Noise

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Noise
By AM

I usually reward the class with points if they are working hard. This starts things off on a good note. I usually get an idea based on the assignment whether it should be quiet or not. If they are working independently
then it is silent. Some classes have a lot of silent time while others do not. I also ask the kids I trust how loud they usually are and if this is how loud they usually are. Most of the time they want things to be status quo so badly that they are dying to tell me how they usually do things.
The main thing I do to keep them quiet is get on them as soon as the first student whispers.

That is really important because once one student gets away with it, they all start. I also flip their card if they use that system and be up front and very firm about it. The first student I hear flips his/her card, no questions. That way the others get the idea that I mean business. With the point system I can take away a class point if needed. That really gets them.

All in all I think you have to have something for them to shoot for when you are only there for a day. A treat or an award or, sometimes stickers works well.

Hope that helps.