Writing Directions on the board

Fifth graders are extremely chatty, especially right after recess, or during transitions. I have gotten so tired to trying to get them quieted down so I can give them directions (and I get especially annoyed when I have to keep repeating directions, or if a student says "I didn't know I had to do that!), so I have found a good way for me to quickly get everyone on the same page is to write simple directions on the board. For instance, if I need them to get out more than one material, or open to a certain page, or to do things in a certain order, I have a special spot on the board to write those directions. When they come in from recess, I just stand at the front of the room and point to the board. They are getting in the habit of just looking without me pointing, and they get right down to business. It has been working SO well!
Another thing that works great (since we have 9 tables of 4 desks and it takes FOREVER to pass out papers), I have a rolling cart that I put by the doorway when they come in. There is a sign by it that says "Take One" by their next assignment. It works well, plus when they do that in the morning, I don't have to give directions, they automatically know what they should be working on. I also love to have students help as much as possible. If I have to pass something out during a lesson, I pick a few students (ones I know will do it quickly and quietly) to pass the paper out as I am teaching. It saves a load of time, and it works well!