Grab Attention in a Fun Way

The second semester and standardized testing are synonymous with one another.  As the winter flu season begins to wane and spring fever starts to set in, the challenge for teachers as they help students prepare for these tests is keeping the students interested and engaged. A good teacher knows that the success or failure of a day's lessons is determined by how quickly a student's attention can be garnered at the beginning. Here are some fun ideas and quick web tools to get the student hooked into the day's objective while providing a little humor and fun.

Text, Signs, and Sounds

As students enter the classroom their attention will be drawn to the day's objective, writing prompt, or warmup listed as a text message. They will definitely read it and try to figure out how you created the message. Sample text generators include the following:

Fake iPhone Message

 ifaketext.com is a place where you can generate fake iphone text message screenshots and send and share them with your class! The students will be convinced when they see a customized message on the whiteboard.

 

 

  

Show You Know the Lingo

transl8it! (trans-late-it) is simple to use. Just type in your SMS, text, emoticon, smiley, slang or chat room lingo and let transL8it! convert it to plain english -- OR -- type in your phrase in english and convert it to SMS TXT lingo slang! 

 

Here's Your Sign

RedKid.net's Sign Generator offers a variety of signs and creative ways to get a quick message across. Choices include billboards, fortune cookies, alphabet soup and more to make your message stand out.

 

 

Make a BubbleSnap

BubbleSnaps is a fun site that allows the user to create bubble text on photos. It can be used as a vocabulary review, a story telling starter, a review of facts, or just an intro to the day's lessons. Students can create their own bubble snaps to share. It can even serve as a test reminder!
 

 

Just Scan the Screen and LISTEN 

Using audio QR codes are a great way to get students attention. Have nothing on your interactive board but an audio QR code as your class warm up. Have the students scan it and then follow the instructions. Easily create audio QR codes with QR voice. Type your message and then in one click you have an audio QR code such as the one below. Use your QR scanner and listen to the message!

Try one of the tools above when the students need a little push to pay attention. Comment and let us know the results!