My 5 Step Solution for a Noisy Classroom

Associates, I’ve a query for you: Is the voice of the scholars in your class too loud?

So welcome to the membership that nobody desires to hitch (sure, I’ve jokes).

I can relate to college students who’ve issue preserving their voices out the place they belong.

And Principals complaining concerning the noise within the classroom.

No matter introduced you right here, we each know there is no magic answer to this minor (however very loud) downside.

Sure, all of us want we had a magic wand typically. Sadly nobody found HE but. So, we’ll must go along with the subsequent smartest thing…

What’s that?

Watch this week’s episode to search out out.

Are you prepared?

Let’s dive!

However First A Brief Story!

Coping with a loud classroom could be tough. I do know, I have been there numerous instances. Getting children to make use of indoor sounds within the classroom looks as if a battle yearly, and a few years are tougher than others.

I consider a yr. That yr, I had 4 younger sons in my class, all dwelling in the identical residence. They’d grown up collectively and their moms had been mates, in order that they had been fairly shut.

Since these kids might stroll, they performed collectively on the playground of their residence every single day. They had been extra like brothers than classmates, which was nice for them, however unhealthy for me, as a result of their shouting within the classroom obtained uncontrolled.

I saved asking them to make use of their interior voice, however the issue was… they’d no interior voice to make use of!

Suffice to say, I used to be on the sting of my thoughts. What was I alleged to do?

Years later, I developed a five-step answer to this downside (I want I had considered it earlier) and I am sharing it with you as we speak.

Uncover My 5-Step Resolution for a Noisy Classroom

Almost every preschool teacher on the planet will tell you they have a loud classroom. It’s simply something that comes with the territory. 

And while it may seem like you’re fighting a losing battle, there are ways to teach smarter, not harder when it comes to helping your kids understand the differences in voice volume and which situations are appropriate for each.

Here is a five-step solution that does just that.

Step #1

Ask yourself: Which noise level do I feel is appropriate for the age group I work with? Are my expectations realistic? Do I need to adjust my expectations? Sometimes, those most bothered by noise in early childhood classrooms are those who are new to teaching this age group.

You see, there is a big difference between teaching a class of three-year-old kids and teaching a class of seven-year-old kids. One of them needs much more work and effort to learn what inside and outside voices are compared to the other. 

Step #2

Take into consideration the students in front of you. Ask yourself this question: Do they know what inside and outside voices are? Have I taught them how to modulate their voice levels? Your students won’t understand how to control their volume unless you teach them how.

Step #3

Use tools! Something as simple as a t-chart can be a great way to teach your students how to regulate their volume in the classroom. 

Create an “Inside/Outside Voices” t-chart with your students. If your class has difficulty with specific voice levels like when they’re at centers or in the hallway, you can also create a chart for that at a separate time.

Step #4

As you know, I love using fingerplays as a learning tool. And guess what? You can also use them here! Use fingerplays with louder and softer voices to teach your students the concept of inside and outside voices. Fingerplays such as Itsy Bitsy Spider and Two Little Red Birds are perfect for this.

Step #5

As always, don’t forget to use visual cues. A lot of children learn better when we use pictures and images. So, naturally, our last step is to use visual cues to scaffold for success.

I discuss all of this in more depth (plus share some pitfalls to avoid and troubleshooting tips) in the episode above, so make sure to give it a listen when you can!