How to Manage a Chatty Class While Relief Teaching
Use a THINK - PAIR - SHARE strategy., Have a CHAT TIME agreement., Seat the students in single desks facing the board or teacher and then move them around the room to talk., Balance passive tasks with group work., Vary everything about the lesson -...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Use a THINK - PAIR - SHARE strategy.
Have an agreement that every 20 minutes, give students a 3 minute CHAT TIME.
When the chat time is over, restart the timer started for another 20 minutes.
It works well. , When you call them back to their chairs, ensure they know that it is a NO-TALK time. , Students often get chatty after prolonged periods of passive activity.
Balance these passive periods with active periods. , Sometimes this can refocus a group. , Remember Lord of the Flies? Have a discussion time where only the CONCH holder can talk.
This activity is best completed in a circle but can be achieved while students are seated.
Instead of a conch, use a foam ball that can be passed by throwing. , A chatty group can sometimes benefit by a physical game.
Always carry a set of tennis balls so you don't have to rely on getting sporting equipment.
There are hundreds of games you can play with a tennis ball, including just throwing and catching with a partner. ,, Some groups just like a bit of noise to fill the vacant space left by a silent activity.
Try playing non-invasive music if you want the students to do a silent activity. , Honestly, just stand back and see whether the noise if ACTUALLY working noise.
Perhaps the talking you hear is really discussion about the activity you are doing.
If it is not interfering with the learning, then go with it.
Maybe even join in. -
Step 2: Have a CHAT TIME agreement.
-
Step 3: Seat the students in single desks facing the board or teacher and then move them around the room to talk.
-
Step 4: Balance passive tasks with group work.
-
Step 5: Vary everything about the lesson - talk softer
-
Step 6: talk faster
-
Step 7: speed the activity up
-
Step 8: slow it down.
-
Step 9: Use a conch (or similar).
-
Step 10: Break up class time with some physical activity.
-
Step 11: Try an investigation where talking is an essential part of the activity.
-
Step 12: Play non-invasive music.
-
Step 13: Listen.
Detailed Guide
Have an agreement that every 20 minutes, give students a 3 minute CHAT TIME.
When the chat time is over, restart the timer started for another 20 minutes.
It works well. , When you call them back to their chairs, ensure they know that it is a NO-TALK time. , Students often get chatty after prolonged periods of passive activity.
Balance these passive periods with active periods. , Sometimes this can refocus a group. , Remember Lord of the Flies? Have a discussion time where only the CONCH holder can talk.
This activity is best completed in a circle but can be achieved while students are seated.
Instead of a conch, use a foam ball that can be passed by throwing. , A chatty group can sometimes benefit by a physical game.
Always carry a set of tennis balls so you don't have to rely on getting sporting equipment.
There are hundreds of games you can play with a tennis ball, including just throwing and catching with a partner. ,, Some groups just like a bit of noise to fill the vacant space left by a silent activity.
Try playing non-invasive music if you want the students to do a silent activity. , Honestly, just stand back and see whether the noise if ACTUALLY working noise.
Perhaps the talking you hear is really discussion about the activity you are doing.
If it is not interfering with the learning, then go with it.
Maybe even join in.
About the Author
Nicholas Ramirez
A passionate writer with expertise in lifestyle topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: