Teaching students how to respond to a quiet signal is one of the simplest ways to create a calm, respectful, and focused classroom. 

A quiet signal is something that indicates to the class that it's time to be quiet. Our favorite signal to use is a chime, but you can use any calming cue. We avoid using our voice (save it for instruction), clapping, or other jarring signals.

This lesson provides everything you need to introduce, model, and practice the routine so students know exactly what to do when they hear the signal. With consistent practice, your quiet signal becomes a powerful tool that saves your voice, minimizes disruptions, and maximizes learning time. Download the full lesson to set this important classroom norm from the start.