Interrupting

3 months stick out to me during the year August, January, and May. These are the months that drain me because I can’t start anything without constant interruptions. The kids either don’t know the expectations (August), are comfortable and forgot the expectations over winter break (January) or are done with school and wild (May). No matter what I do, I always run into these problems. Do you need some secrets to help get your class back on track and stop interrupting you?

Strategies

Interrupting Chicken

One of the first books I read at the beginning of the year is Interrupting Chicken. This is a silly book that makes them laugh but also gets the point across that the dad can’t finish what he is doing because she keeps interrupting. I like this message because she isn’t interrupting to irritate her dad, she is just so excited she can’t help it, just like our students. They want to share and express how they feel and they are so happy to be at school and make connections! I do love that part, but not when I can’t teach.

After we read this story, I pull out the interrupting chicken sheet. You can find it for FREE here. The FREEBIE has different versions, but I use the one with 10. My students work toward FUN FRIDAY all week. They can earn it if they have at least one number by Friday afternoon. Every time they interrupt, not blurt, but actually interrupt someone when they are talking I say, “INTERRUPTING CHICKEN” and then I cross out a number. Eventually, this is a job in our class for them to cross it out when I say it, but for now, I do it.

Here is a FREE activity you can do the next day about how we feel when people interrupt us. You can have them share it with the class if they want, or I will read it. I put these under my smartboard so every time someone is so EXCITED and interrupts, we are reminded how it makes others feel. I like to spend a lot of time at the beginning, middle, and end of the year sharing what they wrote about how they feel when their classmates blurt.

It is a great way to lighten the mood when someone blurts out instead of yelling at them or taking time to lecture. It is quick to say, “INTERRUPTING CHICKEN!” and move on, because we have already spent time on what that means.

Bubble

This is not a new strategy, but it is quick and effective and works well on the little ones to give them a visual. I do not have to say anything, I just put a bubble in my mouth, and it’s done! This works well for my students that want to shout out the answers or talk down the hallway.

Positive Incentives

Using Class Dojo makes giving positive incentives SOOOO easy! I have a respectful positive point and a blurt negative point. I would NEVER take away something from the whole class because of a few students. You do you, but I will not take away something that was earned. If a student has already had me cross out an interrupting chicken point the next time that day that they, do it they get a blurt minus point. That way the rest of the class doesn’t get penalized. I love to give respectful points out to students that are showing that they are looking at the speaker and showing they care about what they are saying. This is the easiest way to have your class get into the routine of being respectful when others are talking. EVERY student in class loves to get Dojo points!!

Another incentive I use is sending home a note to students that are respectful when someone is talking or making a phone call home. This is HUGE for the students and the parents. I will do that when I notice someone that blurts is trying hard that day. This is such a motivator to them and their parents when we are all on the same page. It means a lot that you notice that they are trying. NO ONE is perfect, so trying is huge for me. WOO HOO.

The best you can do is be consistent and constantly review your expectations. Don’t be AFRAID to take some time and review your expectations. I know you do not want to waste time after break or know where to start, but it is important!!!! I do a lot of redirections and don’t let anything slide, then I can ease up once they remember the rules and expectations. Interrupting is a pet peeve of mine, and these few tricks along with being consistent have helped any class I have had. Is it perfect, NO but it will save your sanity. Good luck and if you have any awesome strategies for blurting, leave them down below!