How to keep students quiet in the hallway

One day, in front 36 riotous sophomores, I clutched my chest and dropped to my knees like Sergeant Elias at the end of Platoon.

Instantly, dead silence and open mouths replaced classroom chaos. Standing up like nothing had happened, I said, “Thanks for your attention––let’s talk about love poems.”

I never used that stunt again.

After all, should a real emergency occur, it would be better if students call 911 rather than post my motionless body on YouTube. I’ve thought this through.

Most teachers use silencing methods, such as flicking the lights; ringing a call bell—see Teacher Tipster’s charming video; raising two fingers; saying “Attention, class”; or using Harry Wong’s Give Me 5––a command for students to:

1.     Focus their eyes on the speaker,
2.     Be quiet,
3.     Be still,
4.     Empty their hands, and
5.     Listen.

There’s also the “three fingers” version, which stands for stop, look, and listen.

Fortunately, none of these involve medical hoaxes.

Below you’ll find a collections of lesser known techniques for all grade level

how to get silence in the classroom

how to keep silence always