At the beginning of the year I always spent the first 6 weeks focusing on classroom procedures and expectations. Without this, I just felt like I was herding cats all year long. In a classroom full of little learners, teaching them when it’s okay to interrupt classroom instruction was at the top of my to-do list!
The “3Bs” is a simple, silly, yet effective method that I used to teach my students when interrupting is okay and a GOOD thing! We begin by discussing the expectations for each “b”.
Blood– Are you bleeding? If so, come and tell me! It’s okay to interrupt me when there is blood. I need to help you and want to!
Barf– Did something throw up? Poor guy! It’s okay to interrupt me when there is throw up. I need to help and want to help!
Bathroom– Do you need to use the bathroom and is it an emergency? That’s okay! You can go now! Just show me the quiet restroom sign (“r” in sign language) and I will nod my head to acknowledge and let you go.
Of course with all of these there are exceptions, but teaching them how to self regulate and know when they can interrupt classroom instruction helped keep the distractions at a minimum. It also makes for much smoother lessons, less rabbit trails, and less distractions. And how can we forget– a happier teacher!
Here is a simple sign to hang in your classroom to remind your students of when interrupting is okay!
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How to you help keep interruptions at a minimum in your classroom?
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