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Classroom Voice Levels Poster

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Display a simple visual voice level chart for class volume control. There are three levels to this chart with associated numbers. Use a magnetic pointer to indicate the expected level of talking in the classroom. A wooden arrow with a magnet glued on the back is a great marker for which level the students should be on. Download the Voice Level Poster here.

Classroom Voice Levels Sign
Voice Level Sign with Arrow

How to Explain the Voice Levels

  • 0 – Zero – or Zero Zipped. This means no noise or words should come out of your mouth. No talking. Work independently without sounds.
  • 1 – Low Flow – Like the ocean waves (move your hand like the waves) while saying “Low Flow” in a lower and softer tone. This is talking with your neighbor noise. I should not hear you across the room, nor should the people around be able to hear you. This is our work-time volume. If music is playing in the background, we should be able to hear the music.
  • 2 – Presenting – I often won’t move the arrow here, but if you are called on, please answer in a “Presenting” voice so the whole class can hear you. I’m talking to you now in a Presenting voice.

Plan B – Low Flow Isn’t Working – Go Back to Zero

If after giving a kind reminder to use a Low Flow voice – talking to your neighbor so we can still hear the music – go back to ZERO zipped. I liked to use little sand timers. If the whole class can work without talking for 2 minutes, they can try speaking on a Level 1 – Low Flow again. The timer starts over every time someone talks. I have a set of sand timers in my drawer – 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, etc. It gives students a visual goal. If a timer-class silence is not achieved, the class can remain on Zero. This rule refers to Follow Directions the 1st Time (practicing to get there) and Respecting Others (creative classroom environment).

NOTE: For some classes, having even classical music in the background is too much. Take it group by group to determine if music works or not. Turning on music during work time can encourage creativity and be an enriching part of the lesson.