How do I manage my classroom during activities when everyone is moving around the room and working in groups? It always seems to get rowdy and loud which could be dangerous during science.
Hello Courtney,
There was a similar question in the forums that you might be interested in:
https://learningcenter.nsta.org/discuss/default.aspx?tid=02JTTVf3ppE_E#95814
And, I answered this question in NSTA's Ask a Mentor blog: http://nstacommunities.org/blog/2018/12/28/this-student-is-too-loud-this-student-is-too-quiet-this-student-is/
I'm ok with loud if it's about excitement and interest in what they're doing. I call this 'good loud'. Yelling and students carrying on conversations across the room should not be tolerated. The posts above have some suggestions.
Rowdiness should never be tolerated. Immediately try to settle students down if they get physical and remind them of your expectations not just for safety but for standard social decorum. (I'd often ask the students if they ever saw teachers rough-housing in the hallways or classrooms!) I usually had a 'three strike' rule - on the third time you have to address a behaviour remove them from the class. No arguments, no discussions. If it was a lab or hands-on work that could pose a danger I wouldn't even wait for strike three. Safety always comes first.
Hope this helps,
Gabe
I agree with Gabe's comments. If I see that something is happening that is unsafe, we stop immediately and discuss the issue of safety. Students should be talking about what they are doing. As you walk around and monitor the groups you will be able to determine how productive the discussion is and keep them on the right track.
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