Bouncy Balls is a free web tool that helps you manage your classroom noise. Bouncy Balls has an integrated noise meter that automatically detects different noise levels in surrounding environment and sends off alert signals. Bouncy Balls is completely free, requires no registration or software download, and most importantly, is simple and easy to use.
There are various ways to use Bouncy Balls in your classroom. For instance, you can use it in group work activities to keep students noise at an acceptable level. You can also use it in silent reading activities to help enhance students focus by mitigating distractive noise, or you can use it in assignments and quizzes, and so forth. Any type of learning activity that requires controlled noise environment, Bouncy Balls is an ideal classroom management website to consider.
As is the case with any EdTech tool you integrate in your classroom instruction, always make sure you try it first multiple times, familiarize your students with how it works and let them experiment with it for awhile, only then you can fully integrate it in your teaching practice.
How Does Bouncy Balls Work?
The way Bouncy Balls work is simple. First, head over to bouncyballs.org and click on Begin Bouncing button. Next, change the tools settings to your preferences (e.g., adjust the sensitivity level, theme, and number of balls), turn on the microphone, and choose a noise alert type. Voila! You are all set.
Using the Sensitivity meter you can set a noise baseline in your classroom environment and when students go over it (i.e., when they are noisy) Bouncy Balls’ alert goes off. Sensitivity meter goes from 0 to 200 with the latter being the most sensitive to noise. For instance, when I set the Sensitivity meter to 200, even the keystrokes on my keyboards makes Bouncy Balls alert goes off.
Besides adjusting the sensitivity meter you can also set the number of balls displayed in the screen. You can go from 25 to 175. You also get to select the theme that you and your students like. Bouncy Balls offers five themes: Plastic, Emoji, Numbers, Bubbles, and Eyeballs. Click on any theme you like to select it. As for the Noise Alert feature, Bouncy Balls allows you to choose between no sound, beep, or shush.
Ways to Use Bouncy Balls in Class
Bouncy Balls is indeed a great classroom management tool, particularly for keeping noise levels in check. Here are a few ways you could use it in your classroom:
- Quiet Work Time: During periods of independent work, you can use Bouncy Balls to visually remind students to keep their noise levels down. When the class is too noisy, the balls will start to bounce. This serves as a signal to students that they need to lower their volume.
- Group Work: When students are working in groups, they might get a little excited and loud. Use Bouncy Balls to set a noise limit. The groups who can keep their noise level below the bouncing balls level will earn points.
- Reading Activities: You can use Bouncy Balls during reading activities. Have the class read aloud together, and use Bouncy Balls to help them find an appropriate volume. The balls should bounce a little, but not too much.
- Transitions: Bouncy Balls is a useful tool for signaling the start and end of transition times. When it’s time to move onto the next activity, you can say, “Let’s get the balls bouncing,” and then, once everyone is settled, “Let’s see how quickly we can get the balls to settle down.”
- Rewards: Use it as part of a classroom reward system. If the balls stay calm for a specified amount of time, the class earns a reward.
- Experiment with Sound: Bouncy Balls can also be used as an educational tool for science class. For instance, students can experiment with different sounds and volumes to see how the balls react.
It’s always important to establish and communicate clear expectations for noise levels for different activities and times of day, and to reinforce those expectations with verbal reminders and other strategies as needed.
Watch this short demo to see Bouncy Balls in action.
Final thoughts
Bouncy is a simple, yet ingenious tool for educators aiming to cultivate a conducive learning environment through noise management. It is a perfect example of how technology can be seamlessly integrated into a classroom setting to enhance focus and maintain discipline without a word being spoken. Its intuitive design, ease of use, and real-time visual feedback on noise levels make it an ideal aid for activities ranging from group work to silent reading.
