Are you looking for strategies to teach kids not to interrupt classmates during learning experiences? If so, keep reading.
1. Give constant, positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Ignore as many unacceptable behaviors as possible.
2. Make sure that reinforcement is not provided for unacceptable behavior (e.g., making unacceptable remarks, talking to others during quiet activity periods, etc.).
3. Give the learner an easily grasped list of consequences for unacceptable behavior.
4. Get the learner to make a list of consequences associated with regularly occurring behaviors (e.g., By disrupting others, I will be perceived as unmannerly. By behaving aggressively, I will cause people to avoid me.).
5. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., hand signal, oral signal, etc.) if the learner begins to talk to other students during quiet time.
6. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., hand signal, oral signal, etc.) when the learner begins to display unacceptable behavior.
7. Give the learner frequent chances to participate, share, etc.
8. Place the learner away from those students they are most likely to bother.
9. Teach the learner to use techniques such as crossing their arms and legs, clinching their fists, and webbing their hands when they feel the urge to speak to others during quiet activity periods.
10. Show learning activities that let the learner be highly active and talkative.
11. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, passing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
12. Praise the learner for raising their hand to be recognized.
13. Give a full schedule of learning activities. Stop lag time from happening when the learner can bother other students.
14. Praise the learner for working quietly: ( a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
15. Give the learner enjoyable learning activities to perform when they finish a task early.
16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.
19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.
