Hi All,
My favorite classroom management I have is ringing a bell. We have a very chatty classroom and it is difficult sometimes for the students to hear my voice over the voices of their peers. I find that if I ring a bell until the students stop talking, that I save my voice. I also find that I become less frustrated if I use this technique because I'm not begging for my students attention. It is always effective!
My favorite strategy that I use in the hallway is reminding the kids before we ever leave the classroom who's classrooms we need to "sneak by" when we are in the hall. I've found that it is very effective for the kids to have a goal. They stand quietest at the gym door where the principles office is across the hall. They love having Ms Parish either not notice them at all or notice just how quiet they are being and come out to the hall to thank them. I try to always use this reminder strategy whenever we are leaving the room.
Ringing a bell strikes me (pun intended!) as a respectful way to gain kids attention or bring them back to a whole class discussion, versus flashing lights or yelling!
ReplyDeleteAnd your trick for getting the first graders to walk quietly in the hallway is clever. Not only are you making the expectation playful (which is a nice tone to set in a classroom), but you're teaching the kids to think outside of themselves when they're moving around the building being sure not to disturb other kids' learning. Great tips!