How to Help Teens Be Quiet in Class

The classroom can be a challenging place to learn under the best of circumstances. If disruptions and behavioral problems distract the teacher and make it difficult for students to learn, it̵7;s important to resolve the issues proactively. Teens who won̵7;t be quiet during class and who talk out of turn need firm guidance to establish expectations and resulting consequences from noncompliance. Once teens know the rules, you can firmly teach them that they must adhere to them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assess your teenager̵7;s behavior realistically to understand the particulars of the problem. For example, a teenager who regularly makes disruptive comments during class in an attempt to entertain peers or focus peer attention on him is often a challenge for a teacher because of the ongoing distractions. Ask questions of your teenager and of the teachers to gather facts.

    • 2

      Avoid making excuses for or defending your teenager if you discern that she is acting inappropriately during class, advises social worker James Lehman, with the Empowering Parents website. Defending your teenager̵7;s misbehavior will not enable you to resolve the problem and it will not help your teenager learn appropriate behavior.

    • 3

      Speak with a guidance counselor to explore extracurricular possibilities for your child, such as drama club, the debate team or public speaking. Your teen may benefit from an organized outlet for his ideas and energy.

    • 4

      Learn the classroom rules to help you communicate them to your teenager. Speak with the teacher about classroom expectations regarding quiet study and listening time. Learn how the teacher permits students to interact with each other during the class and how the teacher encourages students to contribute to discussions.

    • 5

      Communicate the classroom rules with your teenager to ensure that he understands what the teacher expects from him. For example, if the teacher expects a student to raise his hand to contribute to discussions, reiterate this to your teenager. If the teacher provides small group opportunities for students to interact and brainstorm, explain that discussions during these activities must focus on the classroom topics and nothing else.

    • 6

      Support school discipline if your teenager receives reprimands for disruptive behavior during class. By allowing the school to correct your teenager̵7;s behavior and communicating your support for the discipline, it̵7;s likely that your teenager will modify his behavior.

    • 7

      Increase parental interaction and attention at home if you perceive that your child is seeking attention. Although it's normal to want attention and to want to be loved, according to the Compass Rose Academy, you may help your teen feel more secure and important if you maintain a closer relationship.

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