Case
Crying Teenager

Mr. Askew has a new student who was degraded to his class because her performance wasn't good in the class she was taking. Her mom has been very sick, which causes her to cry in the middle of the class or loose focus. Mr. Askew has talked to the school counselor and the department has talked to her, but the behavior seems to persist. He tries to be supportive but his options are running low.
What should Mr. Askew do in this situation?

Posted on: 10/03/18 | Views: 890
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would collaborate with the guidance counselor or social worker regarding the matter. I would discuss the matter privately with the student and let her know that she has my support. I would also possibly provide her with a classroom job to give her purpose and provide incentive. I would even possibly put her on a realistic reward program and set realistic goals and expectations.

If I were in this situation, I would do this.

This is the best solution. Collaborating with the guidance counselor is an excellent idea and you could implement an IEP for the student.

If I were in this situation, I would do this.

If I were in this situation, I would do this.

44 0
Solution #2
The girl should be provided with instruction on different ways to express her feelings, rather than just crying in class. She should also be offered counseling through the school. This would provide her with an outlet to vent to and will allow her to focus on her school work while she is in class.
18 0
Solution #3
I would offer the student another way to express herself during the school day. Maybe get her one of those adult coloring books for her to work on when she needs a moment. Or offer her to when she does get lost in her thought to write it down in a journal and then get back on task with the lesson.

I agree with finding another way to express her emotions. However, if her emotions become too overwhelming, the teacher should collaborate with her to create a system for her to deal with those emotions. For example, she could have a pass that she could use twice a day to either see the guidance counselor or another staff member she trusts in. Also, the pass could be used to go to bathroom to regroup herself from crying, which could help her later focus on the lesson.

13 0
Solution #4
He should continue to offer support and see that she is able to see the guidence counselor as needed. Maybe contacting the paretns to gain a better beter understanding will help too.

Great Idea!, Maybe talk to students and let them know the their fellow classmate is going through a family situation when she is not their.

10 0
Solution #5
Mr. Askew should probably consult guidance for a temporary 504 plan that allows frequent breaks and extended time. The situation at home is overwhelming for any student and if guidance will not help her, Mr. Askew should call the parent and help advocate for her.

Good idea. Very helpful.

8 0
Solution #6
I think that Mr. Andrew should continue to build a relationship with a child and maybe see if she can get some tutoring so she does not get far behind.
7 0
Solution #7
Work with a behavior specialist or guidance counselor to create a plan, where the student can leave for a designated safe place to deal with their emotions. At this point it is understandable that the student is feeling the way they are, and as caring educators, I think everyone needs to still respect that the student is hurting right now. However, I also understand that the behavior is distracting for others in class, so creating a safe place that the student can go either in the class, or somewhere like the guidance counselor's office, will show that you still care about what they are going through but also you are able to continue to teach the lessons.
6 0
Solution #8
I would see if a 504 plan would fit her needs, and allow her to leave to go see the consular as needed. I would be cautious to allow her freely all day. She still needs to be held responsible for something in the classroom even if her normal responsibilities are eased up on.
4 0
Solution #9
I would discuss getting her on temporary 504 plan that allows her to get extended time or a break when she is having difficulty. I would also speak with the guidance counselors again to see about getting her therapy sessions and able to speak to a psychologist during the week.
4 0
Solution #10
She should be showed how to express her feelings, rather than just crying in class. She should also be offered counseling through the school. This would provide her with an outlet to vent
4 1
Solution #11
First off, I feel for this student because I can't imagine how hard it is for them to come to school with those circumstances happening at home. My solution would be to have a check in system with that student briefly before class. It could be as simple as a little check mark box that describes their emotional state that day (ex: happy. rough day, sad, mad) and then that way the teacher can differentiate his or her instruction to make sure they are meeting the emotional needs of that student.
3 0
Solution #12
Continue to be supportive and allow student to go see the guidance counselor when needed, but also try and keep the student busy in the classroom. Provide the student will specific jobs and or tasks so that the student stays busy which will maybe keep their mind off the specific situation that is upsetting them.

If I was the teacher in this situation this is what I would do and offer her tutoring in her free time if she gets behind in her academics.

2 0
Solution #13
If I were Mr. Askew, I might speak with the student privately and let her know that I was there for her. I might also try some kind of collaboration with administration/guidance and see if something could be worked out when she gets upset. Mr. Askew might be able to give the girl classroom jobs when she is done with her class work or some type of point system for when she is on task and focused.
2 0
Solution #14
Have the school social worker get involved. You and the social worker can visit the young lady's house to get a better understanding on her living situation. Talk to the mom, and inform her on the effects of her being sick has on her child in school. Since the mom will know her child better, she can give advice on handling this situation.
2 0
Solution #15
This student may need further counseling. She may be getting no support at home and have extra responsibilities. The important thing is to support the student as much as possible. I would try using proximity control when teaching lessons.
1 0
Solution #16
I would try to be supportive but at some point she has to gain control of her emotions. I would try to talk to her one on one.
2 2
Solution #17
if options are running low i would express your support to the student and if needed she may step outside to collect herself and get some privacy.
0 0
Solution #18
I think the teacher and the guidance counselor should work together to help the student.
0 0
Solution #19
there are many step that need to be addressed in this case. First of all talk to the student and let her know that you understand what she is going on at home, but affirm to her that she is needed and she should be in the classroom during school time. change her to a a different spot closer to you and give her a private spot that when she needs to cry she can do so. she can become your helper and small activities will give her the sense of being needed in class.
0 0
Solution #20
Mr. Askew, Can encourage the student and reassure her that even though her mother is sick all is well and that her mother wants her to be successful and pass her classes. Let her know that it is ok to cry and if she has too implement a system where its ok for her to go and have her moment then come back to class and continue her work. Continue to speak w/ the guidance counselor and or social worker to get her some support.
0 0
Solution #21
Mr. Askew should connect the student with the school counselor. Additionally, I think he should give her a private space where she can go if she needs a few minutes to get her emotions back in check, such as letting her into the teacher's office or letting her step into the hallways for a moment. Explain that this shouldn't be abused, but that it is available. Make sure if she steps out to quietly catch her up on what the class is doing when she returns. Be flexible on deadlines for homework when necessary.
0 0
Solution #22
I would speak with her privately to talk about the issue at hand and let her know that she has my support. I would also talk with the guidance counselor to come up with some ways that we could help her to live a more positive lifestyle. I would tell her to channel her energy into a hobby like journaling or exercising
0 0
Solution #23
Allow her to have some lenience in her assignments such as the due date. This will allow the workload/stress-load to lessen because she feels less anxious about a time limit. A school counselor is often contacted in these situations but at times, they need to talk about it less and have a bit more time to deal with their emotions internally. Allowing the student time to come in for help with their assignments could also benefit because a one-on-one setting gives no distraction or downtime in the goal at hand - finishing the assignment.
0 0
Solution #24
This student is clearly dealing with a lot so I wouldn't be upset with them crying I would do everything I could as a teacher to be supportive emotionally and academically. The student should be allowed to express their emotions whether with me, the guidance counselor, a friend, or a therapist so I would do what I could to provide them with another outlet. I would do my best to be understanding but also remind them that school is still important and that her mother would want her to do well. It may also be a good distraction to help push her forward. I would do what I could to keep them on track when she starts to falter.
0 0
Solution #25
I would cooperate with the other support methods and communicate about what has and hasn't been working. I think laxing due dates may assist in reducing stress. Similarly, if they have issues with the material, offer to pull them aside and review it with them one on one, where they may have less stress about having to perform in a public environment.
0 0
Solution #26
I do feel that if a student is constantly crying in class and it is a daily thing, that the action should mostly be ignored while teaching or demonstrating a lesson. She does not want to cry, but her mind is elsewhere because her mother is sick. However, if it is distracting to the class, giving use of a space that she can go until she gets her head back together I think would be a good idea. She can't cry forever and it is important that we focused on learning and educating as well as being supportive of our student's feelings.

Giving her a space to go when she needs to cry is a great idea!

I do not think giving her a space to go when she cries is a good idea. This takes away from her learning. It is best to try to address the root of the problem by collaborating with the school counselor.

I do not agree with this solution for this situation. I would not ignore a child who keeps crying daily.

10 13
Solution #27
Teacher should talk to other students and let them know the their fellow classmate is going through a family situation when she is not their.

I would never do this. This is wrong.

I am so sorry but this is a terrible solution. It is not your responsibility to discuss this students personal life with other students; this is wrong.

Other student's personal issues should not be brought up to other students it is a violation of her privacy.

3 14