How To Manage Students Who Are Demanding Your Attention

I'd like to share an idea I had that has saved me some sanity in the past two years. I've always found it challenging to manage groups of students who want my attention (at the same time!) during the school day. Whether it be for an answer to a question, a conference about some work, or to edit a piece of writing together, I can't be in twenty-five places at once, and having students waiting (doing nothing!) with their hand up has always been frustrating!
So, I was inspired to come up with something different by some of the numbered tickets and such that are on Pinterest. Great ideas, but none that totally worked for me. So, last year, I created this little trick for managing the line-ups of students... and it has been fabulous!!

Photo of attention management strategy in action.

The students clip their name to the sleeve, and I work my way from top to bottom. As I finish with the top student, they head over to move their clip back to the bottom, and send the next student in line over to me! Easy-peasy! I LOVE IT!!

What strategies do YOU use in your classroom? I love hearing from readers! Leave me a comment below.

Want more great tips like this one to use in your classroom?
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Photo of attention management strategy with text, "How to Manage Students Who Are Demanding Your Attention."

28 comments

  1. That is a super idea! I love the arm idea. I often find myself overwhelmed at the number of kids needing my attention and that is a great fix!
    My Kinder-Garden

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    1. Thanks, Crystal!

      I suppose in Kindergarten it would also serve to be a great name-recognition resource!! :)

      Erin

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  2. OMG! What a super cool way to keep your sanity!!! A great visual for students too! :) Thanks for sharing!

    Renee
    The Adventures of an Occasional Teacher

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  3. Erin,

    Great story. I see my kids everywhere because I live and work in the same town, but it is always funny and enjoyable to see their reactions.

    That attention idea is awesome. I'm going to share it with quite a few other teachers.

    Thanks
    Matt
    Digital: Divide & Conquer

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    1. It is funny, isn't it?!

      Thanks for sharing! I hope others find it useful!!

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  4. Hi! Just found your fun blog through TpT - I'm your newest follower!

    ✿Sue✿
    Science for Kids Blog

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  5. What a cute idea! I might have to try this. My kiddos are usually pretty good about not making a "teacher tail"...a line of kiddos waiting for me! =)

    Congratulations on achieving those huge milestones....that is awesome.

    I am happy to be your newest follower. I would love for you to hop over and visit when you get the chance. =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

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    1. Thank you so much, Heather! I'll be over to visit your blog in the near future for sure!

      Erin

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  6. Great visual for the kiddos! I love the line at the bottom, reminding them to keep working, while they are waiting - so important!

    I observed a friend teach about 7-8 years ago in First grade (US), and took a similar idea back to Australia for my first Grade 1 class, and was a huge success. Each child had decorated their own 'hand' with their name on it, and was backed with a magnet. At those student meeting/working times, she'd draw a circle in the middle of the board, and if the needed her for any reason, they'd place their hand in the circle and wait for their turn. I did the same and it worked a treat, even for those asking to use the restroom!

    My current classroom is very limited on board space these days with a middle primary classroom, and I am loving your idea for my current class.

    Many thanks for sharing!

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    1. That is a great idea as well, Laura!! I do agree about space though - this is totally easy to manage that way. And one suggestion... don't buy the cheapest clothes pins (i.e. dollar store). I have both those and nicer ones from a craft store in use in my room right now, and the little bit more I paid for the better ones has REALLY paid off!

      Thanks for leaving a comment!
      ~Erin

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  7. You have some brilliant ideas on here! Great blog :)

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  8. Oh my gosh!!! Totally and utterly brilliant!! Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your expertise :) :)

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    1. Haha! I love your enthusiasm, Kristen!! JUST what I needed on this day! :)

      So glad you like it!

      ~Erin

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  9. Okay, super cool that you saw your teacher...and that arm is a fabulous idea!! :) I'm pinning...
    Brandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners

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  10. What a smart idea! And soooo cute, too :) Thanks for linking up!!

    Elizabeth
    Fun in Room 4B

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    1. Thank you for hosting, Elizabeth!! I can't wait to get back over to check out all the posts that followed mine! I'm working on report cards today, but hopefully will find some time this weekend!

      ~Erin

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  11. Cute, Cute!
    April
    Adventures With Mrs.Cate

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  12. I love the waiting for teacher idea. I've seen hats, pom poms, etc., but this takes all the guessing out of what the children may need with out interrupting small groups. Great post!!!!
    Doreeen from http://www.doreensrockin3rdgrade.com

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  13. Thanks. I really appreciate your this piece but I need a little assistance cos I worked with children on the spectrum who are non vocal and of an average cognitive skill. My question how can I assist them in understanding this visual? Thanks.

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    1. Hi Lady Tee,

      Not knowing your students I'm afraid I won't be of any help here. I am a firm believer that any resource I bring into my classroom should be modified or adjusted to suit the needs of my particular students. What works with one group is not the same as what works with another group. Take the idea and make it yours!

      Erin

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  14. Thanks for the tips ew shared.
    It was very helpful.

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    1. Glad you found this helpful, Deepa! Thanks for stopping by!

      Erin

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  15. Did you create this yourself or do you have a printable for this?

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    1. No printable, Leslie! All I did was trace my own arm onto a piece of bristol board. :)

      Thanks for stopping by!
      Erin

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