Happy
Tuesday! Just thought I’d share some helpful hints that I’ve tried this year in
fourth grade to get that off-task talking under control.
Morning
Talking: This year, I’ve scrapped the Daily Work sheets in favor of Morning Tweets
(an idea I got from Pinterest). Instead
of visiting friends around the room or talking to neighbors while beginning
Daily Work, my students fill out a Morning Tweet card and put it in our pocket
chart. Students read these throughout
the day, and we choose several to share during class meetings. Tweeting rather
than Talking ensures that every student gets to share special news, or just say
what’s on their mind without soaking up valuable class time.
Transitions:
Another Talking Monster Hot Spot! This
year, I have been using an amazing song from “I Am Bullyproof Music” to smooth
out our transition times as well as to reinforce that learning community
feeling. The song is “Got Your Back”,
and it’s full of love and positive messages about how we all look out for each
other every day. I keep the mp3 track on
my computer desktop and play it when our three fourth grade classes are
changing for science, social studies, and writing. Students sing along as they
get their materials ready, move to the next class, and gather for the
mini-lesson to begin in my room. No wait
time – just peace and love! Aaaaahhhhhhh.
Conversational
Opportunities: Let’s face it – we all love to talk with our friends, and kids
need some islands of talk time throughout the day when it’s ok to talk. I call
these “Conversational Opportunities” and announce two or three of them each
day, just for two or three minutes.
Today, for example, at 9:10 on 11/12/13, we had a conversational
opportunity in commemoration of Sequential Day!
It doesn’t need to be on a special day or at a special time, though. I like to announce these breaks as a
surprise.
Noise Level
Chart: I use a cute and simple chart to rate the levels of noise which are
acceptable during working time and those that are not acceptable. We practice the levels a lot early in the
year. Before beginning partner or group
work, I check in with my kids on what noise level they should choose for the
activity at hand. “Study Buddy” (Level
two) is usually just right!
Call and Response:
When the noise level rises beyond the limits, or I just need to get everyone’s
attention quickly, I love to use the age-old, tried-and-true call and
response. Super simple: I call and they
respond! Some of our favorites:
Me: Class!
Them: Yes!
Me: One two
three, eyes on me!
Them: One
two, eyes on you!
Me: I need
you to listen now with your eyes and ears.
Them: Mind
and heart! (With motions to head and heart. This one melts me every time I hear
it!)
I hope one
or two of these tips will help you to tame that Talking Monster in your class! Thanks
for hoppin’ over today!
You might also like:
