Have you ever looked at these whisper phones wishing you could have them in your classroom, but not really wanting to shell out the big bucks for a classroom set? Well, do not fret. You can make your own DIY whisper phones for every student in your classroom for CHEAP and it is super easy.
What I LOVE about Whisper Phones
I think whisper phones are an important tool to have in the classroom. They are perfect for beginning readers and/or second language learners that do not quite have the confidence to read aloud. Whisper phones allow students to hear themselves while speaking quietly into their phones. This allows them to focus on what they are saying and how they are saying it.
What you need to make a Whisper Phone:
- two 1 inch PVC pipe elbows (per phone being made)
- 3/4th inch PVC pipe cut to three inches long (per phone being made)
- spray paint
How to make a Whisper Phone:
1.Purchase enough material to make a class set of Whisper Phones. I went to a local Home Depot and easily got everything that I needed. {I recommend putting them together while you are in the store. I had a few that did not fit snuggly when I got home and had to go back and exchange them.}
2. If you did not put the phones together at the store, put them together now.
3. Lay the phones on a large piece of cardboard paper and spray paint. I gave the inside of the phones a quick spray so that I could not easily see any white and then tackled the outside. You will want to spray paint both sides of the whisper phone so you will have to patiently wait for one side to dry before flipping them over.
4. Your whisper phones are all ready to go! Place them in each student’s book box so they can use them whenever they are reading. I also keep a few at teacher table so they are readily available if we need them.
If you are not wanting to make your own whisper phones, you can purchase some for your classroom here. I hope that you and your students enjoy!
Are you looking for more back to school ideas, activities, and printables to do at home or in the classroom? If so click here.
Wow, thanks for the tutorial! Have you had any chip of the red paint! I love this inexpensive way to accomplish the mission!
You are so welcome! I didn’t have any chip so I hope you find the same for your set.
I love the whisper listening phones made from PVC pipes! Did someone at your Home Depot cut the 3-inch straight pieces you needed from a long pole at the store? If so, how much did they charge to make those cuts?
If I have to cut those myself at home, what kind of a saw is needed to cut PVC pipe?
A lot of times they don’t charge for cuts! I just made sure I had exact measurements when going in and talk with someone in the pipe area.
I have one of these, red plastic, it was a gift, but I would like to make a class set. I was worried that the paint will peel off or if the child puts it in their mouth they could scrape it off with their teeth. Have you had any issues with yours ? They do look great red, just not sure with my home child care.
Oh! I haven’t had any issue with that. You can find child safe paint to use for this project.