The Quiet Game- Classroom management technique used while students are in line (in hallways, bathroom breaks, etc)

I have found the “Quiet Game”, as my students call it, works quite well!  We use this at almost every bathroom break.  We sometimes play this if we are waiting for another class to get out of the library, computer room, etc.

The game…

To begin, my students know that I will be looking for someone standing quietly, facing forward with their hands at their sides. It is amazing how quickly they learn this!  Then I will say, “Hannah, please start the “Quiet Game”.  (I often begin this with only 5 or 6 kids in line while they are waiting for the others to finish their bathroom break).  That child steps out of line and looks for someone standing quietly and facing forward.  She will tap a person on the shoulder, then return to her original place in line(this is important so they aren’t trying to change places in line, which causes problems). The child tapped will then look for someone.  I tell the kids that it is a quick game, they have to find someone very quickly or I will choose for them. It keeps the game going and gives more children a chance to participate. Once the entire class is in line, the game is over.  I have used this with both 2nd graders and 4th graders.  Both age groups really liked this very simple game, and it REALLY works!  If you have a large class, you can have 2 kids looking for quiet people at the same time.

Submitted by Pamela