{"id":149815,"date":"2023-03-15T12:00:36","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T17:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truthforteachers.com\/?p=149815"},"modified":"2023-03-16T23:48:41","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T04:48:41","slug":"how-to-infuse-calm-in-a-noisy-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truthforteachers.com\/how-to-infuse-calm-in-a-noisy-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"When students are too loud, noisy, or energetic, here’s how to infuse calm in the classroom."},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all been there \u2014 that point in a classroom where things are moving along nicely.\u00a0 There is a busy energy in the room, the kids are working productively, and the volume in the room is manageable.<\/h2>\n

But then it gets a little louder, and then a little louder, and before you know it, things feel out of control.<\/p>\n

The only thing you can do is raise your voice to settle down the room–something you didn\u2019t want to do.<\/p>\n

You think to yourself, There must be a better way. These kids are out of control.\u00a0 What can I do to calm them down?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The hard part is there usually is not one magic answer that works every time in every situation.\u00a0 But there are strategies you can use to prevent disruptive behaviors before they begin.<\/p>\n

In the book Running The Room: The Teacher\u2019s Guide To Behavior (click for a free summary),<\/i><\/a> the author, Tom Bennet, describes two ways of addressing student misbehavior.\u00a0 One way is the Fire Brigade Model<\/b>, where you are constantly running around putting out fires as bad behavior comes up with little time or energy left to focus on teaching.<\/p>\n

Another method is the Fire Prevention Model<\/b>, where you get ahead of those bad behaviors and focus on shaping your classroom environment and routines to avoid as many fires as possible.\u00a0 This method saves you time and stress, so you can focus on what you love most- teaching.<\/p>\n

The way I look at it, classroom management is broken down into four key areas, and all of them are important.\u00a0 Designing SPACE, creating ROUTINES, building RELATIONSHIPS, and having firm EXPECTATIONS.\u00a0 They all can be used to settle down a room or, even better yet- keep it calm before the tipping point arrives and things start to feel out of control.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Consideration #1: Space<\/b><\/h3>\n

Have you ever walked into a room that suddenly made you feel welcome and at ease?\u00a0 Certain spaces have a way of doing that.\u00a0 There are many ways you can arrange your classroom to create an inviting space for children.<\/p>\n

Designing an environment that is organized, free from clutter, and has well-defined places for students to work and play all contribute to a room design that sets your classroom up for success.\u00a0 Consider these strategies when designing your room:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Flexible seating<\/a> is an attractive option for children and allows them to choose a workplace that is most comfortable for them.<\/li>\n
  • Organized materials<\/a> help children grow in their independence and confidence in the room by quickly being able to find what they need. It promotes a sense of comfort and engagement by having work materials easily accessible to them.<\/li>\n
  • Cozy reading corners<\/a> with a clearly labeled library<\/a> give children a designated space to read, relax, and take a quiet break when needed.<\/li>\n
  • Decorating with warm, neutral colors, soft, dimmable LED lights, and decorative plants can create a calming environment.<\/a><\/li>\n
  • Using area rugs and furniture<\/a> can create a variety of clearly defined workspaces that provide opportunities for small group and partner work to happen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Student-centered environments make children feel welcomed and valued, knowing they matter and belong in this space. These strategies contribute to a well-designed space that sets the tone for a calm, centered workday where children can succeed.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Consideration #2: Routines<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Establishing routines that work for you will be the cornerstone of your classroom management.<\/p>\n

    How do you want your students to behave in the classroom? What happens when they do not comply?\u00a0 What learning protocols do you value and want to use regularly with your students?\u00a0 How do you want to design your daily schedule?\u00a0 How will you guide students through transitions?<\/p>\n

    Teachers must make these important decisions ahead of time, teach these routines through explicit modeling, and practice each one repeatedly.<\/p>\n

    Some people think you need to put as much time into teaching routines as you do teaching your content because, with well-run classroom routines, it is easier for focused instruction to happen.\u00a0 Think about these critical parts of the day and what you and your students will do when:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Entering or exiting the classroom<\/li>\n
    • Transitioning between activities<\/li>\n
    • Taking bathroom breaks<\/li>\n
    • Collecting and distributing materials<\/li>\n
    • Asking for help<\/li>\n
    • Signaling for quiet<\/li>\n
    • Finishing work early<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      You can download a free script for teaching, modeling, and reinforcing procedures here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Once routines are established, be consistent and maintain them daily, reteaching them to students throughout the year or tweaking them when they no longer seem to be working.\u00a0 The structure of daily routines provides a sense of order and predictability to the day.\u00a0 Routines are calming for children who feel anxious when they do not know what is happening next and help create a safe learning environment.<\/p>\n

      There are many different kinds of routines to incorporate into your day.\u00a0 Some can be used to build classroom community, such as starting with a Morning Meeting<\/a> every day. \u00a0 Others can guide student learning through protocols like think-pair-share<\/a> during classroom discussions.\u00a0 Routines can also bring calm to a room when the energy is rising. For example, meditations<\/a>, breathing exercises<\/a>, or even going outdoors<\/a> for activities in nature are all routines you can introduce into your day that can bring new energy, reset student behavior, and help children focus more.<\/p>\n

      Investing time in establishing and maintaining the routines you value most in your classroom will allow you and your students to enjoy a classroom that runs smoothly and calmly most of the time.<\/p>\n

      7 beliefs about teaching routines that will cause you to lose your mind<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n