I’ve been using the Too Loud Kids Noise Meter & Timer FREE version app and it’s amazing! It uses the microphone and becomes a noise meter that actually says “BE QUIET” when they get too loud. You can change the sensitivity level so that you can use it for small groups or large classrooms (just click on the settings button). You can put it on for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 45 minutes and every minute it tracks how they did and gives them a sad or happy face. What a great way for progress monitoring!
What’s the catch? It’s only available on apple devices (iPads or iPhones) L
The other alternative is to use the Too Noisy website. http://toonoisyapp.com/ This is a website that does the same thing by using the microphone on your computer. Therefore it wouldn’t work on a desktop but it would work on your laptops if they have microphones (most do). You just have to sign up for the app online. You could then easily just put the screen under the projector if you want to show the whole class. The only thing I don’t like about this one is that it doesn’t provide audio input to let the kids are too noisy. It only provides a visual and puts the meter in the red zone.
Also here is a link to 25 chatty classroom strategies! http://missgiraffesclass.blogspot.com/2016/10/25-chatty-class-classroom-management.html
Also, don’t forget if you have an especially chatty child then you may want to try giving them something that vibrates. When we speak our bones vibrate. Therefore, some kids may be craving that input (not necessarily the auditory input).
Hope this helps!