How to Handle Chronic Talkers and Blurters as a Substitute Teacher
Simple, stress-free strategies that work even if you’re brand new.
If you spend any time substitute teaching, you’ll meet them fast: the chronic talkers, the blurters, and the students who narrate every thought that passes through their mind.
They’re not trying to ruin your day.
They’re not “bad kids.”
They’re simply doing what they always do—testing boundaries, especially when a new adult walks in.
The good news?
You don’t need to fight these behaviors. You just need a predictable system to keep them in check.
In this article, you’ll learn simple ways to stop constant chatter, manage blurting, and keep a calm, productive classroom—without yelling, embarrassing students, or threatening consequences you can’t enforce.
Why Talkers and Blurters Feel More Intense for Subs
Students act differently for substitute teachers. They:
- assume you won’t enforce expectations
- test you faster than they test their regular teacher
- try to impress their peers
- react to the lack of routine
- see your presence as a “free day”
This makes normal talkers… louder.
Normal blurters… more impulsive.
Class clowns… bolder.
Your job isn’t to eliminate the behavior—it’s to shrink the reaction so the behavior loses power.
Use This 3-Step System With Any Class
1. Pre-Correct Before Problems Start
Before teaching anything, say:
“Quick heads up—if you love to talk or blurt out answers, I’ll give reminders when needed. As long as you respond the first time, we’ll have a great day.”
This removes surprises and sets a calm, confident tone.
2. Quiet, Low-Drama Redirection
You don’t yell. You don’t shame. You stay calm, short, and consistent.
For Talkers:
“Press pause on the conversation. Thanks.”
For Blurters:
“Let’s try that again—hands up first.”
For Class Clowns:
“Save it for after class.”
Low drama = high success.
3. Use the Calm Consequence
If the behavior keeps happening, you escalate predictably:
“That’s two reminders. I’m marking it as an off-task moment.”
Students hate being “documented” more than any lecture. This shuts down the behavior without confrontation.
Give Their Energy Somewhere to Go
The fastest way to reduce talking and blurting is to redirect—not punish.
For Chronic Talkers:
Give “micro-jobs” like passing papers or helping organize.
For Blurters:
Give structured participation:
“You’ll be first after quiet time.”
For Class Clowns:
Give positive spotlight:
“Read step one for us.”
When you give them a role, they stop performing for the wrong reasons.
Quick Scripts You Can Use Today
✔ “Pause the conversation.”
✔ “Try again—hands first.”
✔ “Save it for later.”
✔ “Voices off—let’s reset.”
✔ “Second reminder—I’m marking it.”
Final Thought
You don’t need to be intimidating to manage a room full of talkers and blurters.
You just need to be calm, steady, and consistent.
The less emotional your reaction, the faster the behavior settles.
Want the Full Classroom Management System for Subs?
If you found this helpful, you’ll love my new course:
The Ultimate Classroom Management Toolkit for Substitute Teachers
A complete “walk in, take control, get rehired” system with:
✔ done-for-you scripts
✔ routines that work in any classroom
✔ behavior systems that prevent chaos
✔ teacher-approved strategies
✔ printable cheat sheets and tools
Click here to join →“The Ultimate Classroom Management Toolkit for Substitute Teachers.”