“Why are you yelling?” “Turn down your voice.” “Talk quieter.”
Are you always saying these things? Or is it just me?
Bubs must be reminded of this ALL OF THE TIME! (Did I just yell that statement?)
Not long after he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I realized that he really didn’t get it. He truly did not realize he was being loud.
I friend suggested creating a Volume Control Chart. Desperate to find something to help, I almost immediately sat down at the computer and created my own.
After printing it off, Bubs and I headed outside, discussed, and then practiced each of the five volume levels. Then the sheet was placed on the refrigerator.
Whenever his volume got too high, we walked to the kitchen. I would say, “You are using your ___ voice. When are you supposed to use this voice? I want you to use the number ____ voice. Please show me how this voice sounds.” Then we progressed to “What voice are you using?” and “What voice should you be using?”.
To this day, when Bubs’ voice exceeds the proper level we refer to these numbers. Now I just show him a number on my fingers to show him what voice he should use. The clue helps him understand that he is too loud.
Understand this has 100% solved our volume issues. Just a few weeks ago, an adult friend of ours “yelled” back at Bubs because Bubs was talking so loud to him. Bubs thought it was really funny and had no idea the point our friend was making. So, I pulled him aside and explained why “Fred” yelled back at him.
A natural consequence that we use is that Bubs loses the privilege to talk. When he is unable on his own to turn down his volume, he has to be silent for 5 minutes (one minute per age).
But… the chart has definitely helped. It took an abstract concept and made it visual for him. The loudness is decreasing. Very thankful for that!
You can print the “How Loud is My Volume” chart as well as other Activity and Behavior Charts at ABCJesusLovesMe.
Thanks! Our early intervention teacher had us using something similar for a while, the other kids caught on WAY faster than mine with SPD, but I think I'll try it again. Plus, yours with the pictures will probably work better for him. I was thinking of making some kind of volume markers for the kids, like clothespins if I hang the charts on the wall, or poker chips if I lay the charts on the table next to them during a meal or project. Then they could all periodically check their volume and move their marker to the right picture.
I also LOVE that you can eventually use a hand signal of what number, that would be REALLY useful for times away from home, and to not "shout over him" to get his attention. Didn't catch that the first time through.
I thought I posted a comment but can't find it. Wanted you to know I think this is a great idea and wish I could have used it with my first graders but now that I am retired I don't need it. Even so, it would be good to train first graders so they can use quite voices during center time and other quiet activities. Maybe other teachers will find it useful.
Hi, I just came across your blog on Top Mommy's and I'm tickled I did. My 6 year-old daughter is a "Sensory seeker"(among other things). She requires deep pressure massage and lots of "hard work" activities. She craves physical contact. I had the child evaluation center to tell me she does not have spd, but it was obvious they were testing in the areas of aversion to touch, whereas Helana requires it. Anyway, I look forward to following you!