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How to Control a Noisy Class: Strategies for Different Grade Levels
Managing a noisy classroom can be a daunting task for any teacher. Developing the ability to control a noisy class is a skill every teacher must possess in the modern classroom. Whether you're dealing with energetic primary students or naughty middle schoolers, finding effective methods to regain control is crucial for a productive learning environment.

In this article, I share tailored strategies to help you maintain a calm and focused classroom atmosphere:

Calming Kids in Elementary and Middle School
1. Count down from five: This classic technique remains a great tool. Many experienced Teachers like find success in counting down from five, (5...4...3....2....) signaling students to refocus their attention.

2. Five-step quiet-down ritual:

Teachers must learn to follow a five-step process to attain full student attention:

    1. Focus their eyes on the speaker
    2. Be quiet
    3. Be still
    4. Empty their hands
    5. Listen
3. The Big Book of Call-and-Response:

Control a noisy class

Establish a call-and-response system to gain students' attention. For instance:

Teacher: "1, 2, 3, eyes on me." Students: "1, 2, eyes on you."

4. If you can hear me, breathe:

Encourage mindful breathing alongside your request for silence. Ask students to take a deep breath if they can hear you. I personally find this to be highly effective.

5. Simon Says with a twist:

Engage students with a variation of Simon Says. Start with simple actions and gradually lower your voice until students are listening intently.

6. The clap-back:

Do a rhythmic pattern with claps and snaps to draw your student's focus. Combine this with a calming "waterfall" motion for added effect.

7. Hand signals:

Use hand signals to gently gain their attention. For instance, gradually closing your hand can signal students to quiet down.

8. Noise-level charts:

Display a chart showing appropriate noise levels for different class activities. Refer to it when things start to get too loud.

9. The "Silent 20":

In middle school, introduce the "Silent 20" game. If all students return to their seats and remain completely silent within 20 seconds, offer a reward like additional marks or advancing in a classroom game

10. Word of the week:

Control a noisy class

Use a dedicated word of the week as a signal for silence. This is good because it can tie into vocabulary-building exercises.

11. Spell it out:

Use wooden letters spelling "NOISE" with magnets on a whiteboard. Adjust the letters as noise levels rise to subtly remind students to quiet down.

Keeping High School Students Composed

12. Play music:

Incorporate background music, to create a focused atmosphere. You can download free soundtrack here

13. Offer a polite verbal warning:

Give students a one-minute heads-up before transitioning to a new activity. This helps them prepare and reduces resistance.

14. Request "professional courtesy":

Set the expectation that students give their full attention during a lesson by having them adjust themselves including all materials and devices and be present in the moment.

15. Strike up a conversation:

Control a noisy class

Engage a some students in the front with a question or topic related to the lesson. This encourages the rest of the class to quiet down in order to listen in.

16. Shock them:

Utilize unexpected tactics like speaking in a different language or breaking into song. The surprise element can effectively redirect attention.

17. Go silent:

Stand quietly until curiosity prompts students to quiet down. Use phrases like "I'll wait" to reinforce the need for silence.

Remember, every class is unique, so it's essential to adapt and experiment with these strategies to find what works best for your students. Additionally, having a backup plan is always wise in case a particularly energetic class requires an alternative approach.

How to control a noisy classroom by Educator Hub

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