Using traffic lights to keep the classroom under control

This is an interesting idea I heard about from a friend. I haven't actually seen it work in practice, but it sounds like it could be an effective way to kill two birds with one stone.

If your having trouble keeping the noise level in class down to an acceptable level, you could consider introducing the 'traffic light' approach. Basically, the traffic light system works by assigning the three lights to different noise levels in your classroom. Use the following as a guide:
Red Light: For when you want complete silence (eg. silent reading, presentations).
Amber/Yellow Light: For when you want the class to engage in controlled discussion (eg. class discussions surrounding a story).
Green Light: For when your happy for the class to talk amongst themselves (eg. developmental play).

The first step is to mock up a traffic light. I'd recommend using an old shoe box. Cut three circles from coloured paper (red, yellow and green). Use velcro to attach the circles to the shoe box. This way you can remove lights when you want to set the noise levels (or traffic conditions). Place the traffic light in a place where it can be seen from anywhere in the room.

The second step is to walk the class through the traffic light system. This also presents an excellent opportunity to introduce concepts relating to Traffic Safety Education.

Thanks to mandyapple from the Forum for sending me this one.

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