Case
Clingy Student

Ms. Georgia has a 6th grade male student who is constantly clinging to her. He comes to her classroom between each class change, sits with her at football games, gives her cards, and has tried to add her on Facebook. Ms. Georgia knows that this student comes from a very unstable home where he does not receive much attention. However, Ms. Georgia also knows that she must maintain a strictly professional relationship with this student, and now allow him to believe that she is his "friend." How does Ms. Georgia let this student know that he can not be this "clingy" without hurting this students feelings or making him feel rejected?

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 1091
Solution #1
Top Solution
It is always a difficult situation when a student tries to be come too close to a teacher. Maintaining professionalism is paramount for all teachers. The best thing to do is to have the school councilor talk with this student about relationships at school and out of school.

You want to be their friend but you have to be stern.

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Solution #2
I am thinking a redirection to a hobby. What if Mrs. Georgia and the school counselor discuss what might interest the 6th grader. My thoughts are to channel his time and energy in a school activity where he can make new friends. This could distract him from Mrs. Georgia and limit the time he has to be around her and make her cards.

This is a helpful suggestion, I would use this if I were in this situation.

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Solution #3
Have a honest conversation with student and with the school counselor. Make sure to reiterate how fond you are of him but there has to be boundaries that both are comfortable with.
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Solution #4
Ms. Georgia could invite other students who she knows the student would get along with to sit with them at these football games and during lunch. If she helps him transition to a group of friends, then he will become more comfortable branching out on his own.

This is a great suggestion!

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Solution #5
I would try and get the student into a club or school activity that he can thrive in. This way he would put more attention to the activities than Ms. Georgia. This would also lift up the students spirits.
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Solution #6
The first step is to inform the counselor, and possibly an administrator, about the situation. Helping the student make connections with other students may be helpful as well, because then the student will have another type of support system.
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Solution #7
Ms. Georgia needs to immediately speak to the guidance counselor to speak of these issues. Both the teacher and counselor need to come up with a plan for the student. She should allow him to speak to her during class and maybe before OR after school to ask questions.
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Solution #8
You could make coming to Ms. Georgia's classroom an incentive for good behavior, but also explain to the student that Ms. Georgia is busy and has other students to attend to. I would ask him what he likes to do, suggest clubs, friends, etc.
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