The trick is meant for students between kindergarten and fourth grade, and the concept is simple. We created “quiet critters” that only come out when everyone is quiet.
Better yet, during quiet time, you put a critter on every desk. Of course, the little creatures don’t like loud noises or being played with, so if a student startles them by making too much noise, the skittish thing moves to the other side of the desk. If the child continues to be disruptive, their critter scurries home to their jar.
After quiet time is over, tell your students that the critters need to rest at home so they’ll be ready for their next appearance. Then, everyone who kept their critter on their desk for the entire time gets a prize!