In order to teach students anything you have to have their attention. Something as simple as "If you can hear me clap once," is enough to bring a chaotic class back to order.

But getting students' attention and keeping it are two different things; something has to come after the clap, whether it be a game, an activity, or some other kind of definitive enrichment opportunity. Otherwise it becomes an empty gesture, and children abhor a vacuum. The unspoken, and occasionally shouted, rule that kids live by is "of you don't hold my attention then I'll find something that will." The trick to a good AG is to remember:

1. Attention Getters buy you a few minutes, at max.

2. Something cool and interesting needs to come right after the AG.

With these two simple steps you'll turn an ineffectual slogan into a fast, effective, classroom management strategy. Good luck!