Noisemaker, clicker, etc. to get students' attention during group work?

Question

When my students do group work and are highly engaged, it can be hard to get their attention. I want something that I can click to get their attention, so I don't have to say, "Okay, everyone, I need your attention...quiet everyone, look at me..." etc. etc. I used to have a little metal frog that made a noticeable but NON-IRRITATING click when I squeezed it, and the students knew to get quiet and look at me when I used it. Does anyone know of anything like this that I can buy or use??? I don't want a bell. That's annoying for everyone. Any ideas??? Thanks! :)

Thanks to those of you who gave serious answers. I don't do things that annoy my students. That was my purpose for asking for a non-irritating attention-getter. I'm not looking to use it as a replacement for my voice. I have taught middle school kids with ADHD, emotional disturbances, and learning disabilities for 8 years, which requires patience, creativity, and a way with kids. I still love my job after 8 years. Kids with these issues often automatically tune out verbal signals, and it helps to have some variety. The clicker I used previously was only loud enough to be noticeable, I used it infrequently, and I didn't click it at them as one would at a pet. My disciplinary skills are excellent. This will be the only time I justify a question like this. I just felt that some of you need to reconsider your quickness to judge and eagerness to insult people. If you don't agree, so be it.

AIRHORNS??!! I'm not trying to deafen them or make them poop their pants.

WHISTLES?? When did I ask for whistles to blow at them?? I'm not a lunatic. :)

Answer 1

They have those dog clickers at pet stores. It would probably be the same "click"

Also, I used to teach 2nd grade and when we were having group time and I needed their attention, I would clap lightly and slowly increase the volume of my clap. As the students heard me clap they would clap too. When everyone was clapping I would stop and instruct them further. I taught them this the first day of school and it was very effective!

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Have you tried silent ways? You can turn off the lights or use a hand gesture.

I've also heard of one where you use a wind-up music box, the kind that you have to open to hear the music. When the students hear the music (or see that you've opened the box), they have to be silent. As soon as everyone is completely silent, you close the music box. If the students get to the end of the school day before the music runs out, they get some small reward.

I just put one finger in the air and the other on my nose. My students know that when they see anyone doing that, they all have to do the same, and be silent. Never takes more than 30 sec to quiet them down that way.

Oh, there's also clapping in rythm, and they repeat.

And, "If you can hear my voice, clap once. If you can hear my voice, clap twice..." I've never seen that one fail.

Answer 3

There is a timer that you can purchase that doesn't use buzzers or bells - it uses lights. When the light is green, the students are to be working. It turns yellow to let the students know that there is one or two minutes left to work and then turns red when time is up. Students actually LIKE using this type of timer because it is unique. Go to www.lakeshore.com and it will be listed under teaching resources or teaching materials.

I have worked with children with autism, mental retardation and ADHD and have found that this timer works better than anything else that I have used in the past.

Answer 4

I teach high school but have also taught middle school. A few things I've used or seen used:

**bells like the kind you tap to get the cashier at some stores
**yoga chimes
**A kitchen/egg timer that beeps/buzzes when time's up

Really anything that makes an audible, pleasant sound will work. Kids need to be trained in it, but it is a nice way to get attention. Much better than, "OK kids, it's time to pay attention to me now!"

Answer 5

Dog training clickers. Have you considered what it would be like from the students' viewpoint though. I know whistles are used outdoors but I would rather hear a voice telling me it was time to be quiet and listen-up when regrouping in a classroom. They really need to learn that you are the authority and respect you while you use your voice.

Answer 6

My suggestion is maracas. However, I don't believe they would be loud enough....not saying that the kids are yelling..but the maracas are hard to hear if everyone in the class is talking to their group. It would be something different though. Also, maybe try turning on music when you want their attention.

Answer 7

I set a timer for the amount of time I feel that they will need to complete the project. The timer's buzz usually does the trick. I teach first graders.

Answer 8

Do your students get a clicker to get your attention?
.....and you think a bell is annyoing??
How about assigning a group leader for each group and then calling the leaders by name when it is time for them to direct their groups attention back to the front of the room?
Good leadership practice for the leaders (rotate the 'priviledge' of being group leader).

Answer 9

You could probably find something like that in the toy section at a dollar store.

Answer 10

What about flicking the lights on and off?, with you of course explaining beforehand that when you do that it means "I need your attention, quiet everyone, look at me".