Classroom Management Series #1: Students talking when not supposed to

Raise your hand if you have perfect students, students who NEVER talk when you or someone else is talking.  … No one?  Me neither.  That is a struggle that I feel like every teacher has dealt with at one point or another. 

What does “talking when not supposed to”: mean?

1. Talking to another student when you are giving instructions or presenting the lesson
2. Talking to another student or you when they are doing individual work
3. Talking during a test
4. Talking to someone when another students is answering, giving presentation, or asking a question

Students talk when they are asked not to because of many reasons.

• The student is bored
• The student doesn’t understand so they are asking
• The student did not hear you giving the instructions (the class was noisy when you started)

Please remember to not only use the solutions mentioned below, but always talk with repeat defenders (students who are consistently misbehaving) to find the root of the problem.  

Students that are talking when they are not supposed to are:

• Talking to the students next to them or across the room
• Talking to you when you are presenting the lesson
• Calling out answers or questions 
• Talking to themselves

Below are some solutions (divided into the two categories) that readers, teachers at conferences, reference books, and I have come up with.  

Don’t forget to fully explain your expectations of these solutions to your students and BE CONSISTENT! 

Preventive Solutions:

• Include "no talking while others are talking" rule in your classroom rules

• If it is one students that is repeatedly talking, make a signal that only you and the student know 

• Give a repeat defender a set number of words he is allowed to say each class
• Give students a time limit to complete tasks
• Assign seats to students and sit them away from their friends
• If working in groups, give each student a job 

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Responsive Solutions:

• Stand by their desk but keep teaching or explaining
•  Touch their shoulder or desk without saying anything
• Stop talking and wait for the whole class to be quiet before talking
• Using tally marks or a chart, count how many times students talk and show them in a quick conference
• Have the talkative student sit separate from the class and/or near you
• After class, ask the talkative student if they know they are interrupting class and if they have any solutions 

You will probably have to try multiple tips for each student until you find one that works for you and your class.  Remember to try to find the reason, explain your expectations, and be consistent!  

Next week's question: What do you do when students are using their cell phones in class?