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Hello! I am currently student teaching in a 6th grade classroom. We have many transitions of students switching rooms, and the noise level tends to get very loud. What are some management strategies to get the noise level down to zero? I do not want to use call outs, such as I say you say because I believe these kids may be too old for it. Right now, I do count downs and tally marks, so just looking for a few other interesting ideas!

One method I have seen used in a classroom with a projector (or a big screen television) is turning out the lights once passing time is over, then putting something on the screen to grab attention. Sometimes insteresting or funny short videos, other times an interesting potograph or diagram. The 6th grade culture at my school changes every year. This past year, 6th graders were very loud but very sweet. So appealing to their genuine care for others was an easy way to get their attention: 'I'm glad you're all here today! Gosh my ears hurt! This noise level is above what I expect when class begins --it's a 5 out of 5. Let's practice some different noise levels (0,1,2,3,4, etc) and see how much more we can do when we're quieter!'