working quietly

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Home : 2002 : March : 5

working quietly
By Cathy-Dee

It takes a lot of effort on the part of the teacher. I know even when I go out for a conference and we are all at tables working, even we grown-ups can get loud when we get going.

I use a lot of low-key reminders, ringing
a bell when the noise level gets too high, flicking the lights off for a second. After a few weeks the students become better at staying quieter with less reminders.
Also I find playing quiet music sometimes helps - I tell them they need to be able to hear the music at all times. Often I make this a almost no-talk time. They can ask a question from their neighbour for example, but

no casual talking. I allow for talking throughout the day so I do not think it is asking for the impossible to have my class quiet during certain work times.

Always having something for them to do, sometimes the nosiest ones are those who have finished before the others. I always have extra projects, workbooks, etc., for those who finish early to do.