Why should I do it:
- Some students minimal outside sound, noise, and distractions to focus and be productive
- Some students work better with music or white sound, like rain, water, etc
- Students with ADHD/ADD can benefit from extra stimulus
- Some students’ hearing is sensitive
When should I do it:
- When a student is easily distracted and is frequently losing focus
- When a student has ADHD/ADD
- When a student has trouble working while others are talking or making noise
- When a student is unfocused and inattentive
- When a student is sensitive to loud sound and noise
- When a student has Autism Spectrum Disorder and needs quiet
- When a student has sensitive hearing
How do I do it:
- Use media center headphones, have students supply their own, or get some from the dollar store to play white noise or music
- For sound blocking headphones, get several pair from the hardware store, like Home Depot, Lowes, etc (they may donate some if you ask)
- Encourage student to wear the headphones during individual work time
- Encourage student to wear the headphones when the class or room is noisy, distracting, etc
- Type of headphones:
- Use music headphones for students listening to music, audio of rain, water, etc
- Use isolating headphones or hearing protection headphones or earmuffs to block out and reduce sound
- Use ear plugs, which are inexpensive and readily available, but use caution with younger children as they could pose a chocking hazard and are not appropriate
- Students may also cover their ears or plug them with their fingers if only temporary silence is needed, like during a noisy transition or walking down an echoey hall, etc
Resources & Support for technique: