Case
Shy does not talk

There is a student that is so shy that they will not speak to peers or the teacher. What would you do to get the student to open up and start talking?

Posted on: 02/23/20 | Views: 643
Solution #1
Top Solution
Establishing a positive relationship with the student may help in this situation. Try to connect with the student to help them feel more comfortable around you. Maybe try some ice breaker and get to know you activities. Pair this student with another friendly student to help them open up more.

Be patient with the student and try building a community within the classroom to make the student feel comfortable. One way to do this is to go on a field trip or do an activity where the whole class participates. This could help the shy student open up more and make friends.

I think this is a great idea to the problem. As teachers it is important to build positive relationships to all students.

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Solution #2
I had a preschooler who was shy like this also. During centers, they chose puzzles. I sat with the student, only talking when necessary, such as "can you please pass that piece" or "I think this piece goes here/there". Spending that time with the student over a period of time helped them come out of their shell.

It is a good idea to communicate with them during activities that they feel comfortable in without pressing on the conversation too much. Letting the student know that you are there for them will likely get them out of their shell.

I think this is a great start for you and the student to get a relationship and then eventually working to adding student(s) into the scenario.

I think this is a great idea. As a shy student, sometimes it can be a little uncomfortable when you are forced to talk so allowing them to respond when they feel comfortable helps them open up without feeling like they are being forced to.

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Solution #3
I would begin by building a positive relationship with students, using affirmations and encouraging words when they do speak in the classroom. I would institute small spaces to get them to feel comfortable sharing with the class, such as inviting students to pair share during activities so that it is less pressure than speaking in front of the whole class.
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Solution #4
Try to build a more personal relationship with the student. Maybe write them a letter to begin with if they're uncomfortable talking out loud, so they can write you back and then build on that communication.
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Solution #5
Use team works or even pair classroom work. Maybe at the beginning the student will only point at things or use the head to say yes or no. Eventually with time the student will start taking and develop personal confidence and trust in others as well. It takes time.

While I do feel that group work will allow them to open up overtime, it can also make the student pressured and uncomfortable. For this situation, it would be best to pair a shy student with an outgoing student. The outgoing one might be able to help the shy one open up without the pressure.

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Solution #6
Creating a safe and supportive environment will help break them out of the shell. Also talk to the student one on one and let there be a good relationship there so they feel more comfortable with you.
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Solution #7
When creating an icebreaker game, make sure you are respectful of the student's boundaries. Perhaps meeting one on one with the student (maybe having lunch together), will help to build a connection with the student. Classroom read alouds and group work are also fantastic ways to build a classroom community where the student feels safe enough to voice their opinions.

I don't think this idea is great. As a kid, I hated ice breakers and reading aloud because it put way too much pressure on me and I would feel uncomfortable like people were judging me.Having one on one time with the student during lunch might seem like a good idea to the teacher, but from the students point of view it can sometimes be embarrassing to be singled out like that. I think allowing the student to open up at their own pace and not forcing them to will have more of an impact.

I agree. Ice breakers can be intimidating for shy children.

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Solution #8
I would personally try to connect with the student and find what they are interested. Something that might be helpful for the student would be assigned group work where they are given a leader role because it would help them to have to work on communicating with peers and taking charge in a discussion or an assignment.

I think finding out what students are interested in can help motivate and engage students in learning.

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Solution #9
I might incorporate fun games into lesson which give students like this a chance to pair up and talk without the fear of being in front of the classroom. I think projects like PowerPoints, videos, or even drawings with words that describe the students, might be a great way for them to express themselves and find things in common with other students.
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Solution #10
A way to get a student to open up and start talking would be to build a personal connection with said student. Learning their interest, hobbies, and what excites them is the best way to make them more comfortable. It also helps to get that student to interact with other students that are similar.
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Solution #11
I would continue to talk to the student, even if it's just saying hi. The student will start to feel more comfortable with you.
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Solution #12
I would be careful, as the student may have anxiety or some similar condition that makes social situations difficult. Taking shy students and making them social has to be done delicately. I would suggest having group activities in the class, but having the groups be very small. Similarly, assign students before hand so that its not just a thing where all the students join up with their friends. If you break it up so that the student only has to deal with one or two new students at a time, they may feel more comfortable opening up, especially if its over something like completing a task or assignment instead of simply trying to make conversation.
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Solution #13
TRy more one on one conversation with them first in order to build a positive relationship with the teacher. Once they start to trust the teacher they should start to open up more. After that relationship with the teacher is built, the teacher can help integrate them in with their classmates.
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Solution #14
I would first recommend observing the child to understand more about them and receive more context. Being 'shy' can simply be a personality trait of a child, in the same way adults can be introverted. However, if you being shy can potentially set back the student in their learning, then observe the child and learn about their interests. Do they like to draw? Are they drawn to books? Which books? Learn about their interests and slowly work towards building rapport, then who knows maybe they will begin to speak with you.
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Solution #15
I went through this in fourth grade and I refused to speak to others. From what I can remember, the teacher made it clear that If I needed something, I was going to have to use my words. Eventually I reached out and broke out of my shell. I think that the teacher should have a conversation with the student, see what may be the reason. Setting up a meeting with the parents can be beneficial.
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Solution #16
Try not to put too much attention on them, as it can make the situation worse. Put together a small group of their peers and try to get a discussion going. Ask questions and allow the student time to answer.
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Solution #17
First, establish open communication with the student, ask them about their interests and maybe include those in your lessons somehow to get the student to talk to their peers. Encourage more peer and group work to allow them to experience peer conversation. I would suggest the same people to allow them to get comfortable.
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Solution #18
I would not try to force the student out of their shell, as the insecurity or discomfort that is causing that behavior would only get worse. I would try and establish a connection with the student or foster a small scale and comfortable environment where they feel comfortable coming out of their shell. Perhaps by pulling them aside or having assignments with groups of only 2-3
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Solution #19
I would set up pairs so the student doesn't feel singled out. There would be time to discuss assignments with their partner. There also may be time in which I give them free discussion time to share something they find interesting. This way it would help them talk in small doses rather than create a big change that would be even more umcomfortable.
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Solution #20
I would try and see what creates a positive reaction out of the student. Sometimes we can understand or connect with a student nonverbally, by smile, or hiding. With that we can identify what route to take from there.
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Solution #21
Creating a positive atmosphere amongst the students and teacher is important. You can try doing activities where there are small groups working together and switching groups through different activities. This allows for the students to all feel more comfortable with each other and gives them the opportunities to use their best leadership skills.
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Solution #22
I would respect the student and do my best to work with them. I would do my best to establish a good relationship with them to see if I could help them open up. I would also speak to the parents and other teachers to see how they deal with the situation. I would allow the student to submit plenty of written work but I would also encourage them to speak up every now and them. It may be a confidence thing as well so I would do my best to build them up as a person.
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Solution #23
I would give the student a questionnaire just asking them what they like, how they prefer to learn, the best way to communicate (do you like to be called on, praised in private, etc.). This way she verbally doesn't have to say anything, but can still communicate with you.
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Solution #24
What I would do in this situation is talk to them privately and try to get to know them. Doing an activity that does not require a lot of talking first might get the student comfortable enough to talk to you because talking is not expected. An activity like this could be a puzzle or coloring. After this, you could do an activity that requires some collaboration like a matching game or building something together. This might get her to open up and maybe share what would make her or him more willing to communicate with their peers.
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Solution #25
Establish good rapport with student, find their interest through a class interest survey and try to implement activities that would suit their interest yet also meet the needs for the lesson and interest o other students.
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Solution #26
Last semester during my first internship I had a student who was a selective mute. It can be frustrated to have a student that you wish would speak and communicate more. I was very patient with her never pushed her to talk, but always checked on her and made sure she was alright with her school work. Basically, the best thing you can do is be patient, don't push them, and maintain a positive relationship.
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Solution #27
I would first establish a relationship with that student by learning what they like/dislike. That way you can incorporate them into your lessons, hopefully sparking their interest and helping them to feel included. You could do this by administering an interest inventory, where the student answers questions such as their favorite food, activities, movies, music, etc. I would also encourage collaborative learning opportunities where students can build relationships as well as learn from each other. This would also help to prevent singling the student out, which could contribute to further hesitation in opening up. Lastly, I would provide multiple means of representation such as group work, independent work, discussions, writing, etc. Even a thumbs up, clap, head nod, etc. would work when asking questions. I would not want to pressure my students to open up before they are ready, and I would want them to also feel comfortable contributing to the learning process.
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Solution #28
I would not try to force the student to talk. As long at they are doing their work and there is no gap in achievement I would allow the student to come out of their shell naturally. Try bonding with the student and asking her personal questions during free time "I like cats, so you have any cats?". Eventually she will come out of her shell.
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Solution #29
I have experienced a student in the past that was so shy she was almost mute. As long as she's doing well in the classroom and has some acquaintances I wouldn't push someone totally out of their comfort zone.

I think your idea is great. Being talkative and outgoing shouldn't be forced if they are doing well. It might impact them later on in life if they are still shy, but it won't impact them academically speaking.

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Solution #30
HAve them write their responses, and talk in private

I don't think talking in private is a good idea because it might make the student feel embarrassed for being singled out.

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