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March 16, 2016

How to silence a noisy classroom

Written by Andy Martin
5 ways to silence a noisy classroom

Do you find it difficult to quieten a class or group in order to gain their attention?

Have a look at the 5 ways to silence a noisy classroom, summarised from an article by Rob Plevin in TES.

1.The unexpected

Do something that your pupils are not expecting but without an immediate explanation.

“I’ll explain when you’ve stopped talking.”

2.Tasks in an envelope

Build up anticipation by handing them a sealed envelope with instructions and any needed resources.

“You can open it when you are quiet.”

3.Musical sounds

Children quickly get used to recognizing a particular sound as a signal for a required action.

Shaking tambourine – “Story time, be quiet and sit down”

4.Anchors to silence a noisy classroom

Use a fixed mark on the floor, crazy hat or sound of a hand bell to mark the beginning of an announcement.

“Pens down and listen”

5.Use the ring leaders

Out of earshot, ask a popular student to help quieten the group for a particular activity.

“If Sally wants us to be quiet it must be good”

Check out our other Teaching Assistant related posts:

How Teaching Assistants Can Improve Classroom Behaviour Are too many troubled children keeping you awake? Teaching Children With Hyperactivity

The role of a teaching assistant (classroom assistant) is extremely enjoyable

The working hours extremely convenient for many people, particularly those with school age children. But although the ratio of teaching assistants to teachers continues to rise there is a lot of competition to actually get a post.

So if you do not currently have a placement you should find it easier to obtain an interview and indeed get a job if you either have a qualification, or are currently undertaking an accredited teaching assistant course.

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