This Is One Of The Biggest Cause For Instructional Lost In The Classroom

Distractions are the biggest issues in many classrooms. Distractions are anything that interrupts learning. From blurting out to getting out of seats during inappropriate times. 


Distractions are contagious! When it happens, usually others will follow. So how do we stop or at least minimize them?


First we need to identify the distractions you want to handle in your classroom. For example, for me it’s:

  1. Voice Levels

  2. Blurting Out

  3. Getting out of seats 

  4. Bathroom during instructional time


Once you’ve identified the distractions now it’s time to put a plan in place to model what it looks like, maybe what it doesn’t look like, how to provide warnings (individual and class), or incentives, and logical consequences. 


Let’s take Voice Levels

In my class I have posters to help remind students of our voice levels. We have 0 - Silence, 1 - A Whisper , 2…..


Model for students what each one sounds like. 

Let me practice. 

Play a game…Teacher vs Students

Call out a Level and if they get it correct they get a point. If someone messes it up, you get a point. Play a couple of rounds. Give prize if class wins, they have to do something if you win. Make it fun! 



After modeling and practicing. 

Explain to students what warnings they should look for as reminder. Here’s a few ideas…

  1. Call and Responses

  2. Light System

  3. Reminder 

  4. Bouncy Balls, Calm Counter, Too Noisy Lite




If you want to build your class community, you can provide incentives if the class doesn’t get any voice level warnings and award the class at a designated time. 


What happens when students don’t comply….give a consequence. In my book Unleashing The Magic and in the Digital Resource files, you get resources to help with consequences.

Read more about Consequences:

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