I would assume that this is not verbal and mathmatical. Could it be that your class is full of kinesthetic, spatial, musical and interpersonal learners. If so, the best way to get their attention may be to institute a physical, spatial, musical, interpersonal reward system, so that if they perform in verbal and mathmatical areas you give them a treat that they want in their own favorite learning style. Here is the text of that article. Juggling for Success, is a classroom based behavior management program designed to be introduced, preferably at the beginning of the school year.
Every check is a minute.
I might put a check in this box if everyone is well behaved all morning, or if everyone turns in their homework on time, or if you walk to the library and back quietly, or if the cafeteria lady tells me you were really great kids, or just because I like you. You never know how a check might get into the box. It will always be a surprise. Once there are a few checks in the box, you get to decide when to spend them. Then we ll vote, and the majority rules.