Suggestions

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Home : 2004 : October : 13

Suggestions
By Illini Teacher

I too teach sixth grade in a middle school setting. I have 2 techniques.

1. Quiet signal--I teach them that when I raise my hand they do as well. They also do 5 things (1 for each finger on their hand_
mouths quiet,
eyes on speaker, hands free, listening (I can't remember the 5th, but you get the idea!)
This works 9 times out of 10 after a little practice. I time them and make it a game. "Great, it only took you 1 minute to be quiet. Tomorrow lets try for 50 seconds." The ultimate goal is everyone's hand up and quiet in 5 seconds or less.
2. "Clap"
Clap once if you can hear my voice
Clap

twice if you can hear my voice
Clap three time if you can hear my voice.

You say this in a normal voice and usually by three you have everyone. The first few times it was 6, but they got the hang of it!

Hope these help! If not, email me, I have some more tricks up my sleeve!