Teaching the “Right” Time to Ask a Question!

Perhaps I’m the only teacher with this struggle: It seems as though I wear a student magnet to school– because the way my students flock to me (and to my desk)– it sure does seem that way!

Well, honestly, it’s not so much fun as it is frustrating. Sometimes we are just getting into a lesson when a student has a random question like, “When is lunch?” and “Can I use the bathroom?”

You are just getting into your groove, you ask them a question, you see a hand raise– it’s not about your lesson… Drives me a little crazy. Anyone else?

My thirdies are having a hard time recognizing social norms. I am constantly teaching them the right way to act in certain situations. Here are some examples:

1. When I’m talking with someone else, please do not come up and talk to me. I cannot hear 2 conversations at once. Plus, it’s rude to interrupt.

2. When we’re taking a test, you cannot get out of your seat to come ask me when it’s time for recess.

3. When we are starting a whole group lesson– it’s not a good time to get up and get a drink from the water fountain or go searching across the room for a pencil.

4. When you come in from recess it’s not ideal to flock to my desk in a group and all start talking about different things.

5. When I’m giving directions, that is also not a good time to interrupt.

Basically, they need help recognizing when it’s ok to come and ask– and when they need to wait. Here is a little printable I made to help them recognize those moments! I printed it front/back on cardstock, and then stuck it in a “Tolsby” frame from IKEA. These frames literally cost $1. So worth it!

You could easily hang it from a magnetic clip on your board too! (I’ve also included a larger version more like a poster) You can click above or on the pic below to snag a copy 🙂