Classroom Voice Levels with Push Lights + Printable
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I recently shared this classroom voice level idea using push lights, and teachers immediately started asking me if I had a printable for the circles behind the lights. I didn’t—but after years of creating simple activities and printables for kids, I knew this would be an easy resource to make and share.
I designed my version with four classroom voice levels: No Voice, Whisper, Normal, and Speak Up. I made the circles large and colorful so the different levels are easy to distinguish, and I sized the center of each one for a 2.55-inch round push light.
I especially like how simple this idea is. Instead of needing a complicated classroom display, you can turn on the light next to the voice level you want students to use. The illuminated light provides an easy visual reminder of the expected voice level.
Below, I’ll show you how to put the voice level chart together, along with my free two-page printable so you can make your own.
Voice Level Chart for the Classroom
A voice level chart is a simple way to help students understand how loudly they should be speaking during different classroom activities.
This version uses push lights to make the current voice level easy to spot. Instead of repeatedly reminding students to lower or raise their voices, turn on the appropriate light to show them what voice level they should be using.
Use the lights during independent work, small groups, classroom discussions, quiet time, and other activities throughout the school day.
Classroom Voice Levels 0–3
This printable includes four classroom voice levels:
Voice Level 0 – No Voice
No talking. This level is great for quiet work, tests, reading time, or other activities that require silence.
Voice Level 1 – Whisper
Students can use a very quiet whisper when talking to someone nearby.
Voice Level 2 – Normal
Students can use a normal conversational voice for partner work, centers, or small-group activities.
Voice Level 3 – Speak Up
Students can use a stronger speaking voice when sharing with the class, giving a presentation, or participating in a group discussion.
Turn on the push light for the voice level you want students to use and turn it off when you are ready to move to another level.
Voice Level Chart Supplies
You only need a few simple supplies to make this classroom voice level display:
- Free voice level chart printable
- 2.55-inch round push lights
- Printer
- White cardstock or printer paper
- Scissors
- Your preferred method for attaching the labels and lights to the classroom wall or board
Tip: Printing the labels on cardstock will make them sturdier for classroom use.
How to Make a Voice Level Chart with Push Lights
Print the voice level chart printable and select “Fit to Printable Area” in your printer settings so the entire design prints within your printer’s margins.
Cut around each of the four colorful voice level circles.
Arrange the circles vertically on a classroom wall, whiteboard, or bulletin board in this order:
No Voice – Level 0
Whisper – Level 1
Normal – Level 2
Speak Up – Level 3
Place a 2.55-inch round push light in the center of each circle where indicated on the printable.
When you want students to use a particular voice level, press that push light to turn it on. The illuminated light gives students a quick visual cue for the expected classroom noise level.
Free Voice Level Chart Printable
The free voice level chart printable includes four colorful push light labels:
No Voice – Voice Level 0
Whisper – Voice Level 1
Normal – Voice Level 2
Speak Up – Voice Level 3
The printable is a two-page PDF with two large voice level circles on each page. Each circle is designed to be used with a 2.55-inch round push light.
Printing Tip: For best results, select “Fit to Printable Area” in your printer settings to ensure the entire design prints within your printer’s margins.
Download the Free Voice Level Chart Printable
This printable is for personal and classroom use. Please do not sell, redistribute, or upload the PDF to another website.
