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.
IMPORTANT TIP: Whatever option you choose for a ready routine, remember to create and teach clear expectations. Post them and review them as necessary. This may allow you to have time to resolve problems, observe or assess students.
Supporting you always!
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