Talking Out of Turn
Talking out of turn is a major behavior problem in elementary schools and is extremely disruptive to the rest of the class. It interrupts instruction, is disrespectful and may cause the class to go off topic. Students may speak out of turn because they want the attention of their peers and teachers. They receive attention from their peers through their comments and from the teacher when told to stop talking. They may also speak out of turn because they have forgotten the classroom rules or were not paying attention to the instruction or directions. If you have a student with ADHD, this is a common symptom and they will speak out of turn because they have a difficult time controlling themselves.
- Explicit Instruction: Sometimes it is necessary to give repeated, explicit instruction on hand raising and speaking when called on. Set clear and understandable rules for when it is appropriate to talk and create lessons that explicitly teach hand raising etiquette. If you have difficulties later in the year, review the rules and repeat the lessons with the entire class, or with the students who continue to speak out of turn. Post the rules somewhere easy to view so you may point to them and remind the students how they should act.
- "Talking Stick": When participating in a class discussion, it may be beneficial to use a "talking stick". This does not have to be an actual stick, but rather an object that can be passed around the classroom. The only person who is allowed to speak is the person with the stick. This would be a helpful strategy if your students speak out of turn due to forgetfulness or inattention, but it would be less effective if they speak out of turn for attention.
- Mini Whiteboards: Allow students who continually speak out of turn to use a mini-whiteboard during instruction. If they have something to say, they may write it on the whiteboard and hold the white board up. This allows them to say what they need to say, but forces them to take extra time to write it down and does not verbally interrupt instruction.
- Sticker Reward System: For students who continually speak out of turn, implement a sticker reward system. Create a sheet with labeled instruction times and spaces next to each time. When the student speaks out of turn, place a negative sticker or mark next to the time he or she misbehaved. If the student remembers to raise their hand, or goes the entire hour without speaking out of turn, give them a positive sticker or mark for that hour. Keep this sheet out of sight of the other students. Work collaboratively with the disruptive student to determine a personal goal and reward if they receive more positive than negative marks. This system also allows you to track when the student is more likely to be disruptive.