Case
No Friends

During the formal parent teacher interview the parent expresses their concern over the fact that the child has no friends during playtime. They are visually upset and want to know what you are going to do about it. How do you handle this situation?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1467
Solution #1
Top Solution
Assure the parent that this is a problem that can easily be fixed. All students are different and it may take longer for some to warm up to others. Make it a point that you will incorporate more ice breakers and group activities to promote student interaction. It is also important to make your classroom a safe environment for students to feel comfortable being themselves in.

I will use this in the future for sure!

I like this idea!

Although when i was in school i hated ice breakers it did help me gain the friends i have today. I think adding these in the classroom and more group work would be very beneficial. Also, groups of two so the student can connect with just one person. All it takes is one friend.

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Solution #2
I would change my classroom arrangement into small groups and ensure that group activities, such as learning centers begin to take place. I will also find that the student has a "buddy" that he can shadow throughout the hallways. This will hopefully help their child branch out and find new friends.

I like this solution. Sometimes a shy or nonsocial students just needs a little push out of their comfort zone to make friends. I like the idea of assigning a shadow buddy.

I would use this solution in my classroom.

Great idea!

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Solution #3
I would handle this situation by incorporating daily cooperative learning activities in the classroom in order for the student to interact socially with their peers and explain to the parent that I will do my best to assist the student in making new friends.

I love that post! I would assure the parents that we as a class are working together to make friendships. We work in groups and we are doing the best we can in school. However, I would encourage play dates within the classroom. That is one way strong friendships can occur.

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Solution #4
I would first acknowledge their feelings about the matter and then offer up solutions. Such as, introducing their child to people in their class or setting up a class game that everyone can play and get to know each other.
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Solution #5
Explain to the parent that this may be happening because it is the beginning of the school year. After the interview pay more attention to the student and maybe create activities that require the students to work together.
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Solution #6
I would say to the parent that in the classroom we all work together to complete a task, and we respect everyone the same. I would also say that children take time to make personal relationships, and in the classroom we do group activities to show how much everyone appreciates one another!
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Solution #7
I would assure the parent that this is a common problem being all students are different and it may take longer for some to warm up to others. I would let the parent know the class will double up on ice breakers and group activities to boost student interaction.
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Solution #8
I will express that, as a teacher who will be interactive in my students play time that I have tried to have her child engage in the games and with other students. i cannot control how the child acts and interacts with others.
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Solution #9
I would let the parents know that I frequently have the students work in small groups during instructional time to encourage dialogue amongst students. I would also tell them that I make a diligent effort to foster relationships but will research other methods as well to help their child make friends. I would ask the parents what they do to help their child to see if they actually do anything and, if they do, perhaps I could try that, too.

I would not approach the situation this way. The parent is addressing current concerns and you are informing them of what you already do which obviously is not helping her child. By asking the parent what they are doing at home to address the issue seems like you are blaming the parent for their childs lack of friends.

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Solution #10
There isn't much I can do as a teacher other than put the students into groups and let them socialize. However, I could write up a classroom survey of different likes and dislikes and have a class discussion of answers so that the student can find someone with similar interests.
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