chattiness in primary grades

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Home : 2002 : October : 16

chattiness in primary grades
By Cathy-Dee

Trust me it's a problem even with classroom teachers sometimes. Some groups just seem to be more chatty than others.

I know I work hard in my class to keep the chatting down, but I'm sure the moment I'm away they will
be the nosiest class in the school.
For Primary grades - writing their names on the board is a good method because it is visual. If you can't take away something from them then I would let them know that if they get 3 check marks by their name then their teacher will be getting a note about their behaviour.
Wait for quiet - this sometimes feels like it is taking forever - but it works.

Use a lot of little techniques to help them refocus - most of the time they simply forget to not chat. So I will flick the lights on and off to remind them, ring a bell, play quiet music, put up a sign on the board that says shhhh, quiet time. Anything that grabs their attention. You could keep in your box of things to bring, a bell or noise maker of some sort, a CD or tape of quiet music, etc.,

The music often works well with older grades too. When the music is on - voices are off unless they are asking a question.
But be sure to allow for some "chatting" during other times of the day when it is more appropriate.

Hope these ideas help