I agree with Harold and Michal. To which I add: sometimes the music in the
background settles the learners (they really want to listen to their
favorite), breaking into their thoughts with: Class remember... (a technical
tip), occasionally having my voice a bit louder than theirs addressing a
student with "wow, I can see why you are so proud you have ...." walking
past tables and saying "I can't wait to see where you are going with that...
or this table is such a pleasure to visit - you are focused, on task and
your caliber of work sets a standard" or when it's Friday, last day before
the holidays, full moon and crazy loud then: "we now have one minute no talk
time" to refocus and give the opportunity for others who need quiet time to
work. Each class has its own rhythm and noise history. I've tried the
absolute silence in the work room (not me), watched mentor teachers excite,
energize, and work with actively engaged students, and love it.
michelle
