Chatty Class

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Home : 2003 : October : 2

Chatty Class
By Kathy

I have a rather lively, chatty class this year as well. I try to give them plenty of opportunity to collaborate and work together when it's appropriate to do so, but I don't like them to talk while I'm giving direct instruction
or when they are supposed to be working independently.
I find you have to find a consequence and stick with it. (We have a color code system based on self management. I call it the ICMM Club--that's an acronym for I Can Manage Myself! When
their color gets changed they lose coveted privileges. That works great when it's just a few isolated talkers, but what if it seems

like it's the whole class??

Here's what I've found to be helpful:

I use Henry Wong's "Give Me Five" with them which works like a charm. (Mostly because I try not to overuse it!) It gets their attention instantly.

I also try to be as positive with them as I can. I have them in groups and they can earn stars on the board for transitioning quickly, listening well, etc. (I also occasionaly start erasing stars!!) The peer pressure works wonders!!

What happens with the stars? Actually not much!! I usually circle the group number that has the most stars. Once I gave a 5 minute bonus recess for the groups that had 5 stars. Some days I let the ones with most stars go first. Frankly, many days nothing happens besides just putting the stars up there!!! But they seem to really want to get them. (Of course, the year's still young!!)

One of my most effective strategies is to just stop talking and wait until they quiet down. (Or should I say quiet each other down!) Of course, if they don't quiet down quickly or I have to keep stopping, there's a penalty.

Positive reinforcement and consistent consequences seems to work for me--at least most of the time!!!