[sooy]

O.k...So the task is rather large..I'm the only Foreign teacher in the school(other did not turn up)until next semester. I have 17 - 45 min classes a week. Junior 2 - 30 students per class, Junior 3 - 60 students per class. The first few weeks have gone surprisingly well...I have played many games mentioned on this site and of my own making and the students (all but 1 or 2 classes) have participated well. I'm worried though about the noise that comes with the enthusiasm(especially in a class of 60 young teenagers) I don't want to disrupt all the other classes too much and it is extremely loud and competitive in class.
Has anyone got any ideas for quieter games for large groups of varied levels. I know this sounds rather silly being as my job is to get them talking !!I'm just really worried about it.
I played the minimal pairs game with the words on the board and two students taking turns to fly swat the words whilst the class called out the words I held up...OHHH of course when each word was heard incorrectly by the swatters...the class just started yelling and screaming the word in hysterics of laughter....great they are having fun, but 60 kids all at once yelling !!!WOW

[mesmark]

I wouldn't worry about it at all, unless you've been told to keep it down.

Just as the music class will be loud and you'll probably hear some noise and whistles from the PE class, I think people expect or are understanding about a noisy ESL class.

After all, like you said, they are supposed to be making noise and any group of 30+ people talk is going to be loud.

[esltiger]

In my previous school I have the same experience of really noisy classes and had a share of being questioned if I am teaching my classes English or just playing games. I reasoned out that it means my classes are enjoying their English class and that the students are not bored. Just make sure that it is not just a game for games sake. Also before doing any ESL games always remind your students not to be very noisy or you won't have games anymore.