Classroom Interruptions — How to Curb Them

Interruptions provide a constant challenge for classroom teachers. More damaging than the loss of precious class time is the break in momentum. A class that is 100 percent on-task suddenly becomes 100 percent off-task as the interruption captures everyone's attention. Everyone's attention must be refocused back onto the topic at hand. While many interruptions are beyond a teacher's direct control (e.g., fire engines, P.A. announcements, or drop-in visitors), teachers sometimes create interruptions themselves (stopping a lesson to hunt for materials or to verbally reprimand a student). Here are suggestions for minimizing interruptions:

Preventing Interruptions

• To assess the amount of time consumed by interruptions, give a student helper a stopwatch for several days. The helper starts and stops the watch at the beginning and end of each interruption. At the end of the day, record how much time interruptions have consumed. An alternative is to carry the watch in your pocket and do the timekeeping yourself.
• A well-planned, organized lesson discourages interruptions. Have the necessary materials and equipment ready before class begins. Let the world know that intrusions are not welcome. Open doors invite interruptions.
• Post a "Do not Disturb: Learning in Progress" sign on the outside of the door. Tape a note pad and hang a pencil beside the door for messages.
• Negotiate with the principal for custo- dians to schedule distracting work, such as mowing outside windows, before or after school. It may not always be possible, but let it be known that such activity detracts from learning.
• If doors or windows provide too many visual distractions to students, rearrange the furniture to face away from the distraction.
• Tactfully let other teachers know that sending students to borrow supplies during class is not welcome. Conversely, do not send student messengers to other rooms during class except in emergencies.

Handling Interruptions

When an interruption does occur, your aims are to 1) keep it as brief as possible, 2) minimize the impact upon the learning activity, and 3) assure that the same interruption will not occur again.

• If interrupted by a telephone call, get to the point immediately. Be brief and assertive. If the call is going to take too long, give the caller a more convenient time when you can talk, or volunteer to call back.
• Most principals have minimized the abuses of the intercom, restricting announcements to the first and last five minutes of the day. If your school has not implemented such a policy, suggest that they do so.
• Drop-in visitors cause many interruptions. If someone comes to your door, stand in the doorway so you can talk with the visitor yet face the class.
• At the beginning of the year, teach students appropriate routines for handling class interruptions.

Source: Classroom Teacher's Survival Guide by Ron Partin, available from the PLS Bookstore (insert link to: http://www.plsbookstore.com) at 800-506-9996.