The Talker

Mistakes: Common misjudgments and errors in managing the child which may perpetuate or intensify the problem.

• Showing anger and frustration. This does nothing to help the situation. In fact, it may make the talker anxious and nervous-and cause him/her to talk even more.
  
  
• Saying things like "Shut up" or "Keep your mouth shut."
  
  
• Interrupting class to reprimand.
  
  
• Attempting to belittle or shame the talker, or being sarcastic.
  
  
• Punishing the entire class or creating peer pressure.
  
  
• Making rules and regulations for the entire class because of this one student.
  
  
• Assuming classmates are disturbed by the talker-or acting on such an assumption. Classmates might not even hear.
  
  
• Reacting inconsistently-and punishing irrationally.
  
  
• Overreacting by immediately rearranging the seating chart or issuing threats or ultimatums.
  
  
• Isolating this student. The talker's need for attention or security will not allow his/her personality to take isolation.
  
  
• Becoming so frustrated that we say and do things we'll wish we hadn't.
  
  
• Failing to look for reasons behind the constant talking.
  
  
• Assuming the talking is directed against us personally or against class work, or that the student is uninterested, or that the talking is intended to be disrespectful.
  
  
• Assuming there is a short-term solution.
  
  
• Allowing talkers to visit after finishing lessons for the day.
  
  
• Restricting the talker to the point at which he/she isn't making a contribution at any time.
  
  
• Trying to humiliate the talker, calling attention to the behavior, or trying to get the student to be quiet by placing emphasis on the behavior.