Quiet Signals are an elusive thing. Just when you think you found the perfect one it stops working.
Here is a good one that has worked for a long time. My maternity substitute loved it so you know it was really effective. My RAINSTICK was a gift from a retiring teacher. The first time I turned it, the room of Kindergarteners fell silent and looked at me. . . hmmm, I thought, I could get used to this. It has been my quiet signal for the younger grades ever since. When it gets too noise sometimes a student will ASK to turn the rainstick.
Here is a good one that has worked for a long time. My maternity substitute loved it so you know it was really effective. My RAINSTICK was a gift from a retiring teacher. The first time I turned it, the room of Kindergarteners fell silent and looked at me. . . hmmm, I thought, I could get used to this. It has been my quiet signal for the younger grades ever since. When it gets too noise sometimes a student will ASK to turn the rainstick.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST QUIET SIGNAL?
Excuse the corny picture! Yes that's me. . . (on a side note still getting in shape from having a baby so I am totally at a loss for what to wear everyday! Maybe I'll just be one of those teachers who wears a big smock over every outfit. )
11 comments:
Gee, I've got a few (homemade) rainsticks. Maybe I should give it a try. After state tests and rainy weather, everyone (particularly 5th and 6th graders) seems to be excessively, annoyingly gabby, with screechy high pitched voices.
Try it! It will at least give 10 minutes of peace! Namaste!
What a lovely idea. No voice, just the simple yet soothing sound of a rainstick. NOw I have an excuse to purchase one. Thanks for sharing! :)
A teacher I know uses a small gong on his desk.
If it gets too loud he drops a piece of chalk on the gong ...
I really like the idea, but don't have a gong in my classroom ;)
I taught the students the signs for A, R, and T. For a silent signal I say "Give me and A...R...T". Students put their hand up with the signs for each letter and are quiet usually by the time we get to "R".
Good idea! I need a rainstick! I took a ton of sign language classes in college and love to teach signs to my students (they love it too). To get them to quiet down, I'll say show me red, show me yellow or show me hot dog, popcorn. They all immediately join in and it gets quiet! I use this a a lot too when we are waiting in line for their teacher to pick them up if late :)
Gongs are awesome! I know a fresh kid would just have to "gong" it good one day though. . . we have a few freshies to keep an eye on. Also the A-R-T- thing would be cool with the sign language. I love that you know sign language. I have so many language I want to learn starting with Spanish, next sign, third conversational French and so on. . . I'm hoping Stella will teach me Spanish one day if she sticks with her wonderful Puerto Rican caretaker and then moves to the dual language program. . . I have big dreams for a 3month old I know!
Like the rainstick idea. I've tried a variety of sounds as my quiet signal and settled on a Tibetan Chime that I picked up at the health food store. (Flat bell that looks like a cymbal). Lovely tone and rings for a long time when struck so it's hard to ignore.
Sure beats yelling for quiet!
I volunteer at my daughter's school during (of course) art class. Her teacher has pre-set table numbers on the white board and she places hatch marks for every child who is sitting quietly in their seat before she will proceed. It seems to be effective for at least the recess to class transition.(Admittedly, my "1,2,3 eyes on me" is pitiful and tired...I've got to up my game) :D
Our school mascot is a coyote so our school-wide 'quiet' signal is a hand signal - 2 middle fingers touching thumb with index and pinkie straight up. Works great!
I say "Voices" the students reply, "Shhhhh" works pretty well but love the rainstick idea.
Jody
www.artfor1170.blogspot.com
Post a Comment