Teaching with Laryngitis!

This past week I have had a terrible case of laryngitis, which basically means I have no voice. My students can tell you that, while I do not yell, I have a booming voice and can be heard from very far away (should one of my little darlings need to hear me!). However, having no voice this week has been much different. I could not talk over my students when they were talking--my voice would not let me! I had to stand and wait for their attention. Now, I have read many books that champion this practice, but my natural tendency is to try to keep class a-flowin' and not wait to have all the attention I need. Let me tell you, the change in my class has been phenomenal since I have been forced to  started to speak softly! They listen to every word! My voice is coming back now and I'm almost sad. I will try hard not to rely on my big voice to get the attention I expect. I had no idea that being quiet could be so powerful!