If the spots at the front are taken, look for a quiet student and sit by them. Chances are they won’t start a conversation with you like your best friend might!
For example, maybe this student sits quietly and takes notes. Follow their lead and get your own notebook! Another student might participate a lot in class but always makes sure to raise their hand first. Try that out, too.
If it’s at all disruptive, like “This subject is boring, is class almost over?” don’t say that out loud. Another good trick is to raise your hand. While waiting to be called on, think about what you want to say. If it’s not related to the subject your teacher is discussing, put your hand down and remain quiet. Always raise your hand when you have a question about class. Not talking during class doesn’t mean your questions about the lesson should go unanswered.
Classroom notes should take priority, but if you think of a joke you want to tell your friend, write that down, too. That way you can remember it after class and share it with your friend! You can also use your notebook to write down anything you want to talk about after class. For example, instead of talking to your friend during a lesson, write down, “Remember to tell Jimmy that my mom said it was okay for them to stay the night this weekend. "
You should also avoid passing notes during class, A. K. A. texting the old-fashioned way.
While you’re in the hallway before class, try taking your talkative classmates aside and say something like “I’m not going to talk during class anymore, so can we talk at lunch instead?” Try not to be impolite if your friends talk to you during class. Always be kind and ask them nicely not to pester you while you focus. Yelling “SHH!” across the room is no better than talking.
Ask a friend that doesn’t usually talk in class. Try something like, “Hey Sam, I’m trying to do a better job at not talking in class. Next time I try to talk to you, can you tap a pencil on your desk as a cue for me to stop?”
After class, tell your teacher something like “I’m trying really hard to stop talking during your class, but I’m still struggling with it. Could you please help me?”
Try writing something like “I can talk when class is over” or “silence is golden. ”
Let’s say you accidentally blurt out a joke in class. Instead of beating yourself up, tell yourself something like, “I just made a mistake and that’s okay. Now I just have to be quiet for the rest of class to make up for it!”
Talk to your parents about a reward system that you both agree on. Maybe your mom can take you out for ice cream at the end of the week if you promise to be quiet and focused in class!
