way-too-social kids

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Home : 2002 : May : 10

way-too-social kids
By Carolyn

Have you tried simply standing in the doorway and blocking any exit? I actually used to have to do that when I taught middle schoolers. They would just get up during homeroom period and walk out, without even asking. I'd
look around to take attendance, and the child would be missing. I got to the point where I stood right in the doorway with the attendance card and would not allow anyone to leave. That certainly did help.
As for "in and out" with your kids, I believe that they have to learn that by a certain time it's in the seat and quiet. Since you probably have no bells, I would set a timer

and tell them that there will be a consequence if they are not in their seats and quiet when the timer goes off. I have done this my my fifth graders this year, since some of them want to socialize instead of getting in their seats in the morning. By 8:00 announcements, all of my kids are in their seats and there is no further talking or moving around. Kids are quietly working on their "morning work," which is either a worksheet or board work. I make sure I collect the work, so that they will take it seriously.