3/1/01
Question 76
Dear
Preschool Teacher,
I have a class of 20 preschool children where I have a particular
child who is very shy. He refrains from doing any physical exercise,
speaking loudly even for the roll call, answering a question he is
asked or even reciting a poem when his turn comes. I notice him
singing along with the rest softly, the moment I look at him he stops.
But his parents tell me he
loves coming to the school. But he is shy in front of outsiders.
How can I best help this child to come out of his shell. I have
noticed much change in him regards to his eating habits, solving
puzzles etc. but everything is done by himself does not like even some
child coming very close to him.
Overly Shy
Dear
Overly Shy,
Last year I had a child who did not speak the entire
year. She was at my hip every day. I could see her singing the songs in her
head. She did all the projects but did not talk. She did not eat her snack until the
last day. She started the first day like that THEN, she joined in and is a
devil.
This year I had a boy who was the same. We just let him
go. Finally after Christmas vacation her came in one day and started to play and
talk.
Be patient. I think it is harder on them than on
you.
Maureen
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Overly Shy,
I also have a child like that in my class
this year. One day we had an opposite day. We had all the kids
play in areas that they don't usually play in. This helped our shy
child a little bit. It also got him the play in an area that he
hadn't played in before.
Compliment the child (on a one to one basis)
for singing with the group. Tell him that he sang very nicely and you
hope that he will again. Maybe after a while of compliment it will
boost the child's self-esteem and he will participate more.
Good Luck!
Lynn
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Overly Shy,
I have a couple of kids like that in my class, too. I think the best thing is to make him feel welcome and comfortable as you probably have been doing. Keep talking to him and asking him questions. If you get a reply, GREAT! If he doesn't feel like replying then maybe ask him a yes or no questions (where he can nod his head) and move on. These guys are still young and will probably eventually come out of their shell if they are not pressured. Some will continue on to become shy adults.
Good luck!
Peg
"Ask The
Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Overly Shy,
I wouldn't worry too much if he comes to
school willingly. Most of these children warm up eventually and become
just as rowdy as the rest.
What's wrong with being a quiet person?
Some people are natural born introverts! Just give him time.
He seems to be alright. Pushing him to participate and be talkative
might cause him to be more shy.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
