Begin the school year with clear rules and expectations. Let students know that when it is time to learn, students should be silent. Have them understand that being quiet is an important part of the learning process.
Teach the students you unique sign when you want them to be quiet. Some teachers put up a peace sign, while others will recite a poem that the class has learned.
Do not talk over your students. Speak in a quiet voice so that only a couple of students hear you at first. This will cause a trickle down effect and will make the other students quiet as well.
Do something else for 10 to 15 minutes if the class is not quiet. Walk around the classroom. Ask the students to do jumping jacks. Have the students solve random multiplication problems. This way, both the students' minds and bodies are working to expend any extra energy they may have.