S113 Interrupt & Redirect
Structured talk control (start/stop, roles, time)
Aim (what it achieves)
Allow talk for learning without it turning into noise.
When to use
Any paired/group talk; especially with classes that overrun talk tasks.
How to use (steps)
Set a clear question, a strict time, and a stop signal. Optional roles: speaker/listener/checker.
Teacher language (examples)
“20 seconds each. Then silence on my signal.”
Top tips (makes it work)
Use a timer; circulate; stop exactly on time.
Common pitfalls
Vague ‘discuss’; letting it drift; no stop signal.
SEND/PP considerations
Supports SEND/PP by making talk predictable; reduces social anxiety.
Tags
Sources
Used in
Behaviour Matrix
- Interrupt & Redirect Chatting during independent work
- Interrupt & Redirect Peer friction / bickering / low-level conflict
Ordinarily Available Practice
Related strategies
S101 Interrupt & Redirect
Proximity and presence
Stop low-level disruption without breaking teaching flow.
S103 Interrupt & Redirect
Pause and scan (hold the space)
Use calm silence to reset attention and stop chatter spreading.
S110 Interrupt & Redirect
Procedural seat change (quiet reset)
Break patterns (peer friction, chatting) without confrontation.
S112 Interrupt & Redirect
Reset the room (10–20 second whole-class reset)
Stop ‘spread’ of chatter and restore calm without drama.
S116 Interrupt & Redirect
Attention signal + countdown
Regain whole-class attention quickly and predictably.
S121 Interrupt & Redirect
Pre-correction (prime expectations before the moment)
Prevent predictable slip-ups by reminding pupils of the expected behaviour right before a high-risk moment.