In an October 2014 article, Edutopia published “30 Techniques to Quiet a Noisy Class“. It contains some excellent tips to regain control of a classroom with noisy kids. We particularly like their Call and Response method.
Call and Response
Below is a collection of catchy sayings that work as cues to be quiet, the first ones appropriate for early and middle grade students, and the later ones field tested to work with high school kids.
| Teacher says . . . | Students Respond with . . . | |
| Holy . . . | . . . macaroni. | |
| 1, 2, 3, eyes on me . . . | . . . 1, 2, eyes on you. | |
| I’m incredible . . . | . . . like the Hulk. Grrrrrr. (Kids flex during the last sound) | |
| Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy . . . | . . . macarena. | |
| I get knocked down . . . | . . . but I get up again, you’re never going to keep me down. | |
| Oh Mickey, you’re so fine . . . | . . . you’re so fine, you blow my mind — hey Mickey. | |
| The only easy day . . . | . . . was yesterday. (A Navy Seals slogan) |
Try it out with your groups, see if it works. This unique set of tips might just be what you need to keep your group focused and motivated. Let us know how it worked!