As a teacher, your voice is one of your most important pieces of classroom technology. It is not only your instrument for educating your students, but it is also a classroom management tool. You use it to get your students’ attention, encourage them to focus, or instruct them in the ways to best complete an activity.
Unfortunately, many teachers overuse and abuse their voices in an attempt to reign in their class or maintain order. In the worst case scenarios, shouting is necessary to get the attention of rowdy or excited students. As many teachers know, this is simply not sustainable and can lead to long term vocal chord burnout.
Here are five creative ways to get students’ attention in the classroom without resorting to shouting or raising your voice.
- Clapping call and response. Some teachers use a clapping pattern to grab students’ attention. This can include rhythms like “Shave and a Haircut,” where the teacher claps the first part of the pattern and the students complete it.
- Finger on the nose. One classic method of getting students’ attention is by silently placing a finger on your nose or in their air and asking the students who see you to do the same. As the room begins to quiet down, distracted students will look around to see what is happening and notice that you are attempting to get their attention.
- Use colored lights. Teachers can string colored LED lights around their classroom and use a color code system for classroom management. A certain color light indicates a need to be quiet or speak softly.
- Use a bell or chime. A creative, unusual sound can get students’ attention and be a signal that it is time to lower their voices.
- “Simon Says.” In a normal voice say something like “clap once if you can hear me” or “if you can hear me, put your hand on your head.” As the students closest to you begin following your instructions the other students will join in until you have the attention of the whole class.