The Voice Volume Dial

A poster board dial with four settings (silent, whisper, inside voice, playground voice) sets both voice volume and how big children move. It builds self-control, voice regulation and the link between sound and movement.

How to play

1. Introduce the dial: 0 is the silent turtle, 1 the whispering mouse, 2 the dog's inside voice and 3 the lion's playground voice (2 min).
2. Practice sitting down: turn the arrow and say “hello” at that volume (1 min).
3. Now move: at 0, walk in slow motion silently; at 1, tiptoe and whisper; at 2, walk and chat; at 3, jump with a strong voice (3 min).
4. Turn the dial faster and faster while kids adjust voice and body (2 min).
5. Go down from 3 to 0 gradually until everyone is lying down in silence (2 min).

Rules

• Check the arrow before you talk.
• At 3 we use a strong voice, not a scream.
• At 0, not a word.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: movement is the main cue and the teacher points to the dial with a big arm.
• Limited mobility: show body volume through the size of arm gestures.
• Autism or noise sensitivity: the child may stay at 1, and the teacher warns before going to 3.

Learning goals

• Adjust voice volume to the situation.
• Match movement intensity to a cue.
• Shift from high energy to calm gradually.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Poster board volume dial: 1

Teacher tip

Hang the dial in the room and use it any time during class; it's a very clear quiet signal. Don't let 3 turn into screaming; pause and go back to 2.

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