Talking Sticks

I recently worked with first graders in a local school district. When I entered the classroom on my first day, I noticed something peculiar about one young boy. I would see him walk up to his teacher, hand her a popsicle stick, and then tell her a random story. I found myself wondering why the popsicle sticks were used. I then spoke with the teacher and she informed me that she found herself constantly interrupted by the young boy every time he felt the need to speak. To alleviate the problem, she allowed him three popsicle sticks to use that would provide him with three opportunities to approach the teacher and share a story of choice. He had to promise to use the sticks and could only interrupt if there was an absolute emergency. Although she encouraged conversation in the classroom, she had to take preventative measures to maintain the stability required of a well-managed primary classroom. I found the idea to be quite helpful and the boy seemed to be able to control himself after time passed.