gain attention.



  1. Use the Clap Pattern signal (clap twice… pause… clap once).



  1. Use the Call-and-Response signal: Teacher says “Listen up!” and you reply “We’re all ears!”



Tip: Aim for clear posture, steady volume, and immediate silence from your partner.

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