PRESCRIPTION FOR CHATTY KIDS

Scene:
6th grade art class: day one of a clay unit

-Students won't settle down and be quiet in order to listen to instructions, even after several firm warnings from the teacher to hush.
-The teacher calmly sits down to take attendance and begins writing names on a slip of paper, glancing around the room as she works at the computer.
-Most students catch on quickly to this strategy and get quiet.
-A few students continue talking, oblivious.
-The teacher doesn't say anything, but begins slowly and calmly passing out supplies to each table, continuing to jot down names or put a check mark next to the names of repeat offenders.
-Within a matter of minutes, the entire class gets quiet as it dawns on the students that the teacher actually does mean business.
- There is complete silence as the final clay tool is placed on the tables.
-Finally, the teacher can begin the lesson and joyfully demonstrates several techniques.
-She calls students a few at a time to pick up their clay.

-Some students are not called........... these will receive an alternative assignment before they get to use clay.............

The teacher jots these questions down on the board for those few students who need to take some time to reflect........
1. Write down what a disrespectful student says and does (3 sentences).
2. Write what a respectful student says and does (3 sentences).
3. Write down the reason(s) why you are doing this assignment instead of using clay/paint/paper mache/etc.
4. How will you change your behavior during future art classes (3 sentences)?

(This prescription is recommended for upper elementary and middle school students; ages 9-14)