Quiet now!

I bought hearing protection for my two pupils with ADHD so that they would be less distracted during quiet work," said one teacher at a training session. «In the weeks that followed, more and more children came up to me and also wanted a Pamir. In the end, all but one sat in the classroom with hearing protection. That gave me food for thought.»

«Children are just noisy», parents like to say when the noise level of their offspring is brought up. What they forget is that noise can be a major burden not only for adults, but also for children. A seven-year-old hits the nail on the head: «Noise is only great if you make it yourself. Otherwise it's annoying.»

Children and adolescents react to noise with increased irritability and aggression. Some withdraw.

Depending on the study, between 50 and 90 per cent of teachers in German-speaking countries state that noise is a key stress factor for them at work. Primary school teachers suffer the most from high noise levels.

Children react to noise with an increased release of stress hormones, which cause their pulse and blood pressure to skyrocket. They find it harder to concentrate, appear distracted and have problems memorising content. Some studies even show that noise exposure inhibits development in speaking, listening comprehension and reading. On an emotional level, children and adolescents react with increased irritability and aggression. Some withdraw into their inner world in an attempt to block out the noise.

Spatial adaptations, music, natural sounds

Today, many pupils also lack the opportunity to recover sufficiently from the noise pollution at lunchtime, as they may eat their lunch in the after-school centre or in a large canteen, where they are once again surrounded by the hustle and bustle. Of course, absolute peace and quiet at school is an illusion, but there are things that can be done to reduce noise pollution at least to some extent.

Some schools make do with felt glides under the chair and table legs, sound absorbers made of foam and cork walls or install an acoustic ceiling to reduce reverberation. This can have a noticeable effect: A measurement by the Institute for Interdisciplinary School Research showed that the heart rate of teachers in soundproofed rooms was ten beats per minute lower than in normal classrooms.

The sounds of nature have also been shown to increase alertness, calm the sympathetic nervous system and thus reduce stress.

Several teachers have reported positive experiences with quiet background music. Pupils can listen to quiet instrumental pieces during quiet work. Because the learners want to listen to the music, they automatically speak more quietly when working with partners, for example. Studies also show that children with concentration difficulties can work more focussed with quiet background music. Suitable music can be found on the internet under the search term «concentration music». The important thing is: not too fast, too rhythmic or choppy, not too loud - and without singing.

Nature sounds - such as the sound of water, jungle noises or birdsong - have also been proven to increase attention, calm the sympathetic nervous system and thus reduce stress, lift the mood - and ensure more peace and quiet in the classroom. I am always delighted when I go for a walk in the woods near our home and meet teachers who hold individual lessons with their class in the countryside. So many happy and attentive faces!

Working with the pupils to ensure more peace and quiet

«Be quiet now!», «Quiet please!» - The teacher usually has to keep things quiet on their own and the students have to adapt. Students who want to help and turn to their classmates with a «Shhh!» are quickly labelled as nerds.

In this dynamic, the learners usually don't even realise that the noise level is also disturbing them and that many of their classmates are also longing for more peace and quiet. It is often helpful to sensitise the class to the issue. They can talk together about why it is nice to enjoy quiet moments and be able to work as undisturbed as possible. Perhaps the class will come up with creative ideas on how to achieve more peace and quiet?

Possibilities would be:

• A noise traffic light that measures the decibel level and uses a green, orange and red light signal to indicate when it is getting too loud. This gives the pupils immediate feedback without the teacher having to talk their heads off. The newer noise lights can even be customised.
• A short mindfulness exercise in the morning or after a long break to come round and collect yourself. Follow your own breath for a moment, focus on the sound of a gong or consciously perceive your own body - there are a multitude of possibilities.
• Once or twice per lesson, take a short, one- to two-minute mini-break to open the windows and perhaps even look out of the window at the greenery or a picture of nature. A study from Bremen was able to show that regular two-minute ventilation not only reduces noise levels immediately, but also in the long term.

The need for peace and quiet can also be consciously recognised within the family. Different rituals are suitable depending on the family situation. A short nap at lunchtime or after school helps to recharge the batteries. Others prefer a walk in the fresh air.

A family with three children between the ages of seven and thirteen introduced a «quiet time» after dinner, during which all family members can read or listen to an audio book with headphones, play a game for themselves or simply let their minds wander. This soon became a favourite habit for the whole family and a valuable break for the parents. How is it for you? How do you find quiet moments in your family or classroom?