Substitute teacher tips: Attention getters for high school students.

Getting and keeping high school students’ attention can require some strategy—especially if you’re a new substitute teacher. Classroom attention getters are best practice tools that you can use to quickly get everyone focused on a productive learning environment. 

Age groups often respond differently to these approaches. Like adults, high school students react positively to straightforward, respectful communication. Taking a direct yet subtle approach is the way to go. 

When to use an attention getter? 

Imagine this: Conversation and laughter fill the room as students arrive and find their seats. After the bell rings, you expect attention to come to you as you greet the class, but the chatting continues as if you’re not even there. Sound familiar? 

Your first inclination may be to raise your voice. But, you’ve been there before and it didn’t work. 

Put yourself into the shoes of the students. Some may see your presence as a day off from classwork. Others may think of you as an unknown authority figure. As a substitute teacher, you must quickly and genuinely build rapport with the students. Using attention getters for high school students that balance clarity with consideration will help you do this whether at the start of class or during a lesson when focus is waning. 

Types of attention getters.

One of the fundamental substitute teacher duties is engaging students in learning to promote a productive classroom environment. 

Some attention getters are vital for securing leadership. Others are incredible strategies to help students understand their lesson. In a classroom of diverse learning styles, equipping yourself with multiple types of attention getters can keep you prepared for any situation. Here are some common techniques: 

• Visual: Visual attention getters capture students’ attention with colors, images, or other depictive elements. This technique sparks curiosity while highlighting key points and making them memorable. 

• Auditory: This approach engages students with sound. Auditory attention getters can emphasize critical ideas and set the tone for learning. 

• Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic attention getters involve activities that require physical movement or engage the body in motion. These techniques are ideal for hands-on learners. 

Visual classroom attention getters.

From art class to biology, visual techniques are essential for lessons where seeing something can maximize understanding and participation. Try out these visual attention getters for your next high school substitute teaching assignment: 

• Flickering the lights: Turning the lights on and off a few times is a great approach to grab students’ attention quickly. Let’s take group work for example. The quick change can alert students that something is about to happen, and you need their attention. 

• Graphs and charts: In classes where lessons may be hard to digest, such as math or science, displaying charts and graphs can simplify information and keep students engaged. 

• Powerful quotes: Using bold, impactful statements or questions in large fonts will draw students’ attention to key points. 

• Props: Props can be beneficial for quieting a classroom. A simple object that stands out can work wonders. 

Auditory attention getters for high school.

How you communicate with students can make the difference between a fully attentive class and a disengaged one. High school students need to feel valued to grasp their attention. Check out these essential auditory attention getters to spark any students’ interest: 

• Thought-provoking questions: Questions requiring a quick response or reflection can distract students from their conversations and draw them into the task at hand. Maybe students are reading 1984. Begin the class by asking, “Where do you see the world in forty years?” 

• Whisper Technique: Begin by giving the students instructions by talking at a normal, or slightly elevated volume. As you continue the instructions, lower your volume until you are whispering. As you continue to whisper, students will end their conversations to find out what is being said. 

• Memorable phrases: Catchy slogans and phrases can reinforce information throughout a lesson. 

• Humor: Who doesn’t love a funny substitute teacher? Using humor as an attention getter can quickly build rapport and remove any walls students may have up. As students begin to respect you, they’ll typically respond to your requests for attention and stay on task. 

• Timers: Setting and displaying a timer can communicate that it’s time to focus on you once it rings. 

Kinesthetic teacher attention getters.

At first glance, kinesthetic attention getters may seem trivial unless you’re substitute teaching for gym class. Still, these approaches can have a profound effect on any learning atmosphere. Whether it’s you or the students, movement can actively engage the classroom, increase energy, and enhance focus. Here are some kinesthetic classroom attention getters to explore: 

• Standing in front of the class: Simply standing up and raising your hand for a few seconds may be enough to alert students that class has started and it’s time to pay attention. 

• Interactive activities: Games, challenges, and group work can help you get students’ attention by actively involving them in the learning process. 

• Physical demonstrations: Using role-playing to explain a topic can get students out of their seats and focused on their lesson. 

• Walking around the classroom: Maintaining engagement as students complete their assignments will emphasize your interest in helping. This simple action builds rapport and increases the likelihood that they’ll give you their attention when you ask. 

Classroom attention getters combinations.

You can combine most attention getters for high school to tailor your approach. Here are some combinations to effortlessly engage students: 

• Visual and auditory: Write or display a thought-provoking question in a bold, eye-catching font. Then ask students to answer the question. 

• Visual and kinesthetic: Stand in front of the room with a prop. Once you notice the first student to pay attention, pass them the prop. Then, have them pass it to the next engaged student, and so on. Students will quickly notice and direct their attention toward you. 

• Auditory and kinesthetic: Allow students to work in groups and set a timer. Notify them that one student from each group will move to another to discuss their findings once it rings. 

• Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic: Role-playing is a great way to combine each technique. Some students can act out a scenario while others watch. You can keep the class’s attention by asking students for their input on what’s going on. 

Combining types of attention getters not only ensures you reach and accommodate each learning style, but also creates a dynamic atmosphere where students remain engaged, intrigued, and eager to participate. 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.

Implementing classroom attention getters is an effective way to maintain a productive learning environment. So next time you step into a high school classroom, come prepared with your attention-getter toolkit. You’ll create an atmosphere of mutual respect. 

Thinking about working at the high school level? Check out these articles: 

• Pro tips for substitute teaching in high school 

• Top lesson plans for substitute teachers in middle school and high school 

• Building rapport quickly with high school students 

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners. 

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