PURPOSE: to evaluate noise level in the classrooms of first grade children as well as, to verify its interference during reading and dictation activities. METHODS: measuring noise levels according to ANSI standards was performed in seven classrooms of five schools of the municipal network of teaching in the city of Urussanga, Santa Catarina during reading and dictation activities. Afterwards, a questionnaire was introduced to the students and teachers dealing with the interference of noise in the accomplished activities. 109 children participated in the survey and 59 were males and 50 females. RESULTS: noise levels present in the classrooms varied from 59.5 to 71.3 dB(A). Regarding the students' and teachers' perception of the noise, 94.5% of the students and 100% of the teachers noted other sound sources during the activities but just 52.39% of the students and 42.8% of the teachers affirmed an interference from the noise during the practice of the activities. CONCLUSION: it was observed that the noise level, despite being above proposed limits according to national standards, did not interfere in the results of the dictation. On the other hand, the teachers, mainly in the noisiest rooms, needed to raise their voices during the practice of their activities, complaining afterwards about vocal fatigue.
Noise; Noise Perception; Noise Effects; Learning
