Blurting is a common challenge faced by middle school educators. Students who blurt out answers or comments in class can disrupt the learning environment and make it difficult for their peers to participate. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies for teaching students to manage blurting, including a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills.

Introduction

Blurting occurs when a student talks out loud at a time they aren’t supposed to, such as when another student is speaking or when the teacher is giving instructions. It can be hard for students to wait their turn, especially if they are excited about the topic or want to share their thoughts. However, it is important for them to learn to wait their turn, as blurting can affect their teacher and classmates. In the context of Social-Emotional Learning, managing blurting is an essential skill that helps students develop respectful communication and self-regulation.

No-Prep Activity

This no-prep activity, called the “Pause and Think” game, encourages students to practice waiting their turn before speaking. Here’s how it works:

1. Arrange students in a circle, either seated or standing.
2. Choose a topic or question related to the current lesson or a general interest topic.
3. Explain that students will take turns sharing their thoughts on the topic. However, before speaking, they must pause and count silently to three in their heads.
4. Begin the activity by posing the question or introducing the topic. Call on a student to start, reminding them to pause and think before speaking.
5. Continue the activity, calling on students one at a time. Encourage them to listen actively and respect their peers’ turns to speak.

This activity helps students practice self-regulation and patience, as they must wait their turn and think before speaking. It also reinforces the importance of active listening and respectful communication.

Discussion Questions

• How does blurting out in class affect the learning environment for you and your classmates?
• What strategies can you use to help manage your impulse to blurt out in class?
• How can practicing patience and self-regulation help you in other areas of your life?
• Why is it important to practice active listening and respectful communication in class?
• How can teachers and classmates support each other in managing blurting and maintaining a positive learning environment?

Related Skills

Managing blurting in class is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that can help students develop respectful communication and self-regulation include:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing their key points.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help students be more mindful of how their actions affect their classmates.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, which can help students identify when they need to practice self-regulation.
• Conflict resolution: Learning to manage disagreements and find solutions that are fair to all parties involved.

Next Steps

Teaching students to manage blurting in class is an important aspect of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, educators can help students develop the skills they need to communicate respectfully and regulate their impulses. To explore more resources and sample materials for teaching these skills, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech.