Classroom Management Series #1: When Students Make Disruptive Noises

Second to last week of the Classroom Management Series and we are coming out swinging!  As I mentioned in Monday's blog post, there are going to be some changes in my life as I transition back to a US citizen, enjoy much needed time with family and friends, and stuffing my face with my favorite foods. 

Today’s post is about disruptive noises.  What is disruptive noises you ask?  Well, it can be a variety of things.

• Students whispering and laughing-check out solutions here!
• Students clicking a pen
• Students outside of the classroom talking and laughing
• Students saying “Teacher, Teeeeeacher”
• Student drumming on their desk
• Students eating-look here here!
• Moving chairs and desks around
• Phones ringing-and here

So many things factor into students learning.  And unfortunately some students have a hard time focusing and understanding.  The things mentioned above are done by them (because they don’t understand) or divert their attention from the lesson.\

Please note that I do not expect a class to be perfectly silent!  Mine is actually the exact opposite BUT the students are discussing the lesson or demonstrating their knowledge. I encourage teachers to have an active class with guidelines!

However, we can cut down on some of the disruptive noises with easy procedures. 

Preventive Solutions

• Students are noisy outside your class?  Close the door! 

• Students think better with something in their hands (clicking pens or drumming on desks)? Give them a stress ball or something small and soft to manipulate in their hands. 

Courtesy of My life as a trauma mama made of balloon, play dough/sand, and marker

• Students moving the desks around without permission? Tie or zip tie desks together 

This is from First Grade Factory

• Need to move the desks around for an activity?  Assign students to work in pairs to move desks

Responsive Solutions

• Student clicking their pen?  Trade pens with the students (make sure to have a non-click pen though!)
• Ask the students if they know they are being distracting (and maybe ask them why are they doing it?)
• Stand by the students desk until they stop (but continue with the lesson) 

Next week's question: What do you do when students verbally harassing another? Please leave your tips in the comment section below.