Use the class's own signal first: Kelly Education's sub tips say students already know their teacher's cue. This list is for substitute teachers meeting a class for the first time. If there is no signal, a raised hand, a clap-back or a countdown from ten work in almost any room. Each signal comes from a named source, such as Responsive Classroom, Edutopia, We Are Teachers or a state sub training plan.
| # | Name | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use the class's own signal | Best for the first five minutes in any room | Free |
| 2 | Raised hand | Best for a calm signal at any grade | Free |
| 3 | Clap-back pattern | Best for a noisy room that cannot see you | Free |
| 4 | Countdown from ten | Best for middle school and transitions | Free |
| 5 | Call and response | Best for primary grades that like to chant | Free |
| 6 | Deliver, wait, thank, proceed | Best for a sub who tends to talk over the noise | Free |
| 7 | Chime or bell | Best for group work and centers | Free |
| 8 | If you can hear me, touch your nose | Best for a room where only half are listening | Free |
| 9 | Lower your voice | Best for keeping your voice through a long day | Free |
| 10 | Flash the lights | Best for a quick reset during group work | Free |
Kelly Education's sub tips say to use the regular teacher's attention getters whenever you can, because students already know them, and to bring your own only when the teacher has none. Ask the class in the first minute how their teacher gets them quiet, then use exactly that.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Students sometimes invent a signal to test a sub, so check it against the teacher's note or the teacher next door.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Responsive Classroom describes a raised hand as a core visual signal: you raise your hand, students raise theirs and stop talking, and you wait until everyone is quiet before you speak. It works without a word, so it does not add to the noise.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Students deep in group work may not see you, so pair it with a sound when the room is busy.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Edutopia's list of attention getters describes clapping a pattern that the class claps back, with the sound spreading until everyone has joined. It suggests switching to snaps for a quieter version, or letting a student lead.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for A class that loves it may keep clapping, so teach the stop: one clap back, then hands still.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Kelly Education's middle school tips describe counting down from ten loud enough for most of the room, with students joining in so the class is ready by one. It needs no teaching, which makes it a safe choice for a group that has never met you.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Count at a steady pace and do not restart, or the countdown starts to feel like a game to stretch out.
What we read: the source for this entry.
We Are Teachers lists call and response as a first way to stop yelling: you say a set phrase, the class answers with its half and goes quiet. A sub can teach one pair in the first minutes and practice it once.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for A new phrase only works after it has been taught, so practice it before you need it.
What we read: the source for this entry.
The Illinois State Board of Education's training plan for short-term subs lists the quiet signal as four steps: deliver the signal, wait, thank the class, then go on. Waiting in silence until the room settles is the step most new subs skip.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Waiting feels long on a first day, so stand still where everyone can see you and let it work.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Responsive Classroom suggests adding a chime once a class knows the visual signal, so students can respond without seeing you. A small chime is easy to carry in a sub bag.
Free with a raised hand; a chime is an optional extra.
Watch for A sound only works once the class knows what it means, so explain it and practice once.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Kelly Education's middle school tips describe saying "if you can hear me" and naming an action, such as hands on heads or touching noses. Students who hear copy the action, and the rest notice and join in.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Older students may find it silly, so keep the actions quick and move straight to your direction.
What we read: the source for this entry.
We Are Teachers suggests speaking more quietly instead of louder, because students tend to talk over a teacher who yells. Dropping to a calm, low voice makes students lean in to hear.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for It works best with a signal first; on its own, a low voice can be missed in a very loud room.
What we read: the source for this entry.
Edutopia's list includes flashing the lights quickly, like a theater cue, to tell students to stop talking and look up. It notes it works well as a quick reminder during group work.
Free; needs nothing.
Watch for Some schools or students do not suit flashing lights, so ask the office or check the teacher's note first.
What we read: the source for this entry.
We weighed these, most important first. The order is our judgement against them, not a score or a vote, and a different teacher could reasonably order it differently.
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Last checked October 30, 2026. Something out of date or missing? Tell us and we will fix it; makers can send corrections, never money.