Specific Scripts for Common Situations
Knowing what to say and how to say it can make the difference between a situation that escalates and one that’s resolved smoothly. Here are some tried-and-tested scripts for the most common classroom situations you’ll encounter. These aren’t rigid formulas but flexible frameworks you can adapt to your style and context, giving you confidence and consistency in your responses.
Attention-Getting Scripts
Gentle Redirection
- “I notice some of us are chatting. I need everyone’s eyes up here.”
- “Let me pause for a moment. I can see some side conversations happening.”
- “I’m waiting for everyone to be ready to learn.”
Clear Expectation
- “In 3 seconds, I need all voices off and all eyes on me. 3… 2… 1… Thank you.”
- “Show me you’re ready by sitting tall and looking this way.”
- “I’m looking for students who are showing me they’re ready to learn.”
Responding to Disruptions
Minor Disruptions
- Proximity: Move closer to student while continuing to teach
- Non-verbal: Eye contact, gesture, or hand signal
- Whispered redirection: “I need you focused on the lesson”
- Choice offering: “You can choose to participate appropriately or take a break”
Persistent Issues
- “I need to speak with you privately. Please see me after class.”
- “It seems like you’re having trouble focusing today. What do you need?”
- “Let’s take a break and problem-solve this together.”
Academic Engagement Scripts
When Students Say “I Don’t Get It”
- “What part doesn’t make sense yet?”
- “Let’s start with what you do understand.”
- “Show me how far you got and where you got stuck.”
- “Let me explain it a different way.”
When Students Say “This is Boring/Stupid”
- “I hear that this doesn’t feel relevant to you right now.”
- “Help me understand what would make this more interesting.”
- “What connections can you make to things you care about?”
When Students Refuse to Work
- “I notice you haven’t started yet. What’s getting in the way?”
- “Is this about the work, or is something else going on?”
- “What would help you feel ready to begin?”
