Four Steps

The Talker

I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
IV.	Mistakes

« Behavior List

Related Behaviors

•	The Blabbermouth
•	The Blurter
•	The Interrupter
•	The Noisemaker

Recently Viewed Behaviors

1.	The Talker
2.	The Arrogant

Instructions

Learn more about using this resource:

Introduction
I.	Behavior
II.	Effects
III.	Action
	Primary Causes of Misbehavior
	Primary Needs Being Revealed
	Secondary Needs Being Revealed
	Methods, Procedures, and Techniques
IV.	Mistakes

Behavior Information

The Talker

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

1. 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.
   
   
2. Saying things like "Shut up" or "Keep your mouth shut."
   
   
3. Interrupting class to reprimand.
   
   
4. Attempting to belittle or shame the talker, or being sarcastic.
   
   
5. Punishing the entire class or creating peer pressure.
   
   
6. Making rules and regulations for the entire class because of this one student.
   
   
7. Assuming classmates are disturbed by the talker-or acting on such an assumption. Classmates might not even hear.
   
   
8. Reacting inconsistently-and punishing irrationally.
   
   
9. Overreacting by immediately rearranging the seating chart or issuing threats or ultimatums.
   
   
10. Isolating this student. The talker's need for attention or security will not allow his/her personality to take isolation.
    
    
11. Becoming so frustrated that we say and do things we'll wish we hadn't.
    
    
12. Failing to look for reasons behind the constant talking.
    
    
13. 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.
    
    
14. Assuming there is a short-term solution.
    
    
15. Allowing talkers to visit after finishing lessons for the day.
    
    
16. Restricting the talker to the point at which he/she isn't making a contribution at any time.
    
    
17. 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.
    
    

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Please Note

We are labeling behaviors, not children!

For the sake of convenience, we will describe behaviors with terms such as The Whiner or The Interrupter.

Never use such labels when talking to—or about—children!

Doing so could cause many new problems and seriously damage the parent-child relationship.

Seek professional assistance!

Many behaviors--or changes in behavior--can signal an underlying emotional or mental health issue.

Don't hesitate to contact your child's school social worker, counselor, or doctor for any concerns you may have.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact us.

In the event that you have questions regarding how to handle a specific child's behavior, please seek professional assistance.