Classroom management tips for noisy classes: Get attention without shouting

The biggest mistake a teacher can make with a noisy class is trying to be louder than the kids. If they are at level 10 and you shout at level 11, they will just go to level 12. It’s a battle you will lose, and your throat will hurt. You have to be smarter than the noise.

The 'Magic' Whisper

If the room is chaotic, stand at the front and start speaking in a very low whisper. Only the kids in the front row will hear you. Usually, they’ll say 'Shh!' to the others because they want to hear the secret. Within 30 seconds, the whole room will be quiet to hear what you are saying.

Call and Response

Use a phrase they have to finish. If you say 'Waterfall!', the students have to say 'Shhhhhhh' and make a hand motion like falling water. If you say 'Ready to rock?', they say 'Ready to roll!' It’s a physical and verbal way to reset their focus.

The Timer Challenge

If you need them to clean up or get into groups, put a big digital timer on the screen. Give them exactly 30 seconds. If they finish before the beep, they get a point. If not, you win the point. Kids are competitive—they will move fast and stay quiet just to beat the clock.

Reward the Quietest Student

Instead of punishing the loud ones, find the one kid who is sitting perfectly and say, 'I love how Sarah is ready to learn. Sarah, you get a sticker/point.' Watch how fast everyone else tries to copy her. It works like magic.