Attention Grabber Activity for effective classroom management

Start the year off strong with a simple, fun, and student-centered way to get your classroom attention — without nagging, shouting, or constant reminders. While setting rules and expectations is important, having a system in place for gaining focus when the classroom gets busy or noisy is just as critical for a smooth, successful school year.

Many teachers go with traditional methods like, “If you can hear me clap once…” — but here’s the thing: students engage more and follow through when they’re part of creating the system! This activity not only reinforces classroom management but also makes students feel like part of the team.

✨ How It Works: Cosmetology Attention Grabber Activity

1. Divide & Conquer
   Split your students into small groups. Give each group 10 minutes to brainstorm 3 cosmetology-themed attention grabbers, each with two parts:

• Teacher part: what you say first

• Student part: what students respond with

Example:

• Teacher: “Hair, Nails, and Skin!”

• Students: “We’re Listening!”

The students should know that after they say their part, they need to quiet down, look at you, and be ready for instructions.

1. pick the Best One
   Once time’s up, each group picks their favorite grabber. Have a student from each group write it on the whiteboard.

Practice all attention grabbers with the class:

• Teacher says your part

• Students say their part

• Everyone listens to how it sounds

Finally, let the class vote on their favorite attention grabber. 🗳️

1. Set Expectations
   Once the attention grabber is chosen, review:

• What happens each time it’s used

• How students should respond

• What the teacher will do if expectations aren’t met

Start using it immediately! Repeat your part as needed at first, but reinforce the expectations and consistency to build the habit. You can also set classroom consequences if students aren’t responding appropriately — it keeps accountability fair and clear.

💡 Why This Works

• Students feel like part of the classroom team

• Sets a positive tone while building classroom culture

• Helps students focus faster and get ready to learn

• Makes classroom management fun, creative, and collaborative

📝 Teacher Tips

• Let students be creative with their themes — salon humor, hair puns, or beauty references make it fun

• Keep the first few days light-hearted while practicing the attention grabber

• Revisit and adjust as needed throughout the year

• Encourage a classroom leader rotation to keep everyone involved

❤️ Give It a Try!

If you don’t already use a classroom attention grabber like this, try it with your students and watch the magic happen! Not only will it save you time, but it also empowers your students to be part of the solution while keeping your classroom running smoothly.

(Below are the classroom attention grabber Expectations that are posted for students to view while they work!)

Ready to Take Your Classroom to the Next Level?

If you found this free lesson helpful, just imagine what you can do with our premium lesson plans! Our premium resources are packed with more detailed instruction, done-for-you tools, engaging activities, and classroom-ready materials designed to help you save time, boost student engagement, and make your classroom truly thrive.

👉 Explore our Premium Lesson Plans and give your students the high-quality learning experience they deserve.

And don’t forget to stay connected! For more tips, strategies, and inspiration for cosmetology instructors:
✨ Follow us on YouTube for in-depth training and classroom ideas
✨ Follow us on TikTok for quick tips and inspiration
✨ Like our Facebook Page for updates and resources
✨ Join our Facebook Group to connect with other instructors, share ideas, and grow together

Let’s build stronger classrooms and more confident instructors—together! 💪