In an effort to determine the underlying roots of kindergartners' unruly behavior during dismissal time, this study examined the children's conversational topics during classroom dismissal routines. Using participant observation as the primary method of data collection, researchers observed seven dismissals, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, over a 7-week period. Transcriptions were prepared for tape recordings of the dismissal periods, written accounts, and interviews with the kindergarten teacher and one kindergarten student. Analysis revealed five main categories of conversation: the school bus, going to the rest room, what to take home, "who does this belong to," and saying good-bye. Many of the children's concerns about these topics were voiced in the form of a question that required a response from either the teacher or another child. Results showed that the conversational topics changed and the degree of chaotic behavior diminished as the school year progressed and as children became more familiar with the dismissal routine. (MM)