Getting Kids to Listen

How do you get kids to listen?  Some days it seems nearly impossible. Take today, for instance. Nothing worked. Every group that came to the classroom was more interested in hearing their own voice than mine.   I tried every trick up my sleeve and a few that just came to me on the spur of the moment.   From the talk in the teacher's lounge (now there's an oxymoron) you'd think it was Friday the 13th, a full moon, and the day before Christmas break rolled into one!   Frustration and fatigue were etched on everyone's face. You could hear defeat in their voices.  It was comforting to know that I was not the only one.

The day wasn't wasted. They did learn something.  But I still left feeling wiped out.  And, to be honest, hurt.  You know your students love you, but on days like today, it feels like they are in complete rebellion.  Like they care nothing for what you say. Like nothing you've done matters.  It isn't just talking over and around your voice.  It is disrespect.

So, what do you do?  That's the million dollar question. Every teacher has their own methods of dealing with talkers. Some more effective than others.  Some will work one day and not the next.  And let's face it, there are some years that you face the battle every day.

I've found three things that help me get my students' attention.  "Freeze!"  Got your attention, didn't it?  Catches students too.  It is almost like a game.  You tell them to freeze and for a moment (or longer) you have their attention.

Momentary movers also work for me. Get the kids up and moving. Then stop the music and shut off the lights to signal time to stop. I used to think that this was a waste of instructional time, but after I tried it a few times, I realized that it got the wiggles and giggles  out of their system and kids were more productive afterwards.

Divide and conquer.  Simple. Just divide class into smaller groups and have them rotate through centers or give each group a different task to complete.  Allow level one talking and if that is abused, then they have to go to level zero and write notes to communicate with their team. Now, you may be saying that this is allowing them to talk. Yes, it is. But it is directed communication (for the most part). And your next question is.... If they won't be quiet when I initially ask, why will they go to level one now?  You've divided the class. No longer is it 30 kids talking.  You've given them permission to speak, although at a lower level and with a purpose. It is a group of 4-6 students.  And in that group there will be a child that follows the rules and that child (or children) will influence (peer pressure) the rest of the group to comply. It may not happen immediately, but for some strange reason it will eventually happen.

I'm not saying a quiet room is necessary for learning. Usually just the opposite. But... kids have to listen to receive instruction.  They have to have guidance. They have to have structure.  They have to know the game plan.  In order to get the information they need, they have to listen.   You may have other ideas that work great for you (please share!!). Or you may be searching for something. You may have an awesome group that doesn't need any redirection. Or you may find yourself the leader of a group of rebels.  Put in some ear plugs and keep moving on. Remember.... some days are just like that.



Boom Cards for older students to teach reading skills.  Short stories with challenging questions covering specific skills.  Passages that hold their attention and questions that students will have to think and analyze to answer.  Not your ordinary reading lesson. 

Fiction Mini lessons for Secondary

Nonfiction passages and task cards about  scarecrows.  Fun for everyone! 

Nonfiction task cards and printables!

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