I once lost my voice during the school week. Since being able to speak is a basic requirement of teaching, I was worried what would happen the next day in class.

I made sure that I had everything planned out as thoroughly as possible, and had directions and a welcome written on the board before students arrived.

Throughout the day I would whisper teach, as this was as loud as  could project my voice, and while I did have to repeat myself and move through the classroom teaching small groups of students at a time so that everyone could hear me, the students were quite well behaved!

I was thrilled to see how simply lowering my voice (even if it was not my choice at the time) can help keep students quiet and focused. I have used this method many times since and the students always respond well.

Related posts:

1. Speak Softly
2. Undersand Your Teaching Style
3. Using Praise for Basic Discipline
4. Lesson Plans that Prevent Discipline Problems
5. Sarcasm in the Classroom