Classroom Management Series #2: Students don’t understand instructions

Last week I shared my action plan with you.  And this week I want to start brainstorming ideas on how to combat students talking because they don’t understand directions. 

Students don’t understand directions because they 1. didn’t hear you give them, 2. can’t remember them, or 3. didn’t understand the instructions. 

When students have any of the problems mentioned above, they are more likely to reach out to a classmate, which in turns interrupts those around them.  OR a student is likely to call out to you asking you to explain them again which draws all students’ attention to you two.   

To reduce talking because students don’t understand directions here are some procedures to try in you classroom.*

Students didn’t hear you give instructions	-Use a hand signal to get students quiet BEFORE you give instructions      -Use a call and response signal to get students attention BEFORE you give instructions      - Wait until all students are quiet before giving instructions
Students can’t remember instructions	-Simplify instructions (have LESS than 5 steps)      -Write simplified steps on the board during activity      -Use pictures to demonstrate what needs to be done      -Act out the instructions      -Show an example of the completed assignment
Students didn’t understand	-Have one or two students repeat the instructions back to you      - Have a student write the instructions on the board as you say them to the class      -Walk around the room and check students as they work

 

hand signals

call and response

*What are procedures compared to discipline?  Procedures are concerned with how things are done.  Discipline is concerned with how students behave (and correcting it).—The Classroom Management Book p. 9

Next week we will be talking about students are done with work early. Post any tips you have on the topic in the comments section.