The Progressional Clap
This one is my favorite. I don’t need to use my voice and there is the added bonus of knowing off-hand who is paying attention. Simply say in a quiet voice, “If you can hear me, clap once. … If you can hear me, clap twice. … If you can hear me, clap three times.” Rarely have I ever had to go more than three times. Humans are excellent when it comes following patterns. I enjoy using this one without explanation and seeing the students faces think, “I don’t know why we’re all clapping. But sure, I’ll join in.”