Tips for Quieting a Class That Won't Stop Talking

 

Have you ever taught a class that was full of social butterflies? While this dynamic can lead to vibrant class discussions, it can also create disruptions for students who need a quieter atmosphere to focus. In this post, I'll be sharing a few tips for quieting a class that won't stop talking. 

1. Stop teaching until the room is silent 

Remind students that the time they spend talking takes away from your teaching time. This means that they lose valuable work time when they keep talking, and they may need to take home extra homework. Then, wait patiently until students stop talking. Never allow students to speak over you. 

2. Create intentional time for discourse 

Students DO need to talk. As you plan lessons, set aside time for debates, group work, collaborative stations, and even a few minutes of free time. When it's your time to deliver instructions, remind students that you are being fair because you gave them time to talk. 

3. Provide positive behavior rewards 

Celebrate students who honor your expectations. Give them small rewards - candy, bonus points, homework passes, etc. 

4. Try a quiet activity to calm students down after breaks, lunch, and electives 

Sometimes students are the chattiest after playing a soccer game at recess, catching up on the latest gossip in the cafeteria, etc. It can take a while for them to transition back into "learning mode." Activities like 10 minutes of independent choice book reading or even a unit-related art project can calm students down a bit. Consider dimming the lights in your classroom to create a relaxing atmosphere. 

5. Follow through on your behavior plan 

Students will try to test you. Consistently follow through with the consequences you promised students at the beginning of the year. 

6. Have an expectation reset talk with your class

If your class is being disrespectful and violating the expectations for talking in the classroom, you may need to take some time to reset your classroom standards. Consider making a visual wall aid after the discussion as a daily reminder for students to look at. 

7. Ask students how it feels to be unheard 

Having a deep conversation with students can go a long way. Look them in the eyes and say something like, "Can anyone tell me about a time when you felt unheard?" After students have had a bit of time to share their own experiences, explain how you feel when students talk over you. Give specific examples of how the increased noise makes you lose your train of thought, etc. 

8. Call parents and care givers 

Proactively reach out to parents and care givers throughout the school year with updates on their children's academics and behavior. This will show them that you care about their children and want them to succeed. Looping parents and care givers in regularly allows them to work with you as a team. 

9. Keep a packet of busy work ready 

If students are chatting too much during class, keep a stack of worksheets (grammar, punctuation, informational texts, etc.) that they can work on independently as needed. 

10. Use behavior reflection forms to help students process their behavior's impact

If students are interrupting your class frequently by talking, give them a template in which they write about what they were doing, how that affected the people around them, and how they will do better in the future. 

11. Hold a meeting with other teachers, administration, and your school counselor 

You're not alone. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Your admin is there to support both you and the students. 

12. Put students in teams to compete for rewards 

Allow your students to choose team captains and compete for rewards. 

What are your strategies for quieting a class that won't stop talking? Leave a comment below with your ideas!