Noise is one of the most common complaints from teachers. It can make it difficult to hear other students, focus on the lesson, and even enjoy teaching. But there are things you can do to help reduce noise in your classroom.
Why is noise a problem in the classroom?
In any classroom, noise can be a problem. It can interfere with learning, and it can be disruptive to the teacher and other students. There are a number of reasons why noise is a problem in the classroom.
One reason is that noise can be distracting. When students are trying to listen to the teacher or work on an assignment, background noise can make it difficult to concentrate. Additionally, noise can be disruptive to the flow of lessons and class time. If students are constantly talking or making other noises, it can be difficult for the teacher to keep everyone on track.
Another reason why noise is a problem in the classroom is that it can be disrespectful. When students are talking or making other noises, they are not paying attention to the teacher or their classmates. This can create an environment where it feels like nobody is listening or respecting each other.
How can I successfully oversee a noisy classroom?
To successfully oversee a noisy classroom, you should give students clear expectations for behavior and be consistent with your consequences. You can also provide opportunities for students to move around the room or take brain breaks. Classroom management is key to keeping a noisy classroom under control.
How do I transition from a noisy classroom to a quiet one?
When it comes to noise in the classroom, teachers have a few options. They can try to transitions from a noisy classroom to a quiet one. This can be done by using different techniques such as setting up clear expectations for behavior, using verbal and nonverbal cues, and providing incentives for good behaviour.
One way to make a class less noisy is to set up clear expectations for behaviour at the beginning of the year or semester. This means that teachers need to be explicit about what they expect from their students in terms of noise level. It’s also important to model the desired behavior yourself. Students are more likely to follow your lead if you’re setting a good example.
Another technique that can be used is called “fading” which means that you gradually reduce the amount of attention you give to students who are being noisy.
Praise Students Silently
When you praise students, it should be done in a way that doesn’t make others feel uncomfortable. For example, instead of clapping, you could give a thumbs up or say “good job.” This will let the student know that you’re happy with their work without making a big deal out of it.
Resources You Can Use in Your Noisy Classrooms
If you’re struggling to keep your classroom quiet, you’re not alone. Noisy classrooms are a common problem, but there are things you can do to help.
One way to reduce noise is to provide students with headphones or earplugs. This can be especially helpful for students who are sensitive to noise or have difficulty focusing.
You can also try using visual aids to help students stay on task. For example, you might display a picture of a quiet classroom on the wall or use a timer to signal when it’s time for students to transition to the next activity.
Finally, make sure you’re providing plenty of opportunities for students to practice speaking quietly. This could involve role-playing activities, working in small groups, or giving students regular reminders about the need to speak softly.
Try some of the following strategies to reduce noise in the classroom:
1. Incorporate mindfulness.
Mindfulness is an ancient practice that can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. It involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, being aware of your thoughts and physical sensations, and accepting the world around you without trying to change it. To incorporate mindfulness into your classroom, try setting aside time every day to practice mindful meditation or deep breathing exercises with your students. Additionally, be aware of your students thoughts and feelings throughout the day, noticing them without judging them. Finally, take time to appreciate the small moments in with both yourself and your students by savoring experiences like when they are working in a positive manner or are showing kindness to their classmates.
2. Set up a calm down corner.
A calm down corner is a place in classroom where children can go to relax and gain control of their emotions. This could be a designated area with comfortable seating, toys, books, and activities such as coloring or play-doh. You may also want to include items that encourage deep breathing, such as a stress ball or a visual stimulus. The goal is to create an inviting space that encourages calming and self-regulation.
3. Make journaling part of the daily routine.
We all know how important it is to journal, but many of us don’t make it a priority in our lives or with our students. Set aside designated time for your students to be organised and be productive, consider adding journaling as part of your daily routine. Encourage your students to write down their thoughts, ideas, and goals. You can also use journaling as a way to reflect on the events of the day or record gratitude for the things they are thankful for in themselves and others. Making journaling a part of your daily routine in the classroom will help keep your students to remain focused and motivated to work towards their goals and allow for a period of silence in the classroom.
4. Gather for class meetings.
Adding a purposeful voice to your students, even though they constantly use it at the wrong times can empower them to think differently in the classroom and recognise the needs and wants of those around them. Ideally, having a class or cohort meeting would allow for students to voice their opinion on the noise level in the classroom and discuss ways to bring the noise level down. You might be surprised, your students might think of ways to bring the noise down which you didn’t even consider.
5. Encourage artistic expression.
Encourage your students to express themselves through art and silence. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, or any other creative outlet, allow them to explore and develop their own style but making sure you make it clear that this designated time is for them to feel present and in the moment. Give them access to different materials and tools so they can experiment and discover what interests them. Encourage discussion about their work and discuss how it felt to be quiet during art and if they can focus in other subjects with reduced noise levels.
6. Don’t just pull out the calming strategies in crisis moments
It’s important to remember that calming strategies should be used before a crisis occurs, as well as during and after. Before a crisis, find ways to recognise potential triggers or warning signs and use calming strategies to help manage the emotions or situations that may lead to a crisis. During a crisis, use calming strategies to de-escalate the situation, like deep breathing exercises or guided imagery. After a crisis, it is important for both the person in distress and those around them to take some time to relax and destress.
Conclusion
The piece offers several strategies for teachers to make their classrooms less noisy. Some of these include: designating a specific area for loud work, using noise-cancelling headphones, and being consistent with rules and consequences.
