Keeping Words To Myself

When you include a child in problem solving, things go so much better. They typically get what the problem is and understand why it is a problem. When they understand the problem then they can  help come up with solutions. That is how I went about writing this story. 
My student was a big talker. He felt everyone's frustration with him and understood why blurting out and monopolizing the airspace wasn't working  in his classroom. He had been given "Speak Out" cards, which were cards that he could use when he blurted out. If he had a specified amount left over at lunch and again at the end of the day, then he earned some free time of his choice. These were beginning to work, but this follow up story helped to remind him of why blurting out wasn't the best choice in his classroom. The following list is his. Enjoy!

There are many times when I shouldn't use my voice to communicate. Here is a list that I thought of:
1. When someone else is talking.
2. When a teacher is teaching.
3. When there is a conversation going on.
4. When I am in a library.
5. When my parents are on the phone.
6. When people are sleeping.

There are other times that I may not have on this list, so my list may get bigger. I need to do my best to keep my words to myself at these times. My teacher can help with secret signal (like the sh sign, stop sign or one finger up = 1minute).  I can also use my speak out cards. If I do these things, I will help the classroom be a great place to learn. We will all learn so much in Kindergarten this year.