When my elementary students start to get loud I say quietly "1,2,3, Eyes on
Me". Those who can hear me loudly say "1,2, Eyes on You". They all want to
say it, so as soon as they hear the "1,2" they all jump in. I started using
it with my primary students, but sometimes I'll slip and say it to my upper
elementary (5th & 6th). They'll grin and repeat the refrain as well! *L* For
high school and middle school I simply start writing on the chalkboard.
Since I don't use the chalkboard much they all quiet down to see what I'm
writing (funny how they can't read & talk at the same time). Sometimes I
write down an assignment, reminder, quote or vocabulary word for their
sketchbooks, but sometimes I'll write down PART of a joke. Then they have to
be REALLLY quiet for the rest of the period if they want to know the
punchline (no this doesn't always work, but most of the time it does).
~Michal
