Creating a Better Learning Environment: Tackling Classroom Noise with BabbleGuard

As the new school year begins, many teachers and students are settling back into the rhythm of the classroom. But, with that fresh excitement and energy often comes a challenge that can affect learning across the board - rising classroom noise levels.

Background noise is one of the biggest barriers to effective teaching and learning. While it impacts everyone in the room, it's consequences can be even more significant for Deaf and hard of hearing students. That's where the BabbleGuard comes in, it's a simple yet powerful tool designed to help teachers and school staff to create calmer, more focused classrooms.

Why Classroom Noise Matters

Group discussions, movement, and general chatter can build quickly in a classroom, making it harder for students to concentrate and for teachers to maintain control of the learning environment.

For children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, classroom noise is particularly problematic. Hearing aids and cochlear implants will amplify not only the teacher's voice, but also surrounding sounds, reducing the signal-to-noise ratio. This means that important words and instructions tend to get lost in the mix, making it harder for Deaf students to follow lessons, participate fully, and stay engaged.

It's not just Deaf students who are affected, all children (and teachers!) benefit from lower background noise. A calmer classroom supports focus, reduces stress, and helps create an environment where learning thrives.

Introducing BabbleGuard: the Smart Way to Monitor Classroom Noise

The BabbleGuard, designed and manufactured by us (Connevans!) is a device that provides visual feedback on noise levels in the classroom. Instead of relying on teachers to constantly remind their class to "keep the noise down", BabbleGuard uses clear, simple indicators that everyone can understand.

The kit is essentially a modern LED bar, paired with a sophisticated sound sensor. Visible to the whole room, the light changes colour to reflect the noise levels being detected in the classroom.

✅ Green light – Noise levels are at a good level

⚠️ Amber light – Noise is starting to rise

⛔ Red light – Time to bring the volume back down

Making noise visible, the BabbleGuard encourages students to take responsibility for their own behaviour, reducing the need for repeated verbal reminders and lesson interruptions.

Key Benefits of the BabbleGuard

• Visual feedback for the whole class: Students and teachers can see at a glance when noise is creeping up.
  
• Promotes self-regulation: Encourages children to adjust their own voices when the indicator changes.
  
• Supports Deaf and hard of hearing students: Helps reduce auditory distractions and makes speech clearer for hearing aid and cochlear implant users.
  
• Simple, non-intrusive design: Easy to mount or place in any classroom, and built for daily use.
  
• Proudly UK-made: A unique feature of BabbleGuard is that it’s designed and manufactured by Connevans here in the UK, keeping British manufacturing alive and thriving.

Try BabbleGuard in Your School

We're offering free trials of BabbleGuard to all UK-based schools. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the difference it can make in your classrooms before committing.

To arrange your free trial, contact Phil at phil@connevans.com

👉 Learn more about BabbleGuard here >

Creating Calmer Classrooms

Classroom noise will always be part of school life, but with the right tools, it doesn't have to stand in the way of effective learning. BabbleGuard is smart, simple and helps teachers maintain a calmer environment, supports Deaf and hard of hearing learners, and ultimately makes the classroom a better place for everyone.