While not all class time is meant to be quiet, intentionally creating moments of quiet in the classroom can have a powerful impact on student focus and academic performance. Quiet time gives students the chance to reset, reflect on what they’ve learned, and gather their thoughts before moving forward. But how do you quiet down a noisy classroom? Learn how to create a respectful learning environment where students are aware of their volume levels with the following classroom noise control strategies.
Facilitating noise control: Classroom strategies for a respectful learning environment
1. Set aside quiet time
Teachers should try to incorporate quiet time in their schedule. It doesn’t have to take up a large portion of the day; even just a few minutes of silence at the beginning of the day or before a test can help students settle their minds and prepare for more focused learning. Students could also use quiet time for silent reading, journaling, or completing homework. When quiet time becomes a regular part of the day, students will know what to expect and learn how taking a moment to slow down and breathe deeply can help them.
2. Establish clear expectations
Establishing clear expectations of noise in the classroom can help students better understand how to manage their voices and what levels are appropriate when. Teachers may use posters to help kids understand what voice levels they should be using in different situations. This strategy can help students understand what’s appropriate for certain settings or activities and adjust their behavior accordingly. You could take this a step further by practicing what each voice level sounds like with your class so that they can recognize when they are being too loud.
3. Turn on the music
Music can be a great tool to help signal to your class that it’s time to be quiet. You can play some soothing tunes in your classroom to set the tone and let students know that their voices should not be louder than the song playing. This encourages your students to stay quiet so that they can listen to the music. You can also use music as a way to signal when quiet time is over. When the music is turned off, students know that it’s time to come back.
4. Use a volume measuring app
Online resources, such as classroom noise monitors and volume meters, can give students a visual representation of how much noise is in the classroom, so the whole class can better manage their volume. Before you use a noise monitor, it's a good idea to let your students test it out by encouraging them to be loud for a short time and seeing how it changes the monitor. It's important to be mindful of other classes so that you don't disrupt them. This will not only satisfy their curiosity but also show students what it looks like when it’s too loud.
5. Create a classroom callout
Classroom callouts, also known as call and response, are prompts or phrases that teachers use to get students’ attention. A teacher could say "Marco" to get the class’s attention and the students could respond with "Polo." This tells students it's time to quiet down and listen. Teachers can also use clapping, and have students clap in response with the same rhythm.
Foster a positive classroom culture
Noisy classrooms aren't always a bad thing, but sometimes it important to create a space for focus, growth, and well-being. Taking the time to build positive classroom culture lays the foundation for a calmer, more respectful space. When students feel seen, heard, and supported, they’re more likely to respond with cooperation and respect. Try using one of these strategies to see how a quiet classroom can create a more productive and peaceful learning atmosphere.
This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
***
Find more lesson plans and classroom resources on Shaped.
Be the first to read the latest from Shaped.
