Calm a Noisy Class After Recess

Kids reading in the classroom

You go to pick up your class after recess, and instead a of a calm, quiet line you’re greeted with students yelling, goofing around and still in recess mode.

So, how do you calm a noisy class and prepare them to learn?

Try these steps (which work after recess or anytime you need) to calm your class.

Step 1: Reset

Step 2: Resolve

Step 3: Review

Step 4: Routine

Reset

In the moment, do a reset. First use your attention signal. Next demonstrate to your students how to take three deep breaths to calm their bodies. Try these breathing strategies for some new ideas. Finally, transition calmly into the classroom.

Resolve

Take time to resolve any recess issues. One strategy is to encourage your students to let go of the small recess problems. If necessary, students can go through your conflict-resolution process. However a review of recess rules could also be a simple solution.

Review

Before your next recess, be proactive and review your expectations. Need to create a visual to refer to? Use this to plan your anchor chart. Include how you want your students to line up, how to enter the building etc.

Ready to Learn Routine

Now that your class is calm, prepare them for your next lesson with a predictable ready to learn routine. This routine will help them transition from the excitement of recess into the next activity calmly.

Try these ideas

Read to Self-students read independently and quietly

Journal-students write in a free choice journal-provide prompts if necessary

Quiet music-if students are going to work quietly, put on calming music

Read Aloud-this may not allow you to assist students, but it does provide time for students to calm down. You could even let them lie down on the carpet or draw quietly at their desks.

Supporting you always!

💗

Angel x

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Hi, I'm Angel

 I support teachers in building a positive classroom community with management systems, strategies, and activities so students can be engaged in learning.  In my 20+ years of teaching I’ve learned what works and I want to share it with you!

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