How to deal with talkative students?
Let’s just say it: talkative is good. Talkative students answer your questions. Talkative students ask questions. It is all great for their ;language development. Let’s love talkative students before we try to harness them just a little bit :). What to do when a talkative student in our classroom steals the show? Doesn’t let other children take their turn? Chats to his neighbours when you are singing a song?
- Pick all the chatterboxes in your group and sit them by your side.
- Separate the chatterboxes if there are more than two in the group by e.g. sitting them on the opposite side of the circle.
- Pay attention to have them near you during any activities.
- Know them by name and feel free to call them, or gently touch their shoulder when they start talking.
- Praise them for answering and asking questions when it is their turn, but give them “ the look” when it’s other children’s turn.
- Introduce rules: “Raise your hand if you want to say something” . Praise them every time they show restraint and wait their turn.
- If they keep on interrupting ask them to stand up for a short while.
- Take time before or after the class to explain one-to-one why constant talking interrupts.
- Love the talker, they will know it 🙂