Middle School Classroom Management: The Quiet Signal

There are times when you need to get the attention of your entire middle school class. Most teachers define attention as mouth is closed, eyes are upon the speaker and hands and feet are free and still. One classroom management technique that accomplishes this is known at the quiet signal. It is a way to quiet your class without using the volume in your voice.

It may be tempting to raise your voice to get your class quiet. You should, however, avoid this. When you yell, you are training your middle school students to respond only when they hear you speak loudly. This can progress to screaming at the class. If it gets to this point, it will be difficult to change your middle school students' expectation of you. Some students may even begin to see this as a game. How often can they make you scream at the class?

Middle school students are familiar with quiet signals from elementary school. They should be taught your expectations as well. One quiet signal that works is "Give me five." I have used it successfully with sixth graders.

Basically, I raise one hand with five fingers spread. I taught my students from the first day of the school year that this means: two eyes looking, two ears listening and one mouth closed. You may choose to actually say the words, "Give me five." Don't repeat it, but continue to wait with your hand raised until you have your middle school students' attention. The class shouldn't take longer than 10 to 15 seconds to quiet down.

"Give me five" has the characteristics of an effective quiet signal. The whole class can see it at once. It can be used in other places besides the middle school classroom. For example, I can use it in the cafeteria, library, computer lab and any other place around the school. "Give me five" is also age appropriate for middle school students. It's not irritating to my students or to me and I feel comfortable using it. Above all it's a quiet signal that's easy implement.

Regardless of which quiet signal you choose, be sure that you begin the first day of the school year teaching your middle school students to respond appropriately. Be very deliberate in practicing the first week or two. It's best not to ignore noncompliance. Create dialogue with your middle school students about the advantages of paying attention. It is not only beneficial to them, but also eliminates distractions for their classmates. Being consistent at the beginning will pay off for the entire school year.

Sources
http://www.middleweb.com/MWLISTCONT/MSLattention.htmlhttp://classroom-management-tips.suite101.com/article.cfm/classroom_ideas_for_quiet_signs_that_work