On 5/09/08, Anne wrote:
> I have subbed for several teachers now who in the sub notes
> say their kids are "good but talkative or chatty". I am
> starting to wonder if this may be code for "bratty and
> loud" instead though. :) What are your thoughts on this?
I have subbed for 24 years in a school district in Southern
Arizona. The schools are filled with "chatty" students.
Many are mono-lingual and bilingual Spanish speakers. They
talk to each other constantly in Spanish and English,
decifering lessons, passing on information, translating
informally for those teachers who aren't Spanish speakers.
It is quite a phenomena. This system is also effective and
useful to the students and the teachers. The behavior
problems are not disguised within this system. They stick
out here as well as anywhere else. When students are having
random conversations on class time when they should be
focused, there is a problem and it needs to be addressed when
it happens.
I have seen many superior students evolve from this system of
codes and double lingual speak. I have also seen students
removed from the classroom for disruptive behavior and being
off task. It is up to the teacher to control the classroom
environment and that authority passes to the substitute. Be
clear on the behaviors in your classroom that contribute to
the learning process, be just as clear on the behaviors that
do not contribute to it.