How To Stop The Classroom Chatter

Teaching kids can be challenging. There are only so many hours in the day and the list of things that need to get taught and completed each day can be daunting. As directors of chaos (aka: classroom teachers) we need our students to be focused and on task as much as possible. Transitions need to be quick and smooth. We've a lot to get done, people!

This school year, I have an incredible group of students. But there is one BIG problem. They are WAY too social!!! They talk ALL. THE. TIME! I was about to lose my mind! Then, the heavens above looked down on me. A few weeks ago, as I was scrolling through my IG feed, all my prayers were answered! 

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After talking to some blogging and teaching friends about strategies they use in their classrooms, many answered that they use a voice level chart.  I didn't think much about it at the time because I had never used a voice level chart in my classroom. Well, after about 2 weeks of school, I knew I NEEDED this book and a voice chart! HA!

I immediately logged onto my Amazon account and bought this book and a few other items in my cart (click on pictures for link).

Next, I gathered all the materials I was going to need to put together my voice chart. I wanted to change a few things on the voice chart to make it work best in my classroom. I took off "outside voice" because my students rarely have the opportunity to use that voice in my room! I ended up tweaking and creating my own chart. 

I also wanted a different, easy, eye catching way for my students to know which voice level to use and when. These tap lights were the answer. I purchased 2 packs of the lights and adhesive magnetic strips so they could stick to my white board. 

(2) 4 PACKS of TAP LIGHTS

1 BOX of MAGNETIC ADHESIVE STRIPS

HONESTLY??? This has been a blessing. The kids are more aware of expectations. They remind each other what level voice to use by pointing at the chart. They LOVE being the student to turn the lights on or off. It's a little miracle!

Are you ready to make your own voice level chart too? You can get started by grabbing this FREE template below:

I hope you love using this in your classroom. Please leave a comment with your success stories or any questions you make have. I love hearing from my readers.

{DON'T FORGET IT! PIN IT!}