[steach]

I am beginning to think I am doing something seriously wrong-maybe I'm the one with the problem. My students simply will not be quiet. I feel as if I am constantly talking over them. Last week I thought I was really making progress - whipping them into shape. They even had several compliments from staff members about their overall improved behavior. Now it seems this week we are back to the first week of school. I told them today that I was going to call every parent tonight and beg them to throw out the Halloween candy. They are "squirrely", can't sit still and don't know when to stop talking. I have had lots of talkative groups, but this group takes the cake. Thankfully they are a good group academically!I am firm, consistent, fair and I think a fun teacher. I don't want to become Viola Swamp, but I feel her coming out!!!!Can anyone "feel my pain"???

[lynnylubner]

I feel your pain!
Holla!

[dramsi]

I feel your pain too!

[Ria]

Ditto!!!!!

[eliza4one]

Here is something I did for the first time this year and it really made a difference. (Even parents commented on it).

We have class meetings once in awhile (prob. should have them more, but...)

At this particular class meeting, the subject was talking.

I took a clear jar/glass of water. I showed it to them...how it was clear, we could see through it, etc. I told them to think of this as their brain thinking. Thoughts are clear, easy to see, etc.

Then, I took some salt and I added a little bit (very little) to the water. I said that the salt represented their talking. How did it impact the thinking? (Not much...thinking still pretty clear, etc.).

Then, I added a bit more salt. This is a bit more talking in the classroom while we are trying to think and listen. How is our thinking impacted now?

I just kept adding salt and it really didn't take long for the thinking (water) to become cloudy. Unclear.

Too much talking makes our thinking unclear. It clouds our thinking.

The kids SO got this. I was happy and amazed. You might try it.

Now, when they get to talking so much, all I have to say is, "Our thinking is becoming cloudy". They quiet down immediately.

[Sunny55]

I love this idea!!! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[steach]

It is wonderful to know that others understand what it is like - my husband just doesn't get it.

[DoxieTeacher]

I started to use a 3 minute music box. When they are noisy, I open the box. If there is music on Friday, they get 15 minutes extra afternoon recess (to end the day). This occurs after their fun Friday. If not, they have to stay inside and copy a behavior reminder about being a student. It works wonders!!!