Case
Mum's the Word

In a pre-K setting, there is a student who has been silent the whole school year, the student would not even talk to tell the teacher how finger was stepped on during center play. There was nothing to get the student to speak. The teacher spoke with the parent about interests of the student and it was learned that the student likes science and Transformers. The teacher planned many science lessons and even bought the student a Transformers coloring book. The student waited the entire day to share his excitement with his mom and older brother. The student has been evaluated and it has been determined that he just choosing not to speak while at school. He plays well and gets along with the other students, but will not communicate with them. It is his first year in a structured setting, and although his family is from South America, he was born and raised in the U.S. What other strategies can the teacher use to get the student to talk while in class.

Posted on: 10/19/14 | Views: 906
Solution #1
I had a student not speak the entire year until I partnered him with a peer on a classroom assignment. I believe if you put him with a partner of even involve him in a very competitive game he would begin to slowly speak. I would also try and communicate through writing in the beginning and then move on to talking to him. You could even come up with a new language just for you and the student. That student needs to feel special and the key is building relationship with him and letting him know it is ok.

I think this is a great suggestion, I would use it in my classroom.

It is always good to get one on one with your student.

14 0
Solution #2
I would not give up on the student and socializing with him. I would make sure to greet him everyday just like the other students. I would use his name and ask for his input but give him the option to join in or not. You do not wan to seem like you are picking on him but you also do not want him to fall under the radar. He needs to feel the sense of community and being a part of the classroom. I would also become in tune with his non-verbal responses and clues to make sure he is following along and picking up the content being taught.

Great suggestion. I do believe as time goes on he will eventually open up. He/ or she might be going through the "silent-period."

2 0
Solution #3
I would try some cooperative learning activities. If he will open up to anyone it will be his peers first once he feels comfortable. Also try positive reinforcement such as if you tell me how your day was you can color a transformers page.
1 0
Solution #4
I would do a cultural lesson experience that shows the students culture. This activity might make the student feel more comfortable with the rest of the group. Here is a craft to do with the kids. http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mquetzal.html
1 1
Solution #5
I think that you just have to continue being supportive of the student and continue incorporating his interest. You can't make talk, and eventually maybe he will speak in school before the year is up.

Yes I agree with your post. Incorporating things that interest the child into your lesson plan will allow the child to feel more comfortable.

0 0
Solution #6
I would create as many group activities as possible. Keep on talking to the child and encourage them to become more vocal.
0 0
Solution #7
I had a professor who told me she was a select mute as a child, she never talked at school. She said what helped her was a slow integration into talking at school. It started with her mom and her in a room at school talking, then her, her mom, and a guidance counselor, followed by just her and the counselor, to her and a friend.
0 0