Constant Chatter

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Classroom Management Chatboard

Constant Chatter

by KD

Sep 1, 2011

Dear all, I'm so glad this message board is here to ask questions:)

Constant chatter is driving me crazy! I've just never had so much frustration with a class. If I ask the students to take out a folder from their desks, about half do so, and the other half talk & talk & totally forget about the folder, regardless of how I've phrased the directions, how clear I am etc.. I don't think I've been able to start a lesson this week without having to stop, wait for quiet, warn students, stop again etc. It's maddening! I've taught for 20 years and have never had a hassle like this before. I don't think I should have to offer table points every time I give an instruction. I don't mind giving points sometimes, but all the time is ridiculous...

3 parents have come to me in the last week asking me to change their child's seat because they're complaining about kids at their table talking. Honestly, I've got no table to move them to that doesn't have the same problem. ...See More

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L Jones lease take a look at Jack Berckemeyer's ideas! He has helped me tremendously. jackberckemeyer.com

Lisa

On 9/01/11, KD wrote: > Dear all, I'm so glad this message board is here to ask > questions:) > > Constant chatter is driving me crazy! I've just never had > so much frustration with a class. If I ask the student...See More

Sep 2, 2011

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L Jones Another great video about chatter:

[link removed]

On 9/02/11, L Jones wrote: > Please take a look at Jack Berckemeyer's ideas! He has helped > me tremendously. jackberckemeyer.com > > Lisa > > > > On 9/01/11, KD wrote: >> Dear all, I'm so glad this message board is here to ask >> questions:) &...See More

Sep 2, 2011

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Sara On 9/01/11, KD wrote: > Dear all, I'm so glad this message board is here to ask > questions:)

I wrote this on another post but you can train kids to quiet and silence and some need that specific training. Next day explain how some people need quiet to work while yes, it's true that others don't. Silence is usually not expected but s...See MoreOn 9/01/11, KD wrote: > Dear all, I'm so glad this message board is here to ask > questions:)

I wrote this on another post but you can train kids to quiet and silence and some need that specific training. Next day explain how some people need quiet to work while yes, it's true that others don't. Silence is usually not expected but sometimes it even has to be silent."

We live in noisy world where people often have to raise their voices over the din - particularly now that everybody talks on their cell phones everywhere. Even in church the minister asks people to turn off their cell phones, all weddings seem to begin with that announcement now. Some kids live in loud families where the tv is constantly on whether anyone is watching or not. Doctors' offices, waiting rooms seem to more and more have a tv in it, up high, and showing the most awful shows. As Americans, we seem to need the din and be uncomfortable with quiet much less silence.

But they can learn a greater comfort with quiet and silence. Some people actually become uncomfortable and start to talk or chat out of discomfort with the quiet. "Well, what are we all being so quiet for?" and they start talking.

If the classroom clock has a second hand, tell them we're going to practice quiet and silence both. Start with quiet. Give them a short worksheet or tell them to write their full name on the paper - first, middle and last name - and to be quiet while they do it. They can't be silent because the papers will rustle and they'll shift in their seats. Time it. It shouldn't take too long and if anyone starts to talk, say "It's to be quiet which means no talking."

When it's over, show them how long they were able to keep quiet for.

Then do silence. No work to be done. Don't expect more than 10 seconds and tell them that because, tell them, they've had no silence training. Start them when the second hand is at 12 and have silence for ten seconds. (some of them may start to sweat, silence makes them nervous)

Talk to them about NAVY Seals and Army commandos doing silence training. Tell them quiet time and silent time are different but you're going to be working - like NAVY seals - on lengthening the amount of time they can be silent - it's not easy. Can they make it to a minute? A minute is a reasonable goal.

And that as a class you're "going to work on the length of time they can be quiet - which is different from silence, yes, but it stills asks something of you that you're still learning to give. When I speak with instructions, it should be quiet, not silent, but quiet. I should not have to raise my voice unless something alarming is happening."

I have a colleague who's GREAT with - clap twice if you can hear me. Clap three times if you can hear me. He can control almost 400 kids with that and I'm not kidding.

I agree - I'd never give points for being quiet. Quiet is a life skill, not a parlor trick. > > Constant chatter is driving me crazy! I've just never had > so much frustration with a class. If I ask the students to > take out a folder from their desks, about half do so, and > the other half talk & talk & totally forget about the > folder, regardless of how I've phrased the directions, how > clear I am etc.. I don't think I've been able to start a > lesson this week without having to stop, wait for quiet, > warn students, stop again etc. It's maddening! I've taught > for 20 years and have never had a hassle like this before. > I don't think I should have to offer table points every > time I give an instruction. I don't mind giving points > sometimes, but all the time is ridiculous... > > 3 parents have come to me in the last week asking me to > change their child's seat because they're complaining about > kids at their table talking. Honestly, I've got no table to > move them to that doesn't have the same problem. > > The good news is there's no maliciousness, no defiance, but > I am worried about time wasted and the number of students > who are not proficient for their grade level. I don't like > raising my voice at kids and that's what I've had to resort > to this week... > > Please advise! I wish I could freely ask the other teachers > at my school, but I'm new to the school and some of other > teachers are so snarky and petty, I'm avoiding the staff > room altogether. > > Please be kind in your responses, I've just had a major > grade level, subject and school environment change, and my > first 5 weeks have been rough.. That said, I could really > use some suggestions!

Sep 2, 2011

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