What To Do When Students Won't STOP Talking

[@leighcarroll4627]

Not a beginner teacher but having a terrible time adjusting to post-covid teaching where students are relearning how to be in the classroom. This was helpful and also made me feel like we all go through this which was validating.

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah I remember returning to hybrid teaching last year after a year of remote and not only were the kids a bit off the walls, my own classroom management skills had for sure begun to wane. So yeah, you're definitely not the only one! Haha.

Same here! I was so frustrated because I've always had a reputation of being a super peaceful teacher who calms down noisy classrooms and after covid I felt I lost my superpower. This is so validating!

[@mrohde2067]

@ please share your super power too .. 😊

[@PaulSchuster-yj4zb]

@@gibsoneduAs a sub, who sees permanent teachers screaming at kids all day long, I think the term " classroom management " is nothing but a term to blame the sub for something that is the school administration's own fault. I have had that knife stuck in my back twice now. With the exception of a few students, these kids today, know nothing and don't want to learn anything. They have no goals or purpose other than to so socialize with their group and make school one big party. Teachers need to take those chrome books, throw them in the trash and start teaching. The State needs to stop state testing and let teachers teach the subject, not spend 100 percent of their time preparing for a test. The administration needs to take students who won't stop talking, singing, whining, and giggling immediately and easily to a large detention room, their parents called to come get them, and then given an F for the day. This should be an easy process for the teacher until the class becomes quiet. It is not fair to the students who are trying to do their work , but can't in a classroom that looks and sounds like outdoor recess on steroids.

[@thee-wastegamer4044]

For beginner teachers: If you teach in an underserved area, sadly, you will have to grow resilience there is no easy solution to substitute many years of established behavior within their own home. You cannot truly know each student and there is no universal approach. After many years, I can tell you there is no shame in stepping away if there is too much to bite off. You are a human and you are just as entitled to your well-being as anyone else. It is not your fault. You tried your best. I promise you.

[@gibsonedu]

No shame at all. It's a hard profession and there are some REALLY challenging schools to teach at.

[@elisabethldavis]

I just finished my degree and I can't imagine walking away. But even the kids have told me we're different. They've told me how they yell and it's just part of their culture. They tell each other to shut up and yell across the class. Seating chart does not matter.

[@danettegreenw3412]

​@@elisabethldavispart of their culture?? What culture is that? I'm African American and that is not part of my culture. I'm very curious to know what culture you're referring to where yelling across the room is a norm.

[@elisabethldavis]

@@danettegreenw3412 not my words, the kids words. I don't know what culture they are referring too. Ask them. I'm just stating what they told me. Maybe they are talking about socio-economics. I don't know. They all think I'm rich just because of my skin color. They ask me to buy them food and pencils and paper all the time. I ask them if they ask their other teachers for those things and they say no. The other teachers dress nicer than I do, have their nails done, their hair done. I'm poor. I'm just the sub right now and don't make enough to support my family. But they insist that I have more money then they do. Their parents are doctors in the area, they dress better than I do. But I'm rich because I'm white. I seriously don't know what culture they are talking about. That's what they say to me.

[@teach.her.glam9986]

@@elisabethldavisyou’re not alone ❤ I am obviously an AA teacher and when you mentioned culture, I absolutely understood. I am often told I am different; my scholars assume that we will identify 100% of the time bc I am a black woman; it is what it is. I call it the culture of offensive/defense. I proudly teach in East St. Louis, IL♥️. My district is high poverty but I show up to make a difference with my heart, hopefully to their’s also. Continue to hang on and continue to impact and change lives for the better!

[@fimibiscuit313]

You say avoid using names, but I use names in a positive way, not to call out bad behaviour but to thank the students who ARE paying attention. I’ve found that when I ask for silence, there’s always 3-5 students who do pay attention right at the start, so I thank them by name: “Thank you (student name) for paying attention/being silent. I appreciate your Co-operation etc.” The chatty ones slowly start to stop and wonder why I’m not speaking to them as I thank more silent students by name. I then thank table groups, or say “Thank you students in the back row/by the window, we are now just waiting on the others to stop talking.” I remain calm, pleasant expression and be genuine in my gratitude for their attention. It takes a a while to establish with new, rowdy classes (I’ve been a supply teacher for years!), but my classes do appreciate my calm and patient approach and they like that I thank them for giving me their attention. They quickly pick up on patronising tone, so you have to be genuine😂 Remaining calm is also great for my own health.

[@honeybee-to3kv]

I've always struggled with classroom management but I've never tried the "still waiting on 3 people...2 people" etc. I like that its specific enough that the kids will probably get quiet and look for the talker 😂

[@gibsonedu]

For sure; specific enough to call folks out w/out actually calling them out by name. Happy teaching honeybee :)

[@shannonbrown560]

@@gibsonedu I do this one but they won't stop still. Then I end up yelling lately. ugh!!

[@ImThatGirl101]

So...confession time. I am a teachers aide and I can confidently say I have not been doing these. I have been letting the frustration get to me. Now I feel bad. In my defense, kind of, my job isn't really that...professional. I mean, it's a small school, in a small town. I was not told to take any classes, I didn't have to have any prior knowledge or experience of any kind. Never even got a job description. Been just going on the fly and learning how to be an aide from doing day to day in the classroom. So this video is really important, glad I'm watching.

[@gibsonedu]

It's really hard not to let the frustration get to you; you feel disrespected and when you don't know how to fix the problem, it can be so defeating. I do hope the tips in the video are helpful in beginning to have some tools in the toolkit for addressing some of the problems, but classroom management can be a big, hairy, complex problem that often doesn't have simple, pat solutions.

[@sophiap2895]

Binging your videos right now. I’m a young, first year Art teacher for middle school. You really do hit EVERY point!!! You’ve made me feel so much less critical of myself and more equipped to deal with super specific situations. Middle school is so tought but so amazing! Thank YOU!!!

[@gibsonedu]

I'm so glad to hear that Sophia! Let me know how it ends up going and really happy you're finding the tips helpful :)

[@melissaholman2605]

I love the NOISE idea. I recently started substituting and this is definitely a good idea for those certain classes that can't seem to keep the volume down.

[@gibsonedu]

Subbing can be a challenge for sure so I'm glad you found something that helps Melissa!

[@Rick-Guitar-Bass-Science-Math]

I like this one that a friend of mine does with her fourth grade class and it seems to work well., Say in a normal talking voice, “If you can hear my voice clap once” the closest students will clap once. Next in the same talking voice, “If you can hear my voice clap twice” now more students are aware from the first round and they clap twice. By the time you say, “…clap three times” the entire class is onboard.

[@ryanblackmore8033]

ugh, i definitely yelled today at the stopping talking. It's been a disregulated year with no structure; I came in mid-october after six weeks of substitutes. It's been a lot. I need to just go for it with stuff like this, and your "class, class, claaaasss" piece.

[@gibsonedu]

Coming in mid-year is difficult under normal circumstances. This year is unlike any other so all those challenges are amplified. Keep going Ryan and let me know if I can be of any help.

[@shamsdrahem8]

I can't thank you enough for how you are patient and replying to all comments . I was crying today because of my class they always keep talking and they never stop . They also lie and create stories to tell to the principles in the school .

[@shamsdrahem8]

Firstly , I was feeling annoyed cuz they sometimes believe in what the students are saying . But , today I discovered that it's like a self defense way , instead of saying sorry , they start to create stories to their parents and complain to the principles , So they change their situation from being the mistaken one to be the victim

[@mariannedwyer8402]

I’m a sub in my 3rd year. I didn’t receive a teaching degree. KZbin is my degree!!! Thanks for great advice. I’m implementing this when summer is over. Thanks so much!!!

[@gibsonedu]

Sure thing Marianne! Enjoy your summer 👍🏼

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Great tips, for us new teachers it's good to come back to these principles each time we have a class that gets out of control. I had success with "still waiting for 3, still waiting for 2", then they start nudging each other.

[@gibsonedu]

Thanks for sharing Terry!

[@hannahjones7222]

Thank you Tom! I'm watching this as I'm trying to be successful as a sub. It's really difficult for me to be stern and get kids to respect me in just one day of being with them.

[@gibsonedu]

Subbing is TOUGH!

[@sherlock7898]

I just started teaching three days ago, your videos are exactly what I need. I wish my trainers had mentioned the things you are explaining. You got a new subscriber.

[@gibsonedu]

Great to hear!

[@shebrownsuga]

So glad the year is almost over! Definitely a job that involves strain on your mental health. Everything is a mind game figuring out what works and what doesn't. Some days are good, some days are not.

[@gibsonedu]

I do hope you have a restful summer Ria.

[@fullygamingforya]

Thank you Thom I recently became a teacher and I felt impossible to control talkative class

[@gibsonedu]

It’s a challenge for sure and I have to remind myself of many of the lessons here as well.

[@bigfloppa3176]

I love the way you explain things! I can relate to most of them! I like the idea of NOISE writing on the board and I am going to use it. What I often do is putting their names on the board after the first warning. So I give the first warning to X student and say that the next time I see you speak, your name goes on the board. So, each time he/she speaks off the topic/makes noise/distracts others, I write 1 tally mark. 1 mark equals 1 minute after class. The second time he speaks - second mark and so on. Usually they stop after 2-3 marks. After all the students leave, I set the timer and those students who stayed, write an apology letter to me, which can be a good evidence to show to parents. With older students, we just have a class agreement and 3 consequences: 1 - warning, 2 - timeout, 3 - email to parents.

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah that'll work!

[@juliannewest4625]

As a new instructional coach, you are my go to for PD planning help! Thank you!

[@gibsonedu]

Right on! Good to hear it Julianne! I'm posting more regularly at kzbin.info

[@jessicaleland5510]

Who on Earth disliked this video? Super helpful for the presentation I have to give tomorrow! Thank you!!

[@gibsonedu]

Ha! Dislikes are the nature of KZbin. Good luck in your presentation!

[@AnnTao]

1) Relax 2) Assess your lesson plan 3) Build in time for them to talk 4) have a call-and-response way to get their attention 5) Don't continue to try and talk over them (if you are talking, please stop; still waiting on three people to stop talking) 6) Set clear expectation for noise levels (NOISE "whenever it gets too loud, I am gonna be erasing a letter at the end of the word noise, and if it gets down to NO, then there is gonna be no talking for 10 minutes; ok we are down to NO, we will have a 10 minute silent work time) 7) Rethink your seating chart

[@gibsonedu]

Thanks for the summary! (AI?)

[@elizabethtowneda1179]

Thank you, Thom. What I love about your video is how concise and clear it is. The suggestions are practical, and I know they would work because you've actually done them.

[@gibsonedu]

Thank you elizabethtown! I'm glad the suggestions are helpful :)

[@luli151]

Thank you sooooo much, i have been suffering a lot in class. Gonna try again!

[@ShuangRu-v1n]

I have been hired as a long-term sub and I sub for only 3 days and now I am questioning myself if I had made a wrong decision. But this is really what I need and I will keep trying until i get it!

[@adjsince1979]

I love your NOISE and using a decibel meter displayed the smart board to help students gauge their volume. I am a substitute and I have this issue often as kids think its a day off at school when they have a sub. I think this will work very well for me. Thanks for the idea

[@gibsonedu]

Subbing is no cakewalk! I subbed for a semester before becoming a full-time teacher.

[@kaitlynwright7066]

Thank you! Sometimes even us Vets need a colleague to lay things out for us when we are feeling frustrated!

[@gibsonedu]

For sure Katilyn! Have a great rest of the week :)

[@_Ls21]

This man actually understands what students think, I wish I has him as a teacher

[@gibsonedu]

That's nice of you to say Toby :)

[@Optima1031]

Have him😂

[@jillmcmurtrey9505]

I really love your advice. I teach 2nd grade, and my students really can't stop talking. When they finally quiet down and are on task, it doesn't take long before the noise is way loud again 😒. I'm going to try the decibel reader. Wish me luck because I've tried almost everything, I think.

[@gibsonedu]

Good luck Jill! Let me know how it goes 👍🏼

[@igtbrad]

Very helpful! Thank you for sharing this. I have often struggled with this issue.

[@gibsonedu]

Let me know if you try any of these strategies and how it goes!

[@mrohde2067]

Thank you , implemented through rehearsal clapping . Took awhile before ALL would respond with the clap , but you were right , the class pressure resulted in the one outlier to follow .. a light reluctant clap 👏 My finger is bruised from so much clapping .. might need to resort to a bell and silent hand count down 😂

[@gibsonedu]

Haha. A bell can work too.

[@thequotableclassroom6851]

I love the decibel thing!

[@gibsonedu]

It’s a handy tool!

[@isaiahmcclure8894]

Dude I just paused the video in the beginning to tell you I love the N64 with Ocarina of Time in the background, so cool to see, I recently just re-played through it again

[@gibsonedu]

I actually didn't first play it until a couple years ago! I spent all my teen years playing Super Smash Bros. Haha. Didn't end up beating Ocarina of Time but I just beat Breath of the Wild a few months ago on my Switch. Excited about the new one coming out in May!

[@morgan1894]

I’m a fresh student teacher and I really haven’t had a lot of experience working with students in a classroom. Thank you, for sharing these tips! Apart from students talking, I am struggling with students who are always on their phones.

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Morgan! Welcome to teaching :) The phones can be challenging. Some teachers have students turn them into a bin at the beginning of class. I allowed students to have them out if they were using it for an assignment, but otherwise asked them to keep them in their backpacks.

[@chrisrooks1333]

One thing that sometimes worked for me is giving them the last 5-10 minutes of free time providing that we get through the lesson without many issues. In the right setting they work for that and peer pressure each other to stop talking.

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah, it's nice to have some down time just to connect in class

[@GymbalLock]

With some students, being calm and reasonable is a sign of weakness. They come from homes where the person with the loudest voice, the person who can hit the hardest and show the most rage is the most respected person. To these students, being calm indicates you "don't really mean it". Sadly, screaming at these kids is the only way to get their attention. Otherwise they'll look at you, smile, and keep right on talking.

[@gibsonedu]

Love this video from CJ Reynolds on this topic - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp3Conado56locU&ab_channel=RealRapWithReynolds

[@terrivanover9049]

Pl 😊​@@gibsonedu

[@devilisbackk]

Yes absolutely....am facing the same situation..I just started a week ago.....well I was quite in the beginning while they talking.....it doesn't fetch any results.....they think that they can just continue talking since I am silent when they talking.....they are least attentive and behave as if I don't exist in the classroom at all...😂 .... Now changed the pattern by raising my voice a bit and trying to calm them down....yes it eventually changing the situation.....not completely but yes to certain extent....it's an impossible task every day... I just spend atleast 5-10 mins on setting up things which has become routine everyday now.... But hopefully it will change down the line....as a stubborn teacher I don't want to give up..... I will stick to the pattern until I get the control over that noisy classroom.

[@fimibiscuit313]

“Shout at them becuase that’s what they respect” Oh dear🙄 I guarantee you will burn-out super-quick by applying this theory. Applying a calm and reasonable response takes time to establish. With perseverance students do respect a calm approach and long term they have a deeper respect for the teacher who does not shout/scream. If it takes me a few lessons to win some stubborn students over - and it’s always only 1 or 2 - that’s how long it takes😂

[@devilisbackk]

@@fimibiscuit313 it didn't work on my side....and finally I gave up and left the school. Looks like i need some therapy to go back to such jobs in the future 😔

[@dominusenimjudexnoster7484]

Thanks for your videos. I’m going to try these in my TEFL classes next week!

[@gibsonedu]

I hope it went well Dominus!

[@xaviercatcher]

The NOISE idea on the board is great

[@gibsonedu]

Hope it works out with your students John!

[@85pouncey]

Thank you for the tips. If you have anymore I’d like to hear. I am a 2nd yr middle school teacher and struggled last year

[@NateClay]

Boredom is probably the biggest reason for excessive chatter. You haven't set up a room they are comfortable with. (I know they're forced to be at school) Some kids are flat out, not interested in the content of the class. It is your job to creatively work out a solution where they can complete the work AND have some *real incentive* to do so. Excluding "it's for your future... as a Walmart cashier", "Because I/the state/your parents/the district said so", "this is actually really interesting" Provide a space for them to talk when it is appropriate, and realize... they're kids. They'll do whatever they want. It's up to you to distract them long enough to fall into the required behaviors of a good student.

[@gibsonedu]

An engaging lesson is one of the best classroom management strategies.

[@naomiscrace3705]

Thank you for your videos. I work in England UK and still very relevant here. So glad I came across your videos. Can't wait to try out the noise strategy.

[@gibsonedu]

How'd it go?!

[@twerpuser]

I will be trying these ideas tomorrow. I already do most of them but I’ve not projected the decibel meter before although I’ve used one to measure the noise levels. These ideas are so useful

[@gibsonedu]

Glad they're useful twerpuser!

[@simongardiner5343]

Some great strategies that I also use but there are some new ones to me. Post COVID teaching is more challenging as an Art teacher of 30+ years always great to try new things.

[@gibsonedu]

Wow that means a lot coming from a veteran teacher like yourself!

[@joshuajohnson3296]

This video is so amazing and helpful. I’ve followed the other steps, but had never really realized step 5. You’ve got to wait for the kids to quiet after you’ve got their attention otherwise it won’t work. I feel like I’m droning on and on like a boring professor (which, by the way, I think all professors should take some education classes or workshops - ironic that Professors require no teacher education, whereas Teachers require years before they get certified!) That makes so much sense! Also, I’ve only been subbing, but if I have a classroom of my own I’m sure it would be much easier with my own expectations set, knowing the students, arranging the classroom etc

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah subbing is definitely a grind but you're right; it's easier when you can set your own expectations with your students on day 1.

[@jacksonkjag4285]

Trying the NOISE strategy tomorrow! Thanks, very useful tips.

[@gibsonedu]

Thanks Juan! Good luck tomorrow and let me know how it goes :)

[@zkay321]

What do you think about a self-assessment checklist that students use to reflect at the end of each day (did you complete all your work, did you do your best work, respectful at all times, professional, educationally urgent, completed homework, etc) and have their parents sign once a week, then turn it in? I'm hoping this keeps them accountable in a public middle school. How to handle those who lied in filling out their self-assessment, or to keep the paper from missing or ripped, or and make sure to turn it in, etc? Is there a better suggestion? Thanks.

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Z, sorry for the late response on this. I think self-assessments can really be helpful. The only thing with having them get signed daily by parents is keeping track of all of it; how will you track who brought them back and what is the consequence of not getting it signed? Is it easier to do a weekly one where students fill it out Mon-Thur with the time you give them in class and then get signed to bring back Friday? Could this be electronic instead of paper based? What will you do with the self-assessment? An alternative would be to use a tool like Class Dojo; it's more of you notating if students were respectful, had homework, etc. Class Dojo will automatically send that report to parents at the end of the week. You can have students do a self-assessment and then compare their self-assessment to what was recorded in Class Dojo; ask them what they notice, were they off? If so, how? KZbin Class Dojo to see how teachers are using it but I think that'll end up being less work for you but will still involve the parent communication. Not every parents will sign up to receive the reports but at the same time, but you can only do so much. Let me know what you end up doing :)

[@mr.gameandteach7197]

I have tried most everything here. I was told by a teacher that was helping proctor that I needed to really look at other people's videos and classrooms to see what is working. I don't know what else to do. I am a 1st year teacher and my students won't stop talking about nonsense and drama even during fun lessons. I've given positive and negative reinforcement, but after this last test my administration is coming down hard because if they aren't showing gains then I'm not effective. I will try the decibal thing and letters.

[@gibsonedu]

It's a difficult year John and I know you're not alone in these struggles. I've heard from veteran teachers saying they're struggling with management in ways they haven't in years past. And it's hard because it's often not just a couple techniques that will solve the problem. Ask your admin which teachers are doing the best in regards to classroom management...ask if you can set something so you can observe those teachers and talk with them about how they've created the culture in their classroom that they have. That way you know that these are ways that are effective with the group of kids you're working with.

[@bluesky973]

Contact parents

[@raymondblake5765]

​@@gibsoneduwhen I do the exact same strategies that are effective for teacher A, they are demonstrably ineffective for me.

[@raymondblake5765]

​@@bluesky973contact parents every day?!?

[@bluesky973]

@@raymondblake5765Easy if you have a standard note you can copy and paste and email

[@meitsme8864]

I’m a substitute teacher, I really hope this works because I’ve been considering quitting my job all together, often I feel like it’s just me who isn’t good at my job :/

[@gibsonedu]

I'm sorry to hear that Meitsme. Substitute teaching can be very challenging for sure.

[@josuaroffler196]

Such a helpful video for a beginner teacher. Thank you. I've just subscribed. Greetings from Switzerland. :-)

[@gibsonedu]

Right on. Glad it was helpful Josua! Visited Switzerland a few summers ago. So beautiful.

[@sarahharmon9196]

Thank you SO much! This is very helpful.

[@gibsonedu]

Glad to hear hear it Sarah!

[@sashwatraghuwanshi]

I am student and now i have my teacher strategies and i am ready before the class . 😁😁😁

[@gibsonedu]

You've got this Sashwat! Keep up the spirit that is always learning!

[@elenamorris7036]

Could you make a video on dealing with different students (you know those 1 or 2 students that just push your buttons) I have three kids that are pretty defiant, they talk back, always talking, always getting the class to laugh, and out of seat constantly.

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Elena. That's tough for sure, particularly when they're playing off each other. I would introduce a seating chart if you don't have one and make sure they aren't next to each other. Don't be apologetic about it, just say it's going to make the learning experience better and thank them for cooperating. If students are off task, I generally avoid calling them out by name as it creates a power struggle, but I'll saying general statements like 'please stay seated in your seats until we're done with this activity.' Students will sometimes then say 'but I need to ________' and I'll just repeat, 'please stay in your seat until we're done with this activity.' All that said, the best thing is to build a connection with these students which can be tough if you've already developed a bit of a tense relationship. Greet these students (and all students) at the door and genuinely ask how they're doing. If you have lunch detention and the students come to your room, talk to them, get to know them, etc. If they know you care, that'll be a step in the right direction for getting them to be a contributing member of your class. Hope that helps. Classroom management is tough and there generally aren't any simple answers since the behaviors and dynamics can be complex.

[@albertienchignell8760]

I had a few students who were performing to the rest of the class and it was getting ridiculous. None of the techniques above worked, because they were looking for laughs from their peers. So I did a simple countdown with a points system, if I got to zero and the class was quiet, the class got a point. If I got to zero and people were still talking, then I got a point. At the end of the day the class could choose a game, got to play or choose a video if they had more points than me. Most days its been working as peer pressure soon brought those kids into line. The added benefit was that I could be quite neutral about it, "Oh dear, you guys didn't get a point". Maybe that might help?

[@sceneitallwithjeffandjon6984]

@@albertienchignell8760 did this end up working for the rest of the year?

[@albertienchignell8760]

@@sceneitallwithjeffandjon6984 Yes I would say it worked.Combined with this I also spoke to them privately about their behaviours and how it was stopping the class from learning. I also gave them lots of public praise and acknowledgement when they were doing the right thing, even if it was only for a moment!

[@Junkmail007]

@@gibsonedu "Classroom management is tough and there generally aren't any simple answers since the behaviors and dynamics can be complex." Exactly why so many teachers leave the profession. If we are spending this much time with "classroom management" and accepting this as the norm of teaching; were just enabling this these behaviors. Teachers are not getting support from the administration or the parents to have consequences for disrespect. What about those students who come to learn and behave? The system is upside down.

[@azizurrahman1091]

Thanks Thom, This video was very helpful. It happens to the best of us in the worst possible situations. I was being observed on that day when the students started playing up.

[@gibsonedu]

Ha, of course they did! They have a larger audience :)

[@azizurrahman1091]

@@gibsonedu Thanks Thom for your response. I work in a College so Post 16. How do you deal with mobile phones in classrooms?

[@gibsonedu]

@@azizurrahman1091 At our school, they can only have them out if they have permission (middle school). I collect them up if and turn it in at the front desk to be picked up by parents if they have it out. That wouldn't be appropriate for college though. If I was a college professor, I'd probably say something along the lines of 'please keep your mobile devices away during class; feel free to step out if it's an emergency' and if I saw someone with it out, I would just say it out loud again without calling them out specifically.

[@azizurrahman1091]

@@gibsonedu Thanks Thom, i did something similar before. Instead of collecting them i told them to switch their phones off and put them in their bags, cos its so easy to just pick it out of a pocket. Plus the responsibility lies with them if anything happens to their phones (screen breaks or goes missing etc).

[@halliesterling7773]

great video about classroom management! I'm studying to be a middle school math teacher, and I got a lot from what you had to say! thanks!

[@gibsonedu]

Glad to hear it Hallie! Welcome to the profession 👍

[@jennagrizzle5735]

Thanks for the tips. I'm a teacher's aide for an after school program and I have the "honor" of taking on the 5th grade class that "no one can handle". They actually were so rowdy that 1 of the other teachers quit and they had to write him an apology letter. Lol I don't think they are that bad but they really are a difficult group to get to be quiet. Especially since I'm still in the "let's see what we can get away with" faze. I will definitely try the hand clapping. I already told them if they aren't quiet I will bring in an air horn but I don't think the other teachers would be very happy with that. 😂

[@gibsonedu]

That's a challenge for sure. I also found that waiting until it is silent to be pretty effective instead of trying to talk over them. Good luck Jenna and let me know if you go with the air horn! Haha.

[@GodWokeMeUp]

I just started the, "class, class, class." And when I told my middle school students this is what we'd be doing. One shouted out, "That's so cringe!" And I'm like, "Well it's just gonna have to be cringe." I teach science and I have one student in particular who is extremely smart... But he's so rude to me. Sometimes the comments he makes are just absolutely unnecessary. I've asked him several times to keep quiet and even gotten the principal involved. It's really frustrating. It's like he's trying to see how far he can push my buttons. He's even said,"I wish you could've had my brother... He'd have really given you a run for your money."

[@gibsonedu]

Perfect response by telling them 'well its gonna have to be cringe.' 😆. Yeah some of the brightest students can also be the most challenging. It's often helpful to have some interesting work / explorations for them to do when they finish. Not as a punishment for finishing early (ie: just more work) but something interesting and fun. My students always liked PheT simulations.

[@annbrown9273]

With gifted children, don't compete with them. He wants someone to spar with and maybe likes that feeling of being smarter than everyone. Avoid telling him to be quiet. He will only see this as a challenge or a sign that you can't handle his personality and his intelligence. Remember, they are young. He may think that knowing something intellectually is knowing everything. What's missing is the emotional intelligence component. Show him how he can use his smarts in everyday situations. For example, a doctor who is overly confident may not listen to their patient and prescribe medication or treatment that may do more harm than good.

[@AltaRy-v5l]

I really like your videos! I run an afterschool program. How can I get this video to translate for my Spanish speaking staff to show in my weekly held meetings?

[@NateClay]

I have to add, point #4 is great with people who are willing to give up control. However, as a kid who was years beyond my classmates and able to hold rational and meaningful conversations with my teacher 1 on 1: I could not STAND being treated like a kid. I wanted to be treated like an individual, regardless of my age. I remember in 6th grade they would say "you're in middle school now, act like it" Needless to say, I removed myself from school shortly after the disappointment of the treatment we received. Run it like a college lecture hall!

[@gibsonedu]

There's definitely something to treating students as if they're older than they are and seeing them live into those expectations.

[@xaviercatcher]

Yes, I have seen this work in inner-city middle school.@@gibsonedu

[@jesslukyluk]

really great video, love some of the strategies. thank you!

[@gibsonedu]

Hey glad you found it helpful Jessica! Godspeed in these last weeks of school!

[@devilisbackk]

Yes absolutely....am facing the same situation..I just started a week ago.....well I was quite in the beginning while they talking.....it doesn't fetch any results.....they think that they can just continue talking since I am silent when they talking.....they are least attentive and behave as if I don't exist in the classroom at all...😂 .... Now changed the pattern by raising my voice a bit and trying to calm them down....yes it eventually changing the situation.....not completely but yes to certain extent....it's an impossible task every day... I just spend atleast 5-10 mins on setting up things which has become routine everyday now.... But hopefully it will change down the line....as a stubborn teacher I don't want to give up..... I will stick to the pattern until I get the control over that noisy classroom. 😮

[@nadiaamir6505]

Thanks so much, your video comes at the right time, I am struggling in my classes I will try this, after that I will tell you about the result

[@gibsonedu]

How did it go Nadia?

[@nadiaamir6505]

It's working actually thank you so much

[@oliviasantone68]

This was so helpful!!!! Found myself laughing at myself.

[@gibsonedu]

If you're still laughing they haven't won yet! Haha.

[@songnverse]

I do these things every day. Post covid sucks. I’ve been teaching for 18 years and this is my worst year ever. I want to quit almost every day. Nothing is working this year. The kids in this class are just disrespectful. Every teacher told me when I started, and I ignored them to form my own opinion. They’re so lost and mean and needy and have so many issues.

[@gibsonedu]

I'm so sorry to hear that :( I know it can be so frustrating when it seems like strategies that used to work with most of your classes in years before are not working anymore. I hope things get better.

[@FayziyevFirdavs]

Thanks for the tips. If used properly, they are effective and helpful. How to punish those undisciplined schoolchildren who are the root cause of the noise in the class? What punishment methods sre effective?

[@gibsonedu]

Simple punishments likely won't change the behavior. Needs to be bigger changes in your classroom culture and how the classroom is run. Check out The Classroom Management Book by Harry Wong.

[@karinnamoon7209]

Thanks for this helpful video! The call and response worked really well (4th grade) and so did calmly saying “Still waiting on 3 students…” etc. My school uses flexible seating where students may pick what seats they work in and who they sit with. What would you suggest in this situation if they’re continuing to talk to their friends? I have set the expectation that they must sit where they will be most successful, otherwise I’ll move them to a spot where I know they will be able to succeed. But it feels like I’m constantly moving kids, lol

[@gibsonedu]

That's so great to hear the strategies are working in your class Karinna! Maybe try a seating chart during normal class time and then when it's work time, tell them they may choose where to sit and work. Emphasize the expectation of working with someone you can stay focused with and that you'll separate students if they become a distraction to themselves or others. Tell them they get one warning. Then the FIRST instance you see a student getting off task, calmly tell them that this is their warning and if/when they start acting up, let them know they can return to their seats and work independently for the day. As soon as students see you're serious right off the bat, they'll be more mindful of the expectations.

[@leighcarroll4627]

We do flex seating but we still assign a flex seat. Students can submit preference if they want a standing, laying down flex seat etc.

[@spencerwaldron3196]

Great video! Thanks.

[@gibsonedu]

Sure thing Spencer 👍

[@gutlymyrathalmedow7280]

Very useful techniques, thanks a lot

[@gibsonedu]

Sure thing Gutlymyrat!

[@mlocante]

I'm so glad I found your videos. Very helpful tips!

[@gibsonedu]

Glad you're finding them helpful Martin!

[@NatiDeNut]

Wonderful advice!

[@gibsonedu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharonrinkiewicz3940]

I am a sub, and I really struggle controlling the class in middle school. I do okay with elementary school. They are rambunctious at times, but nothing bad. High school is a dream. Middle school is a different planet. Nothing works.

[@gibsonedu]

It's a different planet for sure.

[@raymondblake5765]

Yep I think the best strategy is: for the love of god don't teach middle school.

[@ebklos]

Also question for you - what do you do when light talking starts to turn to laughing and people get giggly and the giggling gets louder. It's a fine line between talking amongst yourself while working, to laughing about something. Is that just a NOISE violation? How do you address it in class when kids say snap back, gosh, you don't want us to laugh and be happy!!?? And it's not about some light laughter but when it turns to contagious, not calm laughter. Thank you!

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Elisabeth! I know we chatted a little via email but replying here as well. It sounds like a NOISE scenario that you discussed. And I typically would just respond to a comment like 'gosh you don't want us to laugh and be happy' with a joke like 'of course, not, I became a middle school teacher in order to see kids suffer and extinguish all laughter' or something.

[@ebklos]

I am a first year Middle School art teacher and I find your videos really helpful! Now I just need to re-start mid way through the year because I have been making a lot of mistakes! Do you offer any private lessons?

[@gibsonedu]

No private lessons but happy to offer tips & advice when I can 😃

[@hulamei3117]

Love the app idea!

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah it's cool!

[@ridakhabbaz7143]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@gibsonedu]

My pleasure 👍🏼

[@GymbalLock]

5:23 it's great to simply say "no talking".. except if the kids have a problem with talking. Then they'll just keep talking, which always turns back into shouting as kids compete to be heard over the other kids shouting.

[@gibsonedu]

For sure. It sounds like you teach in a challenging classroom and I hope things get better.

[@oyinb.8328]

Thank you!

[@gibsonedu]

Your welcome! I guess with all the closings of schools, excessive talking won't be much of an issue for a while!

[@charlescarter1849]

So I know the school year is now coming to an end, but I am a beginning teacher and I’ve had a hard time with the voice volume myself. What I’ve been doing now is lining my class up at the lockers in the hallway, trying to get them to be quiet. Sometimes it works and other times they still get loud when they re-enter the classroom. It isn’t the perfect method and I started doing it sort of late, but so far I’ve been consistent. Any advice, critique or suggestions?

[@gibsonedu]

That's a challenging situation for sure Charles. Here's a video where I had a similar situation and what I did about it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGOkYXSEhb2HhLs&ab_channel=ThomGibson

[@ericterry4544]

1:16 Kids also need to learn that in life, sometimes we have to do things that are boring.

[@gibsonedu]

Sure. And as teachers, we can also ask ourselves how we can make the learning more meaningful and engaging.

[@souadbel3026]

Thank U.

[@gibsonedu]

Sure thing!

[@juliestancil3027]

The difficulty I'm having is when I have a chatty pair, I'll stop instructing and this happens repeatedly (not always the same kids) but it ends up eating into my instructional time. I'm an enhancement teacher and only have 45 mins per week with them, I need a quick fix, I'll try these.

[@gibsonedu]

How did it go Julie?

[@cherryblossoms9455]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@gibsonedu]

Sure thing Cherry blossoms!

[@EasBahlau]

I feel like it is so much harder to allow students to talk and work with each other and as a class now that many schools have implemented personal computers and e-learning. I'm a substitute teacher and I’ve found that some classes don’t even have the kids working on the same problems for assignments.

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah that can be tough if there's no clear system in place of who should be working on what.

[@mistydulaney1669]

Thank you for your suggestions. My issue is that I have a study hall with 40 -50 students at one time. Study hall needs to be a quiet time so that everyone can concentrate on studying and completing assignments. Some students claim they have nothing to do ( I have tried giving them different things to do) then proceed to constantly talk and disrupt the rest of the class. I am constantly having them check their work (and of course find that they have missing work but refuse to do it) The room is not large enough to let students go to a specific area to work together either. I have tried so many things and feel like I just keep hitting the brick wall. Controlling a study hall seems to be more difficult to control since there is not a particular core teaching plan in place. I have tried to let the students have the last 5 min. of class to talk with each other if they can stay on track during the first part of class, but they can never seem to be able to do that. Usually it is the same students over and over again who break the rules. Help!! What can I do?

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Misty. You have a very challenging situation so just know there isn't going to be a quick fix to this. You've been put in a situation that is difficult to succeed in; in what world can one person keep 40-50 students in a small space quiet. That said, I would for sure have a seating chart. Project it when they come into class. They will complain but just say 'I know, it's the worst, let me know if you need help finding your seat' and don't show any sign that you're going to change your mind. Tell them you'll try it for two weeks. If folks are quiet, you can move back to no seating charts. But if you do move back to no seating charts, let them know that if there's excessive talking, you'll go back to the seating chart. Give them 3 strikes; if I have to put up 3 strikes any one class period, we'll move back to the seating chart. WHILE you have them in the seating chart, try to keep a few seats near you open if possible to move students who continue to talk. Don't try to find something for them to do. Tell them they can work on something or put their head down. I can't promise this will work but it may be worth a try. It's hard to keep a large group of students engaged in work when you're not actually teaching a lesson.

[@vpohkv]

I have tried those things, and they will work for a little bit of time. But then, maybe after 5 minutes, the class will start again. I have several IEP students who are especially sensitive. Those students will act out in a violent way when they get frustrated. Any suggestions? (Don't say talk with admin bc admin knows and put it back to me to resolve)

[@gibsonedu]

I'd go to the teacher with the reputation of having the best classroom management at your school and tell them what you're seeing in your classroom and ask for advice. They know your context and the students in your school and are able to support more than admin.

[@GymbalLock]

2:28 this only works at the beginning of the year. Near the middle and end, students simply ignore the call-and-response and continue talking. No matter how much you practice procedures, this these, they only weaken over time.

[@gibsonedu]

Yes they can become challenging when the students get used to just practicing them all the time.

[@martinaavis5787]

What do you do when they are mean to each other as they tell each other to listen?

[@BrianaJackson-l3m]

What is a strategy you would suggest when students are given many warnings to quiet down and they don't even when there is a "no talking" time in class

[@veronicamosey]

Omg I’ve made so so many mistakes. Ugh. Great videos. Thank you.

[@gibsonedu]

I kept making these mistakes even after making these videos. Glad you found them helpful 👍🏼

[@mikiewoodworth2763]

What would you do for High School students where they won’t perceive it as childish? To quiet them down

[@gibsonedu]

I’ve used the NOISE strategy with high schools effectively. Go into it with confidence, not with worry that they’ll think it’s lame. They can smell that worry.

[@andreawoodard2294]

Yes, I am going to look at my lesson plans to see if I can compete with PS5, iPhones, Phones of any kind, Tik-Tok, etc.

[@gibsonedu]

It's a battlefield out there.

[@anairaaireen1401]

I'm crying right now I'm a beginner I had four class today +1 as a substitute, the students were too difficult to handle, students do not listen to me, they talk in between the class even if I shout with the top of my voice, washroom facility is far from where we sit, I cannot handle all this... I'm breaking , I feel depressed , in all this I've been given few extra responsibilities too it is difficult to handle them , I cannot..I really cannot

[@wilmasilva7302]

You're so great! Thanks

[@gibsonedu]

Happy teaching!

[@meatrace]

I remember in high school Trigonometry class, my teacher was rather soft spoken. There were two girls that sat just ahead of me that would talk ALL the time. He mostly ignored them, but if they were talking loud enough as to be disruptive he would just cross his arms, stop lecturing, and stare at them until they stopped. Once they kept talking for 15 minutes, completely oblivious to the fact that 20+ fellow students were all staring at them silently.

[@gibsonedu]

Ha, so oblivious.

[@CameronOsten]

I am actually an aftercare teacher from 2-6 so they know it’s aftercare and try to not listen, and are pretty much animals 😂 I’ve come up with fun and creative ways to get them to stop talking (it’s a sports related charter school) so I’ve said “when I say Michale you say Jordan” and the class class advice. However, I just started at this school and there are some students who love to talk in a group, any advice on this? Maybe also on a disrespectful student? (Throws things steals things etc) I worked in a daycare, never a 4th grade and up school!

[@gibsonedu]

I have a video about how to work with middle schoolers but the principles could apply to the young ones too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGOkYXSEhb2HhLs

[@sadiamuzaffer1171]

Excellent video Nice explanation

[@gibsonedu]

Thanks Sadia :)

[@djthereplay]

But here's the thing Mr. +Thom Gibson , If you make students switch to where they are not seated next to their friends and instead seated next to someone who they don't get along with then you wind up risking having something start up that is worse than the talking and that is #FIGHTING as in people putting their hands on each other to hit and hurt each other in any way . I had just a few people try to hit and hurt me when i was a SPED student in school . Plus , if the student really wants to speak to their friend , you just put them in the position where they have to call out to their friend to communicate with their friend . Also , trying to force a student to be quiet may wind up making you the enemy of a student . That has also occured back when i was a SPED student in school . Let me give you a clue . When the student runs out of things that they want to talk about they will lose the energy to talk out . Have you ever thought about just giving the students time to free chat about whatever they want with their friends so that when you are ready to teach , they will be ready to learn because they will end up too empty to talk . I hope that this helps . - Dwight

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah, there's definitely more to classroom management than a few tips to get kids to stop talking. I think it's a larger issue of classroom culture. That's where I feel relationship building, clear expectations, and engaging lessons are vital.

[@djthereplay]

@@gibsonedu I want to also give you something that worked for me back when i was a SPED student in school . Have you ever thought about finding out what the student's interests are regardless of what it is as long as it is clean and using those things that the student is interested in with your lessons ? When you touch on things that give them positivity you've got it made because they cannot stop you once you start teaching . - Dwight

[@Muself2]

Gold

[@erinh2077]

Here's my question: what if you have a large group of students within a grade 12 level class that will not stop talking no matter what you do? These students make up approximately 85% of the class and they are all friends who spend their time from the beginning of class straight to the end not following direction, not listening when a lesson is being taught, not moving seats when asked to, and even if you send them out the moment they come back it continues.

[@gibsonedu]

That's difficult and with classroom management, there's often no single strategy that will solve all of a teacher's management struggles. I recommend checking out 'Teach Your Class Off' by my friend CJ Reynolds (another teacher KZbinr) as I really like how he frames his wholistic approach to classroom management - amzn.to/3hVj4hM (affiliate link).

[@GymbalLock]

6:07 noise levels displayed to the class simply give them a challenge. Kids love shouting to see who gets the next "high score"

[@gibsonedu]

By itself it won't solve all the noise problems, but it's another tool in the toolkit for teachers to try.

[@janelleglass3673]

I've learned that that partially works with the class or trying to get their attention and are using it for girls to resist and then that makes me have to call the parents. I do not mean to be a Debbie Downer and Downer Debbie or whatever is called but it's frustrating.

[@gibsonedu]

Yeah it can be frustrating for sure.

[@raymondblake5765]

How can you rehearse something with the class if the students never let you talk to them?

[@tysonm2525]

Are you going to be making any new videos?!

[@lovelaughlive5673]

Hey Thom, so I am a specials teacher for grades k-5 (first year teacher). I only get these students 45 minutes out the week and don’t have my own classroom (I go into their regular teacher classroom and teach there) which makes having my own classroom management style difficult especially for 5th graders where they just come from recess and the teachers leave them all chaotic. Also, first day didn’t go so well for my 5th grade class and barely got to teach a lesson. How do I regain authority back for next week after a terrible first class with this class? Do I address what happened last week or just start fresh like nothing happened? (This was a very talkative class with 2-3 disruptive students who didn’t get any better even after taking them out the classroom individually to connect and reinforce expectations. Would love your advice. Thank you!!!

[@gibsonedu]

Hey Kyaira, I'm sorry to hear the first days haven't been going very well. I made another video about how to set that tone and get students to begin to follow procedures even after you feel you've lost control of them. It may help you out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGOkYXSEhb2HhLs