How to Control Classroom Noise
Part of being a teacher is making sure that your class is disciplined and well behaved. This includes keeping the noise levels in the classroom to a minimum. However, this isn’t always easy and can be quite draining. We’ve put together a list of 10 simple tips for you that will make it so much easier for you to reduce the volume in your class. These include providing incentives and rewards, channeling their energy and so much more. Remember not to lose your patience and be calm and composed no matter how noisy it gets, as you have to lead by example and the students are always looking to you as a role model.
1. Find the Source
The first step in controlling classroom noise is to find out where it’s coming from. Usually, it is the same few students in the class who are responsible for instigating the noise, the rest just follow through. It’s not always easy to find who these students are but if you silently observe, you shall be able to find them. When you find them you can figure out a solution to the best way to deal with them. It could involve giving them responsibilities to channel their energy, switching their seats to make sure that they sit far apart, or even just a mild conversation with them.
2. Communicate with Your Students
Instead of yelling at them when they’re making noise, gently explain to them why you need them to lessen the noise. Tell them about how it takes away valuable learning time and disrupts the class. Let them know that it has nothing to do with authority, but that you all are a team and need to help each other grow by adhering to rules.
3. Reward the Quiet Students
Make sure to notice and appreciate those students who are quiet. It is important so that you can encourage them to keep quiet and prevent them from making noise in the future. You can do so by verbally thanking them or giving them small rewards such as stars or candy. It is also important so that the noisy ones notice this and stop doing so so that they too can be rewarded.
4. Take Away Privileges
To create some sort of order and discipline in the classroom it is important that you enforce the no noise rule. If you have tried other methods such as gently telling them, the reward system, etc. and students still aren’t listening; it may be time to take away their privileges. They need to know that their disobedience has consequences; if they continue to be noisy you will take away their privileges such as storytime, or a fun activity. This will encourage them to follow the rules and listen to the teacher.
5. Stand Up and Stretch
Sometimes students may be noisy because they have too much energy inside them. If you feel like the students are getting distracted and making noise, get them to stand up, do some stretches, maybe a minute of meditation, and then begin again. This will help them channel their energy in a positive manner and get them to focus.
6. Use a Soft Voice
The best way to deal with noise in the classroom is to counter it with a gentle low voice or whisper. This might sound silly but it works wonders. Make sure to always speak in that manner to your students throughout the class so that they can follow your example and speak softly. Raising your voice at them will only teach them that it’s okay to do so and will lead to a noisy classroom. Even if they are making noise and you softly give them instructions, it’ll take a few minutes but they will cut it out to listen to you and it will even make them feel guilty of it and prevent them from doing so in the future.
7. Assign a Group Leader
To make your life easier and to give students a sense of authority, assign groups, and group leaders. The group leader has to monitor and control the noise level in the classroom. Keep changing the group leaders so that everyone in the class gets a chance to be one. Giving the students authority and control in the classroom gives them a feeling of ownership and hence they will respect the classroom and keep noise levels to a minimum.
8. Use Gestures to Indicate Noise Levels
Shouting at the students to keep it low when noise levels are high will only contribute to the noise. Instead, use gestures and actions such as a clap to remind them to keep it low, or put a finger on your lips as an indication that it’s too noisy. This has a lot more power than you think and is a peaceful way of getting your students to listen.
9. Turn It Into a Game
Who doesn’t like games? Turn your classroom into a game. Play something like Simon says in order to trick your students into being quiet. That way they won’t even realize that it and yet it will be an effective technique. You can even have competitions for who can stay quiet for the longest. It will train your students to be calm and soft-spoken in the long run as they are learning through play.
10. Offer Incentives
Incentives always work. Students need some kind of motivation to do things. By offering them an incentive such as extra storytime or a longer break if they behave well in class, it will encourage them to be on their best behavior. You can even have a system in place such as stars for each student. Whoever gets the most stars in a month gets a treat, such as a pizza party. This will be a great way to motivate and discipline students.
With these 10 simple tips and tricks, you can keep your classroom orderly and control the noise level. All it takes us a bit of patience and the right strategies and you’ve got it under control. Happy Teaching!