When a class won’t stop talking or kids won’t stay in their seats, a class meeting is one of the best ways to get behavior back on track.
Class meetings reset behavior with a quick, targeted discussion. When done well, they take less than five minutes and lead to a noticeable improvement in behavior.
Depending on your students’ ages, you may want to start with a script that addresses some common misbehaviors in that grade.
Other issues are more universal, such as students talking too much, kids not staying in their seats, or general off-task behaviors.
Teachers struggle with these behaviors in every grade, so if that’s you, know that you’re in good company.
Read on to explore sample scripts you can use to address these behaviors in a class meeting.
Class Meeting Reset Script: Class Won’t Stop Talking
Here’s how to use a class meeting to address students who won’t stop talking. A class meeting reset lets you correct the issue quickly and clearly.
Teacher: Class, lately I’ve noticed that many students are talking to classmates when I give directions.
Teacher: This makes it hard for classmates to learn because when people talk over each other, no one can hear the directions.
Teacher: I understand that sometimes it’s hard to keep comments or stories to yourself. Sometimes you have a question about the assignment or lesson.
Teacher: However, it’s important to wait until all directions are given before asking questions. Sometimes your question is answered in the directions, and if you’re talking, you won’t hear it. Also, remember that class time is for academic work, not for chatting with friends.
Teacher: Going forward, the expectation is that you will keep your voice off when directions are being given.
Teacher: If I notice anyone still having trouble following this rule, your seat will be moved away from distracting friends and classmates.
Teacher: In just a moment, I’m going to send you back to your seats to work. I know that you will walk to your desks quickly and quietly and get right to work. Everyone will keep their voices off, and we won’t have to have this conversation again. Right? Right. Back to work, please.
Class Meeting Reset Script: Kids Won’t Stay in Their Seats
Here’s how to use a class meeting to address students who won’t stay in their seats. A class meeting reset lets you correct the issue quickly and clearly.
Teacher: Class, lately I’ve noticed that during math class, many students are getting out of their seats and wandering around the room.
Teacher: This makes it hard for classmates to learn because when people leave their seats, someone could get bumped or hurt. It’s also distracting for your classmates and for me!
Teacher: I understand that sometimes you need to throw something away, or you need a tissue, or you need to sharpen a pencil.
Teacher: However, it’s important to remember that going to the trash can/tissue box doesn’t mean taking a detour all the way around the classroom.
Teacher: Going forward, the expectation is that you will only go where you need to in the room.
Teacher: If I notice anyone still having trouble following this rule, that student will need to ask permission any time they want to get out of their seat. They will not be able to just get up and take care of their needs like the rest of you can.
Teacher: In just a moment, I’m going to send you back to your seats to work. I know that you will walk to your desks quickly and quietly and get right to work. No one will wander around the room, and we won’t have to have this conversation again. Right? Right. Back to work, please.
Class Meeting Reset Script: Students Are Constantly Off Task
Here’s how to use a class meeting to address students who are constantly off task. A class meeting reset lets you correct the issue quickly and clearly.
Teacher: Class, lately I’ve noticed that during independent reading, many students are off task. Students are putting their heads down, drawing in their notebooks, and generally not doing what they’re supposed to do.
Teacher: This makes it hard for classmates to learn because off-task behaviors are distracting.
Teacher: I understand that sometimes students get bored with reading.
Teacher: However, it’s important to remember that not only is this exercise good practice for you, but it’s also good practice for everyone. It’s important to let everyone have a quiet, focused environment to work in.
Teacher: Going forward, the expectation is that you will stay focused on your work and stay on task.
Teacher: If I notice anyone still having trouble following this rule, that student will be assigned a lunch detention.
Teacher: In just a moment, I’m going to send you back to your seats to work. I know that you will walk to your desks quickly and quietly and get right to work. Everyone will stay focused on their work and stay on task, and we won’t have to have this conversation again. Right? Right. Back to work, please.
Class Meeting Script Pattern
Keen-eyed viewers will note that these scripts all follow a pattern:
- Name the Problem Behavior
- Say Why It’s a Problem
- Validate Their Objections
- Counter Their Objection
- State the Expected Behavior Clearly
- Name the Consequence
- Send Students Back to Work
Use this framework when making your own script.
Whether you’re dealing with hallway behavior, long transitions, or cell phone use during class, this class meeting format will help you get through to students and correct the misbehavior.
If you need help setting up a classroom management plan, check out this free PDF eBook with an explanation of classroom management plans, a sample classroom management plan, and a minimalist classroom management plan template for you to make your own (in 10 minutes or less!).
Want help creating your own class meeting scripts? Classroom management coaching is coming soon!
A class meeting is a short, focused conversation with the whole class that helps reset expectations and refocus student behavior. When you run a class meeting, you name the problem, explain why it matters, and clearly restate the expected behavior. Class meetings work because they reset expectations without shaming students or disrupting learning.
You can introduce a class meeting by explaining that the goal is to improve learning for everyone, not to punish anyone. Keep it short and positive. Start by naming the concern, explaining why the behavior matters, and stating the new expectation. If you want a ready-to-use script, you can use this class meeting template.
Absolutely. Class meetings fit naturally into a classroom management plan because they reinforce expectations and maintain consistency. They help you address problems early, instead of waiting until behavior gets out of control. If you don’t already have a classroom management plan, you can see sample plans here.
As often as needed, with the caveat that you don’t need to run class meetings every day. Most teachers use them as needed when behavior slips, or once a week to keep everyone on the same page. The goal is to stay proactive, not reactive. If behavior keeps recurring, try using these quick reset scripts.
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