noisy classroom

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : April : 27

noisy classroom
By Cathy-Dee

I totally agree with Carolyn. It is hard sometimes to modify or control the behaviour of students especially as they probably are like this all the time.

I teach grade one and I have the worst class this year for talking
all the time, talking when I'm talking or reading, name calling, etc., Too many of my kids are related or live in the same neighbourhood, so all the petty little fights from home end up in my classroom. And I work constantly every day on their behaviour. We have made progress, but then there are days like today I was ready to pull my hair out. I sometimes dread subs coming in because

they must think I have no classroom management skills.

Now having said this, there are a few things you could try next time you have a class like this that might help.

- bring along a tape or CD of quiet music. I use music quite often and make it a rule that if they cannot hear the music, they are too loud. The music is also quite soothing for some students.

- Whenever the room gets too noise, I have everyone put their heads down for 5 minutes. At the end I remind them that being noisy makes it hard for everyone to work, etc., and they need to work at being quiet.

- Thank anyone you see sitting quietly - kids love praise - this works especially well with grades K to 3, but can work at any grade level. I do this quite often and my kids will conform quickly because they want to be noticed too.

- Jelly Beans - I put jelly beans on the desks of kids who are working quietly and get their work done.

- make it into a bit of a contest or competition -let them know before recess for example you will be watching for the best row or group. Let them earn points all day to see which group is the best workers for the day and that you'll leave a note to their teacher letting them know who did the best.

- Play mystery workers (I do this with walkers in the hallway too). Let them know you are picking 3 students (it's a mystery) and if they are doing what they are supposed to when you are watching them they can earn a treat. Doesn't have to be anything elaborate either - stickers for example.

You'd think with all these ideas my kids would be great - I think they just get bored way too quick compared to my other classes. I have to keep changing what I'm doing because they just quit responding. But I'm determined to get them on-line and in tip-top shape for second grade no matter what!