Case
The Clingy Student

You are a first grade teacher and have a student that is always seeking your attention. She always asks for help although you believe she is in no need of it. She also constantly requests for you to look over her work to make sure she is doing it correctly. This is keeping you from assisting other students. How do you handle the situation?

Posted on: 04/20/13 | Views: 1098
Solution #1
You can set the student up on a reinforcement schedule. Basically tell the student to only raise her hand after she has finished 10 practice problems, for example, and after those 10 problems she musts raise her hands (don't let her get out of her seat or yell for your attention) she simply raises her hands and you come over and positively reinforce her with a "good job"or "wow that looks great" and you repeat the process. This way she's still getting the Attention she needs for doing a good job, she's getting her work done, and your able to assist other students without distraction.

I really like this idea and definitely plan to use it on future students. I would possibly extend it once this seems to be working to finish the whole assignment then call me over to ask any questions or to go over it.

I agree with this solution. This will give you time to help other students but also allows her to feel like you are giving her attention.

I really liked your suggestion. I will have to try this in my class

This is a really good idea.

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Solution #2
Create a strategy for the student to feel like you are giving her attention yet you praise her for her independence. It is obvious that the child may be seeking extra attention because a lack of or excessive attention given at home. Speak to the student, and tell her that you want to thank her for all of her work and noticed he is doing a great job at doing her work with out much help. Encourage the student to do more of it and praise her verbally in the class to give attention that you noticing she is being more independent.

I agree with your solution to the problem. By providing positive feedback to the student will give her an understanding the she is cared for, and may also give her a sense of independence from the teacher.

Giving positive feed back always makes the children feel important.

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Solution #3
I would speak with the parent and determine if this is a routine thing for her. Does it happen at home also? Perhaps having the parent involved with some work at home, where they would get undivided attention during the assignment. Additionally, praise the student for independent work. Provide her with incentives to work without you hovering over her. Additionally, cooperative learning could be helpful in this situation. Perhaps she just needs someone, not only you, to agree with her. Having her talk it out with her classmates may deter her from distracting you.
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Solution #4
I would be very straightforward in this situation. This student must learn that the world doesn't revolve around her and that she shouldn't expect to immediately receive everything she wants (in this case, your attention). I would assist other students before her and save her for last and also encourage her to ask her classmates for help before she comes to me so that maybe they can satisfy her need.
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Solution #5
I would let the student know that she is to do the best that she can, and not to overthink too much. If she had any more questions pertaining to the assignment I would tell her to skip that one for now and go back to it.

I would use this solution. I like the positive feedback and sometimes it is important to tell the student they may be over thinking the assignments because most times this is the case.

I would give her all my positive feedback the best I can. I will encourage her and tell her how smart she is and brilliant. I will give her some ideas, but tell her I want her to use your own thoughts since she is a phenomenal student.

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Solution #6
I would make a chart for this student to earn rewards. I would let her know that for every 10-15 minutes she can stay in her seat and work hard at her desk she would get a sticker. When she gets 3 stickers she gets some kind of reward. Whatever you do for your class. Once you feel that she has mastered the 10-15 minutes mover her up to 20-30 minutes.

great suggestion

I really like this system.

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