This is a very simple technique which you can ask your students to use in whole-class talk: Check your class before you speak.
The idea is that pupils check that their peers are focused on them before they address the whole class. They can also give polite reminders where necessary.
The impact is huge. It immediately raises the status of pupil talk, it gives children ownership of the learning, and it often improves audibility because students suddenly realise that their peers need to hear what they say. Try asking your pupils: Check your class!
More on whole-class talk
