What To Do When Students Won't STOP Talking

Kids just won't stop talking in class? Here are a few things I've tried in different contexts and some of them have helped in controlling the talking in my classroom.

1. Relax
2. Assess your lesson plan
3. Build in time for them to talk
4. Have a call-and-response to get their attention
5. Don't continue to try and talk over them
6. Set clear expectations for noise level
7. Revise (or create) seating chart

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I’m Thom Gibson.

🍎 I teach middle school math, science, and robotics.

**contains affiliate links**

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Find me on social media :)

[thee-wastegamer]

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.

[leighcarroll]

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.

[honeybee-tokv]

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 😂

[fimibiscuit]

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.

[ImThatGirl]

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.

[ryanblackmore]

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.

[Rick-Guitar-Bass-Drums]

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.

[sophiap]

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!!!

[sherlock]

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.

[morgan]

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.

[fullygamingforya]

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

[melissaholman]

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.

[mariannedwyer]

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

[kaitlynwright]

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

[hannahjones]

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.

[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.

[luli]

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

[chrisrooks]

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.

[jessicaleland]

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

[_Ls]

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