Effective+One+Liners

//Post one-liners for addressing students who are chatty, chronic complainers, class clowns, etc., here.//

Word of Caution!
====You can use most of these with middle-high school students. However, in my experience middle school students DO NOT understand saracasm and are very literal. A word of caution if you use these with a sarcastic tone of voice, it may increase the likelyhood of an argument- instead of deflating it. If you say these with a smile and a calm voice (NO SARACASM) the (ms) students will most likely understand and continue his/her work. user:cartierm====

**Validation of Feelings/Disagreements with Teachers**

 * Awww. That hurts my feelings!
 * Even if that is true, you know I'm still your favorite Spanish teacher!
 * I know it must feel that way. (To validate students' feelings, even if you disagree with their comments)
 * I'll bet that really frustrates you, doesn't it?
 * I've gotta do what I've gotta do! (When students dislike a decision you make)
 * Life isn't fair.
 * When you're the teacher, YOU can make the seating chart!

Whining or Complaining

 * Didn't you know they put me in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the teacher with the whiniest students/most difficult tests/meanest rules, etc.?
 * I do what I can! (When students whine or complain)
 * Didn't you know my official nickname is "The Wicked Witch of the West?!"
 * I have a reputation to uphold!
 * I've been having fun all hour! (When students complain)
 * Nice try! (When students try to negotiate their way out of an assignment)
 * No.
 * Probably so. (When students say how boring, mean, unfair, etc., you are)
 * Who ever told you that school was supposed to be fun?
 * That's why I get paid the big bucks.
 * When your name is ___, you can do xyz...
 * At the end of class, if there's time. (When students have topics or arguments they want to have in class to avoid work) (they usually forget!) user:cartierm
 * Awwww, man!!!

Conversation during instructions

 * Do you guys have a question?
 * We'll talk about this later.
 * I'm sorry, was I interrupting your conversation?
 * Save it for your mean teacher. (When a student is being uncooperative.)
 * Thanks for sharing. (When students say something to try to start an argument or an off-topic discussion and **you don't want to encourage a continuation of the conversation.)**
 * Please respect (my/your classmate's) voice! user:cartierm
 * What? Huh? What's going on? bmslloyduser:bmslloyd
 * (Student's name), please stop talking and . [[file:Instant Intervention Technique.doc]]

Grading

 * I'm not a judge, I'm just a scorekeeper. (When students complain about grades)
 * It's important for me to grade fairly. user:cartierm
 * To get the highest grade, you have to make sure I see highest quality on **EVERY** assignment. user:cartierm

Sleeping/Disengagement

 * 18 inches between the forehead and the desk please!

Inappropriate Topics, or Conversation
//Post one-liners for handling student comments that are inappropriate or make you feel uncomfortable here.//


 * If this were a soccer game, you'd be out of bounds!
 * Would you say that to your grandmother?
 * What did you say? "Let's talk about this after class?" OK, see you there!
 * If this conversation were about you, how would you feel? user:cartierm
 * Too far! Too far!
 * Inappropriate!

See also: Affirming Students' Efforts & Responses, Classroom Commands in the Target Language, Classroom Management, Establishing Expectations, Managing the Class Through Curriculum, Managing Minor Misbehaviors & Chronic Problems, Signals for Attention, Strategies for Motivating the Reluctant Learner

Back to: Home