I believe that nothing hurts a student's ability to learn more than interruptions. Every time the learning process is interrupted a little bit of the lesson is lost. Today I decided to try and end the interruptions. I cannot control announcements or adults in and out of the room, but I can stop the student interruptions. Thus, on my smart board this rule was posted:
#1 "There will be no interruptions today. If you need help, then please sign up on the whiteboard. Any student who interrupts will be written up."
A write up in our school is equal to a lunch detention. I do not give many a trimester, maybe one or two. Thus, the students knew I was serious. I explained to them that they are sabotaging the entire class' education every time they interrupt a lesson, directions or concentration. I will not let that happen in my class.
The students did very well with the new rule (plus the 4 others that I typed up.) When I was helping a student and one of the notorious #1 rule breakers walked up, I would say quietly, "reread rule one on the smart board and rethink your decision." I only had to say that once and the interruptions stopped. I was thrilled. We accomplished a lot, finished many projects and actually had the room cleaned up by the time the bell rang all four class periods. Fingers crossed that it continues tomorrow!!
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