Everyone has a voice, and everyone can be heard. At least that’s true in 2nd-grade classrooms where voices are boosted by amplification systems.
Each system has a hands-free microphone, used by the teacher, and a hand-held microphone used by students. Two speakers are strategically mounted on classroom walls. Amplification systems are now in all 2nd-grade classrooms in Vancouver schools.
At Roosevelt Elementary School, the system has been in five classrooms since November. “I use it every day,” said teacher Brooke Kaden. “It really gets the attention of all the students. Their focus has improved. And kids love to use the student mic. It helps with engagement.”
Teacher Emily Smolen agrees. “Even the quiet ones are excited to use the microphone. It’s not intimidating.”
Smolen and Kaden have adjoining classrooms and often team teach 45 to 48 students at a time. “It’s essential for those large groups to hear and to focus,” said Kaden.
Over the past six months, the Roosevelt teachers have expanded use of the amplification system. “Morning work” is now the responsibility of everyone in the classroom. On May 5, the 2nd-graders in Smolen’s classroom take turns leading the morning assignments. Roland becomes the teacher as he puts the hands-free microphone around his neck and displays the assignment on an overhead projector. He reads a math problem and asks for the answer. Students raise their hands, he picks Mariah, and passes her the hand-held microphone so she can respond before the class. After three problems, Jayde takes over. Occasionally, the teacher steps in and asks a student to elaborate. “Tell the class how you got that answer,” she says.
Students are proud and eager to share, so teachers make sure each one gets a turn with the microphone. Students write stories, then read them aloud using the mic. During “Think-Pair-Share” students are given a question. They think about it individually, talk about it with a neighbor, then take turns using the mic to share with the class.
Amplification systems are known to help students with hearing disabilities, but teachers have found that they help all students pay attention and stay on task. “Sometimes a student will say they didn’t hear you give an assignment. Now, they don’t have an excuse,” said Smolen.
