student making noise but you don't know who it is – help!

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Classroom Discipline Chatboard

student making noise but you don't know who it is - help!

by Moose

Jul 3, 2012

What do you do if a student is making noise - whistling, tapping ... and it is distracting, but you don't know who it is? Do you stop the class to find out who it is? But they won't tell on each other (I teach high school). Do you punish the whole class? Any good suggestions? Thank you!

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Michelle I realize it's different in middle school than high school but trying to figure out who's making the noise, engaging them in conversation and changing seats is wasting your teaching time, which is exactly what they want. I have had success with simply nipping it in the bud by telling them they have interrupted my lesson so they will pay the price. ...See MoreI realize it's different in middle school than high school but trying to figure out who's making the noise, engaging them in conversation and changing seats is wasting your teaching time, which is exactly what they want. I have had success with simply nipping it in the bud by telling them they have interrupted my lesson so they will pay the price. I realize that a "blanket punishment" is not fair but is sometimes necessary.....you might never figure out who the culprit is! This is my 33rd year of teaching and this method of dealing with the issue has never failed; if it does, then I just call an administrator to come in....it has never escalated the situation; and besides, that's what the administrators are paid for! I agree....never raise your voice or get visibly upset. Remain calm and continue with the lesson. Don't get down to kids' maturity level and argue with them...you're the mature one...you're the teacher!

On 7/08/12, subbed with whistling student wrote:

> My suggestions, learned through experience: > Do not show irritation, that is what they want. remain totally calm. > Do not punish the whole class. NOT FAIR. > Do not call the admin. This escalates the situation. > Usually you can tell the general area of where the noise is coming > from. Look for the student who has a fake overly innocent look > whenever you glance in his direction but does not look at you, > pretends to be totally intent on his work, etc. > Look away from him a couple of times, and if the noise starts > whenever you look away and stops whenever you glance back at him, > then you have found the culprit. If he asks, self-righteously, > "what are you looking at me for?" > Say, very calmly and casually, "Oh, I don't know. whenever I look > at you that strange whistling stops." He will act indignant. Tell > him to get back to work. At his point, someone else may make the > noise from across the room. Say, in a bemused manner, "Oh, it > looks like you have a friend!" Because you have remained calm, > most likely they will stop because you are not making it fun for > them by getting upset. > I agree with the previous poster about walking around a a lot, but > when I had the noise situation, they would start it whenever I > walked away from them. If need be,tell as the offenders to move to > different seats. If they ask why, just say, "Oh, I think maybe > you'll be able to work better over here." If they refuse to move, > calmly write them up for insubordination. Above all, remain > totally calm and non-confrontational.Do not raise your voice or > even use a mean tone. If you become visibly upset, you have lost. > > > On 7/07/12, Teacher1 wrote: >> Usually noises without a source happen when I am lecturing (I >> can walk around during group work and quickly figure out where >> the noise is coming from). So I will briefly pause, tell the >> class to stop with the weird noise, and then move on. It helps >> to constantly keep the kids on their toes by cold calling, >> walking around, asking students to come to the board, asking >> students if they understand, asking students to restate an >> explanation, etc. If they are paying attention and engaged, >> there is no room for off task noises. >> >> But if I have a student who is feeling particularly annoying >> that day, I will play this sound: >> [link removed]!

Jul 9, 2012

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subbed with whistling student Nothing that I suggested takes up more than a few seconds. I stand by my suggestions regardless of whether you have been teaching 1033 years. Blanket punishments give the culprit too much power over the rest of the class.

On 7/09/12, Michelle wrote: > I realize it's different in middle school than high school but > trying to figure o...See MoreNothing that I suggested takes up more than a few seconds. I stand by my suggestions regardless of whether you have been teaching 1033 years. Blanket punishments give the culprit too much power over the rest of the class.

On 7/09/12, Michelle wrote: > I realize it's different in middle school than high school but > trying to figure out who's making the noise, engaging them in > conversation and changing seats is wasting your teaching time, which > is exactly what they want. I have had success with simply nipping > it in the bud by telling them they have interrupted my lesson so > they will pay the price. I realize that a "blanket punishment" is > not fair but is sometimes necessary.....you might never figure out > who the culprit is! This is my 33rd year of teaching and this > method of dealing with the issue has never failed; if it does, then > I just call an administrator to come in....it has never escalated > the situation; and besides, that's what the administrators are paid > for! I agree....never raise your voice or get visibly upset. > Remain calm and continue with the lesson. Don't get down to kids' > maturity level and argue with them...you're the mature one...you're > the teacher! > > On 7/08/12, subbed with whistling student wrote: > >> My suggestions, learned through experience: >> Do not show irritation, that is what they want. remain totally > calm. >> Do not punish the whole class. NOT FAIR. >> Do not call the admin. This escalates the situation. >> Usually you can tell the general area of where the noise is coming >> from. Look for the student who has a fake overly innocent look >> whenever you glance in his direction but does not look at you, >> pretends to be totally intent on his work, etc. >> Look away from him a couple of times, and if the noise starts >> whenever you look away and stops whenever you glance back at him, >> then you have found the culprit. If he asks, self-righteously, >> "what are you looking at me for?" >> Say, very calmly and casually, "Oh, I don't know. whenever I look >> at you that strange whistling stops." He will act indignant. Tell >> him to get back to work. At his point, someone else may make the >> noise from across the room. Say, in a bemused manner, "Oh, it >> looks like you have a friend!" Because you have remained calm, >> most likely they will stop because you are not making it fun for >> them by getting upset. >> I agree with the previous poster about walking around a a lot, but >> when I had the noise situation, they would start it whenever I >> walked away from them. If need be,tell as the offenders to move to >> different seats. If they ask why, just say, "Oh, I think maybe >> you'll be able to work better over here." If they refuse to move, >> calmly write them up for insubordination. Above all, remain >> totally calm and non-confrontational.Do not raise your voice or >> even use a mean tone. If you become visibly upset, you have lost. >> >> >> On 7/07/12, Teacher1 wrote: >>> Usually noises without a source happen when I am lecturing (I >>> can walk around during group work and quickly figure out where >>> the noise is coming from). So I will briefly pause, tell the >>> class to stop with the weird noise, and then move on. It helps >>> to constantly keep the kids on their toes by cold calling, >>> walking around, asking students to come to the board, asking >>> students if they understand, asking students to restate an >>> explanation, etc. If they are paying attention and engaged, >>> there is no room for off task noises. >>> >>> But if I have a student who is feeling particularly annoying >>> that day, I will play this sound: >>> [link removed]!

Jul 10, 2012

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Michelle Whoa...no reason to get hostile! I have many, many years of teaching experience. I have taught just about every grade level during my career, from Kindergarten to tenth grade but remained for most of my career with middle school. There will always be class clowns as well as students with serious disciplinary issues. I have never had a problem manag...See MoreWhoa...no reason to get hostile! I have many, many years of teaching experience. I have taught just about every grade level during my career, from Kindergarten to tenth grade but remained for most of my career with middle school. There will always be class clowns as well as students with serious disciplinary issues. I have never had a problem managing any problems that arise, including mysterious noises or sounds. Every teacher's personality is different. Some teachers only have to look at the class and the culprits stop the irritating behavior. Some teachers have to call for reinforcements (administrators), some engage in a dialogue with the students, etc, etc. I don't have this particular problem often enough to worry about blanket punishments or their effects. I have never had a complaint from students, parents, colleagues, administrators or the guilty culprits, themselves. The students are thankful that they never have to be subjected to the irritating behavior again....an extra few pages for a reading assignment isn't going to "kill" anyone. One thing is for sure....the behavior in question never occurs in my classroom again. Your philosophy and mine obviously differ and it all boils down to "different strokes for different folks". That's my story and I, too, am sticking to it. When you land a teaching job and have some years' experience under your belt you'll be more equipped to argue your position.

On 7/10/12, subbed with whistling student wrote: > Nothing that I suggested takes up more than a few seconds. I stand by my > suggestions regardless of whether you have been teaching 1033 years. > Blanket punishments give the culprit too much power over the rest of the > class. > > > > On 7/09/12, Michelle wrote: >> I realize it's different in middle school than high school but >> trying to figure out who's making the noise, engaging them in >> conversation and changing seats is wasting your teaching time, which >> is exactly what they want. I have had success with simply nipping >> it in the bud by telling them they have interrupted my lesson so >> they will pay the price. I realize that a "blanket punishment" is >> not fair but is sometimes necessary.....you might never figure out >> who the culprit is! This is my 33rd year of teaching and this >> method of dealing with the issue has never failed; if it does, then >> I just call an administrator to come in....it has never escalated >> the situation; and besides, that's what the administrators are paid >> for! I agree....never raise your voice or get visibly upset. >> Remain calm and continue with the lesson. Don't get down to kids' >> maturity level and argue with them...you're the mature one...you're >> the teacher! >> >> On 7/08/12, subbed with whistling student wrote: >> >>> My suggestions, learned through experience: >>> Do not show irritation, that is what they want. remain totally >> calm. >>> Do not punish the whole class. NOT FAIR. >>> Do not call the admin. This escalates the situation. >>> Usually you can tell the general area of where the noise is coming >>> from. Look for the student who has a fake overly innocent look >>> whenever you glance in his direction but does not look at you, >>> pretends to be totally intent on his work, etc. >>> Look away from him a couple of times, and if the noise starts >>> whenever you look away and stops whenever you glance back at him, >>> then you have found the culprit. If he asks, self-righteously, >>> "what are you looking at me for?" >>> Say, very calmly and casually, "Oh, I don't know. whenever I look >>> at you that strange whistling stops." He will act indignant. Tell >>> him to get back to work. At his point, someone else may make the >>> noise from across the room. Say, in a bemused manner, "Oh, it >>> looks like you have a friend!" Because you have remained calm, >>> most likely they will stop because you are not making it fun for >>> them by getting upset. >>> I agree with the previous poster about walking around a a lot, but >>> when I had the noise situation, they would start it whenever I >>> walked away from them. If need be,tell as the offenders to move to >>> different seats. If they ask why, just say, "Oh, I think maybe >>> you'll be able to work better over here." If they refuse to move, >>> calmly write them up for insubordination. Above all, remain >>> totally calm and non-confrontational.Do not raise your voice or >>> even use a mean tone. If you become visibly upset, you have lost. >>> >>> >>> On 7/07/12, Teacher1 wrote: >>>> Usually noises without a source happen when I am lecturing (I >>>> can walk around during group work and quickly figure out where >>>> the noise is coming from). So I will briefly pause, tell the >>>> class to stop with the weird noise, and then move on. It helps >>>> to constantly keep the kids on their toes by cold calling, >>>> walking around, asking students to come to the board, asking >>>> students if they understand, asking students to restate an >>>> explanation, etc. If they are paying attention and engaged, >>>> there is no room for off task noises. >>>> >>>> But if I have a student who is feeling particularly annoying >>>> that day, I will play this sound: >>>> [link removed]!

Jul 10, 2012

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Tony On 7/30/12 Gather more data. When possible look at students' past records for negative behavioral patterns. Observe teachers who are servicing the same students and note their behaviorial plans and management. During Team or staff meetings ask if the noise occurs in other classrooms. If it is then there might be a deeper problem, which may stem fro...See MoreOn 7/30/12 Gather more data. When possible look at students' past records for negative behavioral patterns. Observe teachers who are servicing the same students and note their behaviorial plans and management. During Team or staff meetings ask if the noise occurs in other classrooms. If it is then there might be a deeper problem, which may stem from the school's hidden curriculum. Lastly, and most importantly, what will the consequences be when the noise maker is found. Our job is not easy but with a united front and unshakeable resolve you will overcome.

On 7/10/12, subbed with whistling student wrote: > Nothing that I suggested takes up more than a few seconds. I stand by my > suggestions regardless of whether you have been teaching 1033 years. > Blanket punishments give the culprit too much power over the rest of the > class. > > > > On 7/09/12, Michelle wrote: >> I realize it's different in middle school than high school but >> trying to figure out who's making the noise, engaging them in >> conversation and changing seats is wasting your teaching time, which >> is exactly what they want. I have had success with simply nipping >> it in the bud by telling them they have interrupted my lesson so >> they will pay the price. I realize that a "blanket punishment" is >> not fair but is sometimes necessary.....you might never figure out >> who the culprit is! This is my 33rd year of teaching and this >> method of dealing with the issue has never failed; if it does, then >> I just call an administrator to come in....it has never escalated >> the situation; and besides, that's what the administrators are paid >> for! I agree....never raise your voice or get visibly upset. >> Remain calm and continue with the lesson. Don't get down to kids' >> maturity level and argue with them...you're the mature one...you're >> the teacher! >> >> On 7/08/12, subbed with whistling student wrote: >> >>> My suggestions, learned through experience: >>> Do not show irritation, that is what they want. remain totally >> calm. >>> Do not punish the whole class. NOT FAIR. >>> Do not call the admin. This escalates the situation. >>> Usually you can tell the general area of where the noise is coming >>> from. Look for the student who has a fake overly innocent look >>> whenever you glance in his direction but does not look at you, >>> pretends to be totally intent on his work, etc. >>> Look away from him a couple of times, and if the noise starts >>> whenever you look away and stops whenever you glance back at him, >>> then you have found the culprit. If he asks, self-righteously, >>> "what are you looking at me for?" >>> Say, very calmly and casually, "Oh, I don't know. whenever I look >>> at you that strange whistling stops." He will act indignant. Tell >>> him to get back to work. At his point, someone else may make the >>> noise from across the room. Say, in a bemused manner, "Oh, it >>> looks like you have a friend!" Because you have remained calm, >>> most likely they will stop because you are not making it fun for >>> them by getting upset. >>> I agree with the previous poster about walking around a a lot, but >>> when I had the noise situation, they would start it whenever I >>> walked away from them. If need be,tell as the offenders to move to >>> different seats. If they ask why, just say, "Oh, I think maybe >>> you'll be able to work better over here." If they refuse to move, >>> calmly write them up for insubordination. Above all, remain >>> totally calm and non-confrontational.Do not raise your voice or >>> even use a mean tone. If you become visibly upset, you have lost. >>> >>> >>> On 7/07/12, Teacher1 wrote: >>>> Usually noises without a source happen when I am lecturing (I >>>> can walk around during group work and quickly figure out where >>>> the noise is coming from). So I will briefly pause, tell the >>>> class to stop with the weird noise, and then move on. It helps >>>> to constantly keep the kids on their toes by cold calling, >>>> walking around, asking students to come to the board, asking >>>> students if they understand, asking students to restate an >>>> explanation, etc. If they are paying attention and engaged, >>>> there is no room for off task noises. >>>> >>>> But if I have a student who is feeling particularly annoying >>>> that day, I will play this sound: >>>> [link removed]!

Jul 30, 2012

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vet teach Methinks thou dost protest too much-- sounds like you might be the sub herself(as evidenced by the defiant attitude). Michelle was simply explaining her position, based on her extensive *experience*, while said sub quoted suggestions from a teaching book, and then got offended when Michelle elaborated on her reasoning. (I followed this thread becau...See More

Sep 1, 2012

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