Classroom acoustics is about "dampening down" sound in the classroom. Sound waves bounce off hard surfaces like walls and windows. The child hears this reflected sound at the same time they are trying to hear the next part of what the teacher is saying. (There are websites that deal with classroom acoustics)

Great classroom acoustics are most easily and cost effectively achieved at the time the classroom is built.We would encourage all parents to raise the issue of classroom acoustics when any new buildings are being built at your school. Optimal classroom acoustics provide the best learning environment for all children (not just the hearing impaired child).

However there are certain ways to improve the acoustics of an existing classroom.

• Carpet on floors
• Pin up boards on walls
• Curtains over windows
• Hanging displays of children's work from ceiling
• Sticking children's work to the windows
• If your class uses pencil tins, cut 2 circles of felt (or similar thick fabric) and stick one inside the tin at the bottom and one of the underside of the tin. This absorbs a lot noise when children are using the tins.
• If your class uses trolleys with drawers in, you can get "door sealer tape" (it comes in a roll and has adhesive on one side) and cut pieces to stick on the back of the drawers to act as a buffer when the drawer is closed.
• Check for interference when using FM units

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