On 11/08/16, farisha wrote:
> On 11/08/16, Omar wrote:
>> On 11/08/16, Farisha wrote:
>>> Hello fellow teachers,
>>>
>>> My name is Farisha and I am currently in my third year of
>>> teacher Year 2 at an independent school in Sydney. I am
>>> always trying to find new strategies to implement in my
>>> classroom.
>>>
>>> One issue that I have been struggling with is the noise
>>> level in my classroom.
>>> I try to always find ways to use their chattiness to my
>>> advantage - lots of group work, turn and talks, debates,
>>> presentations, ect.
>>>
>>> I find that seating arrangements work well with my class as
>>> there are only a few really chatty ones... but they always
>>> manage to find someone new to chat with.
>>>
>>> What are some different strategies you use in your
>>> classroom to keep your children engaged and the noise level
>>> down?
>>>
>>> Farisha.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Hi Farisha,
>>
>> I can relate to the issue your having with your class.
>> The strategies I use in my class is something called a class
>> sound meter. I find that it builds the students awareness of
>> appropriate volume, ranging from silence to too loud.
>>
>> Alternatively, I use a colourful poster that have the levels
>> of noise which is ideal for controlling the amount of
>> conversation that my students should be having, depending on
>> what type of activity they are doing.
>>
>> I hope this helps!
>>
>> Omar.
>
>
>
> Thanks Omar for sharing your strategy.
>
> I find that getting my class to settle down, and addressing
> constant low-level disruption, is part and parcel of delivering
> a successful lesson.
>
> I have used the traffic light system before and I also find
> that it's great in making your expectations clear to the whole
> class.
>
> The other thing I think is important to remember is to ask
> yourself if they are chatty, but engaged. As teachers, we often
> associate quiet with students who are engaged and this is often
> not the case.
>
> Farisha.
>
>
>
>
I agree!
That is a huge deal for me. I want my kids to be working
silently, but that is my own biases of what I "think" learning
should look like. However, it is not what learning looks like or
even should look like for this matter.
Of course, there are times of the day where they need to be
working silently; independent reading, independent skill practice
for math, but the majority of the day is spent collaborating and
strengthening their understanding of skills by teaching and
learning from others.
I think your on the right track in taking advantage of your
students chattiness. Your really turning something negative into
positive by implementing activities that promote discussion.
Thanks for your insights :)
Omar.
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