Talking . . . talking . . . talking

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Talking . . . talking . . . talking
By JES

Melissa,
I agree with the previous poster -- try to hang in there. I think the key is to be consistant. Just recently I explained to my students (5th graders who are v-e-r-y comfortable because this is our second year
together) that I was going to do my best (even though we all knew it would be difficult) to ignore any student who talked out without raising his or her hand and being called on. As soon as I finished explaining my position on the subject, one of my students said (without raising his had or being called on), "Mrs. JES." I almost answered him before I realized he was testing me. Luckily

I caught myself in time and ignored him completely. Kids are going to test the limits every time they think we might have a chink in our armor, and we've got to be firm even when we are frustrated and exhausted.

I think you are on the right track trying to involve parents. However, I think you might consider a reward system for those students who are on-task. I've used a ticket reward system in the past that worked very well. Students saved tickets and redeemed them for treats and school supplies on "redemption" day once a month.

Good Luck!