Here’s the scene? You’re teaching an amazing counseling lesson. Your students are engaged in hands-on small group activities and they’re really into it! You need their attention to transition to the next part of the lesson. How do you do it? Keep reading to find 5 attention grabbers to use for transitions in your counseling lessons!
Counseling Lesson Attention Grabbers for Transitions
1. Counselor Call Backs
Call backs are simple statements that the counselor begins and the students complete. Teachers use phrases like, “1,2,3 eyes on me,” and students reply, “1,2 eyes on you!” This is just a verbal way to grab attention to let students know you have instructions. You can make these counseling related for your students. For example, the counselor might say, “All feelings…” and students would reply, “are okay!”
2. Clap Patterns
These are a super simple way to grab attention and have students put down the materials they’re using. For example, the counselor claps twice slowly and students clap back 3 times quickly and all eyes shift to the counselor.
3. Music
If you play music during the times when your students are working in small groups or independently, turn the music off to signal that you need attention. Or, play a specific short tune to grab attention.
4. Chime
Grab a chime on Amazon and give it a tap to grab attention during your lessons. Bonus: you can use it during a mindfulness activity too. Students sit comfortably and tune in to the chime tone for as long as they can hear it.
5. Movement
If your students are up and moving for an activity, create a hand gesture to signal a cascade of movements. For example, the counselor places a hand on top of her/his head and students know this means to squat, stand, squat, stand, sit. Or the counselor puts hands on opposite shoulders and students do the same, give themselves a squeeze, and sit down. Whatever your movement, be sure to spend ample time teaching it so students know what to do!
Final Thoughts
Whatever your attention grabber is, be sure you spend lots of time teaching the expectation! When students know what to expect and what to do, you’ll be all set for smooth transitions. Find more tips for classroom management here.
