Talking Terry Tinsley Talked all the time!

Her constant yipping and yapping

Drove everyone out of their minds!

Her parents truly loved her,

But living with her was tough.

In fact, whenever Terry was home

They wore sound-proof ear muffs!

Well, Terry went to school,

And after the very first day,

The teacher called her mom and said,

“She must change her talking ways!

It seems that Terry thinks

Whatever pops in her head

Is supposed to tumble around in her brain

And then it must be said!!!

Terry hasn t learned

There s a time and place to speak.

She talks so much all day long

I can t do my job and teach!”

Her mom was really embarrassed.

She didn t know what to say.

Simply blocking out Terry s words

Had not taught her the appropriate way

To listen so she could learn,

(Because at 9 you don t know it all!)

That there s a time to talk and a time to not,

Like in class and out in the hall!

Terry only thinks of herself.

She doesn t consider others.

Not her teacher, or classmates or her best friend.

Not even her father or mother!

So her mom and teacher decided

To work with Terry each day.

To teach her when she can and can t

Say what she wants to say!

So after school every day

She practiced her courtesy rules

Until she finally learned

When it was proper to talk in school.

Now Terry s a happier kid

Because she listens and she learns.

And she only speaks when working in groups

Or when the teacher says it s her turn.