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Post by happyOCgirl on Apr 5, 2016 16:55:39 GMT
I'm on spring break -finally- and thinking about school stuff. I've taught first grade for 20 years. Our classes are around 32. I don't have a loud voice but need one to teach (I always think that many soak up my volume). With those three things, I've noticed more strain and fatigue with my 'speaking voice'. I have a student this year who requires an speaker and I wear a microphone. First year in ages I haven't ended up with laryngitis and shockingly more energy!
So, I decided to start saving for an amplifier system for my classroom. I really don't know how much they cost but I think it's necessary to finish out my career. Do you happen to know of a good one or maybe you know a teacher how has one? The one for the student is over $1000, but I'm sure there are less expensive ones.
I'm looking for a hands free mic - so either clip on my clothes or a headset with a speaker.
Thank you so much!!
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Post by gorgeouskid on Apr 5, 2016 17:17:44 GMT
I'm totally following this because I have the same situation, only I now work with adults.
Califone has a portable PA that you wear on your belt and has an over the head mic. I tried one out at CUE last month. It's only about $150.
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Post by beachbum on Apr 5, 2016 17:35:14 GMT
First, as a retired teacher, let me say - 32??? Wow. I taught 1st for a couple of years then 2nd for the rest of my career, and we were maxed out at 25 in my system. I can't imagine 32 1st graders, no wonder your voice is strained. There was a teacher at another school that used an amplifier she wore on a belt - something like this one I found at Staples. It's only about $150. Wonder if you could get it funded on Donor's Chose? Good luck! |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Apr 5, 2016 17:39:15 GMT
Once you find what you want... this is totally a Donor's Choose project.
If you were my child's teacher I would happily donate!!
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Apr 6, 2016 1:49:51 GMT
I've read research that says that when teachers' voices are amplified 1. Fewer teachers get vocal nodules, 2. The students report their teacher is less angry. (The researchers posited that kids - especially young kids -perceive an unamplified voice that is rising in volume as an angry voice, regardless of tone.)
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Post by 950nancy on Apr 6, 2016 1:55:00 GMT
I have a naturally loud voice. It does help in teaching. If this is causing problems with your throat or health, can't it be considered a 504 issue? I ask because my teammate had a similar issue with her voice and the school had to buy the system (and I came from a really cheap district!)
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Post by happyOCgirl on Apr 6, 2016 2:26:30 GMT
I've read research that says that when teachers' voices are amplified 1. Fewer teachers get vocal nodules, 2. The students report their teacher is less angry. (The researchers posited that kids - especially young kids -perceive an unamplified voice that is rising in volume as an angry voice, regardless of tone.) I can tell you right now, my vocal cords are cheering this year. I also have asthma and this it the first time I've made it to April without an breathing issue or strep throat. The strain is real and I've noticed the difference. I've usually been told I have a melodic voice by parents - except for this year! Two parents have told me their child is fearful of me because I have such a mean voice. I had to explain the difference between mean and stern. When a child is throwing a chair or screaming because they got in trouble for standing on a toilet and looking over the stall, I need to use a stern voice. It's pretty funny the year I have a mic, I have a mean voice - even though I turned it off to talk to them privately. It really does help all students hear, regardless of the singing, humming, or just the breathing of 32 students! |
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Post by happyOCgirl on Apr 6, 2016 2:31:11 GMT
I have a naturally loud voice. It does help in teaching. If this is causing problems with your throat or health, can't it be considered a 504 issue? I ask because my teammate had a similar issue with her voice and the school had to buy the system (and I came from a really cheap district!) I have a rock star principal who wants to get this for all the teachers. However, the district is another story. I'm sure I would eventually get one. A co-worker's doctor requested one for her and wrote up a prescription (I don't know what they called it) for a system. It took so long to get one, she ended up needing surgery...and then she got a system. It's good to hear other districts are supplying them! Yay! |
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Post by Merge on Apr 6, 2016 3:26:11 GMT
If I may suggest, as both a teacher and a vocalist - have you considered seeing a speech coach/therapist for help in speaking properly, rather than using amplification? A properly produced voice carries further without having to raise volume. Most people these days pitch their speaking voice too low, use too much vocal "fry" (google it) and don't use good breath support. We also don't enunciate well, and rely on increased volume to make ourselves understood instead.
I teach all day in a large room, twice the size of a normal classroom, with classes averaging 55-60 students each. I speak and sing to those large groups ALL day - there is very little time when students are doing seat or small group work. My voice is not tired at the end of the day, and I don't need amplification. My students would tell you that it's rare that I raise my voice at all. I do work hard to make sure I'm using my voice effectively and correctly, and that I enunciate well.
My old principal provided a high-end amplification system in all the larger classrooms like mine, and I quit using it after a few months. The kids complained that I was too loud when amplified, and I could not train myself to speak in a way that doesn't project all on its own. I also considered that I wouldn't want to be tied to a device that may, at any moment, not work correctly, have a dead battery, etc. Better IMO to use a well-supported and placed voice. Just a thought, and feel free to ignore it!
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