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By Virginia

Jen, I have used this technique in kindergarten, first, and second grades and it works like a charm.

I tell my class (using a dramatic flare!) that we are going to have a secret code word that no other class in the whole
school has. We discuss about three different codes and I let the class vote for their favorite. We even graph the results.
For example, if I say "spaghetti", the class will immediately answer "meatballs". We have used "cheeseburger" and "fries", "ice cream" and "sundae", "peanut butter" and "jelly" to name a few.
I stress to the class that whenever I say my part of our code...they

must immediately answer with their part, and then TOTAL SILENCE. I explained to my class that sometimes I need everyone's attention immediately. Whenever we use our "code" system, I must be able to hear the clock tick ---- the kids love it.