Tips for a Kindergartener that NEVER stops talking!?

Question

I have several students in my class that are EXTREMELY talkative. Honestly, the only way to put it is that they NEVER SHUT UP! They constantly move down on the behavior chart because of the talking. I have rewards and do positive reinforcement when they don't talk, etc. Any ideas?! I am at a loss. They are just 2 very social girls. A good quality, but they just don't understand the right times to talk...We have discussed it, one of them sits at their own desk, another takes a clipboard and goes to the carpet during writing time...

Answer 1

I agree witht he person above me.

Answer 2

This sounds like a very difficult situation.  I do not know what age these girls are... that could change my answer.

Although I would make them sit in the front row of the classroom.  Separate them if need be, one on one end, and one on another.  Also try things like stopping the whole class and waiting for the children to be quiet.

Answer 3

Ann M's response is an excellent example of behavior modification that will help you with these 2 five yr. olds.

Answer 4

Tell them that you will do something that they want if they are quite!!

Answer 5

Although I do this with much older students it seems to work.  I have 2 desks by my desks.  They hate being by the teacher away from their friends so they usually don't have to stay more than a day for it to work.  I put one desk in the hall (I can observe them through the window).  I tell them I have to move them so they can concentrate better on their work.  It also works and they do end up concentrating on their work.  And the ones who are acting up for attention can barely stand to be out there because they aren't getting the attention anymore.  I usually do it anywhere from 5 minutes to the whole class period.  

When I student taught, my mentor teacher had 3 of these special seats facing the wall (no one to chat with!!) and often this would become their permanent seat until they could work their way out of it.  I call my seats Africa, Antartica, and Australia.  Good luck!

Answer 6

First you need to make sure you are giving them plenty of opportunities to talk. Young children are social learners so they need to be working in collaboration with their peers. Only ask them to be quiet when absolutely necessary, like at circle time or when you are giving them directions. At circle time if they talk when it is not their turn move them to a spot in the room where they can still hear and see what is going on at circle but their talking will not disturb others. If they are talking when you are giving directions then don't let them participate in the activity. If it is something they need to complete let them complete it at a time when the other children are having fun. Be very clear that when they talk while you are giving directions that are keeping themselves and their friends from learning. I have a little girl in my class this year who always wants to add onto the directions and I simply tell her "Not your turn" and she stops. Also, the girls who won't stop talking are usually the smart ones so make sure you are giving them work that is challenging.

Answer 7

give them something to do in front of the class and praise them or thank them for doing that.

Answer 8

TELL THEM THAT IF THEY DONT BE QUEIT THEN U WILL MOVE THEM OR NEVER LET THEM SIT NEAR EACHOTHER AGAIN.IF U NEED ANYMORE ADVICE MY EMAIL IS [e-mail]. I HOPE U CAN GET THEM TO STOP TALKING.

                                       SINCERELY, THE ADVICEIR

Answer 9

TELLL `EM THAT

" IF UR NOT GOIN' TO SHUT UP,

                                             U WON'T GET ICE-CREAM"

AND WHEN THEY ASK 4 ICE CREAM CHANGE THE TOPIC

Answer 10

give them a behavior plan, they can earn a sticker for every hour they behave, and by the end of the week X no of stickers gets them a reward

Answer 11

You actually sat down the girls one at a time? I'd try that first. Let them know you like to have them as active students but they need to understand other students must have silence during their work.

I'd also give them a "special" job to keep their minds and mouths busy! If they have time to talk, are they not working? It might be they need to be challenged more.

Good luck in class and be patient.

Answer 12

It's important for children to be listened to.  When children start K, it is the first time they need to sit quietly, and it is not natural for them.  I would have some time during the day when you can listen to what they are telling you, and also make the lessons interactive, so that they can answer open-ended questions.  Things like "show and tell" and "tell about your weekend" give the kids a chance to have the stage for a little while.

Answer 13

I have come to a conclusion I have a 5yr old son who is a kindergardner and he I believe has selective hearing. He only listens to me talking to him when it is something worth listening too!!

Answer 14

I understand what you are saying. Nothing gets to me more than having a child talking when I'm trying to explain a lesson.  It's so disruptive!  Have you tried any games?  I have had great luck with red square, green square.  This will only work with cooperative parents.   Pick one behavior that you would like changed - and this one would be 'when a teacher is talking, you are listening'.  You can use the squares to your advantage for ex:  You are explaining a lesson, they pipe up, you say "ah ah remember the green square". If they listen during lessons they get a green square, if they do not listen and are talking they get a red square.  Red squares are ignored at home - green squares are saved until say, they get three green squares - then it's up to mom and dad what the reward will be. It could be a sheet of stickers, they could stay up and watch a special show, they could get ice cream after dinner.  Anything that works into their budgets and the child will really want.  This game has never failed me!  If you have cooperative parents who understand how disruptive their daughters are being, this will work. Children need to learn appropriate times to talk and appropriate times to listen.  It sounds like you are sure off to a good start talking to them and they already know some ideas of self control. good luck!

Answer 15

What's wrong with talking?

If they're having trouble keeping it under control at group meetings, exclude them from the meeting.  Have them sit quietly away from the group until they are ready to come back.  Then present the material again more one on one during the work period.

Matt

Answer 16

With my students that do this, I keep on changing their seating, write a note in their planner home, email their parents.  I'll sometimes move them to my desk and tell them that they can talk to me all they want.