I am a kindergarten teacher. I have a student in my classroom who has some physical disablities. She is very smart but does not talk much in class and seems to be withdrawn most of the time in class. I have talked with mom and dad and have encouraged her to speak up when she has an answer. I have also had her be a special helper several times. It seems to work for the time beign but I would like some help in encouraging this child to become more open. I would be open to any suggestions.
Thank you so much.
Re: Helping a student feel welcome
How are the other children with her? Do they exclude her from play?
Re: Helping a student feel welcome
A few years ago, I read about an incentive program called the “Desk Elf”. Basically, it says that a teacher can leave notes on students desks for any variety of reasons. The notes are always penned by the Desk Elf. I used this with First Graders and they really loved it. I would acknowledge some special happening in their life, or tell them how much I love their behavior, etc. All of the other students tend to change their behaviors as well, in hopes that they too will get a visit from the Elf. If I noticed that the student was making an effort, I would write him/her a note and leave a small reward (usually a sticker) with it to reinforce the behavior. Maybe if your darling little girl were to be the first to be visited by the Elf, the other students would be more in tune to her and she would feel more comfortable. I can’t guarantee it will work, but let me know what happens! Good luck!!!
Re: Helping a student feel welcome
If you’re in a large city and have a Parent Training and information center near by, invite Kids on the Block puppeteers to come visit your class!
http://www.kotb.com/
I work at a PTI in CA and it’s a great disability awareness program for elementary schools.
I love that you give her special things to do. In this case, it’ll build her social status for her to be ‘teachers pet’, so that’s a good idea.
loni
Is it possible she feels “different”? Maybe she’s just has a shy personality. Having her be a “special helper” is a great way to encourage her— have you watched her outside of instruction? Does she interact with peers? adults? What about during freetime/recess? Is she isolated?