Extremely shy children are challenging and need "HELP" from teachers

One of the most exacerbating aspects of teaching is without doubt attempting to address the needs of each student, given time limitations and class sizes. Extremely shy children are challenging, in that each child has individual reasoning for their behavior, and the cause needs to be addressed prior to implementing a course of action for a teacher. Too aggressive a position by a teacher may result in emotional distress to a shy child, while a passive or indifferent approach may only reaffirm a shy child's distant perspective. In each and every instance a teacher must make the time to get to know the child on a personal level as a unique human being, and to gain a shy child's trust and respect.

An excellent manner in which a teacher can help an extremely shy child is to gain an understanding of a particular child's strengths and weaknesses comparative to others in a given class. While shy children have areas in which they need to improve academically, their education has to be approached gradually with a long term plan. Since many shy children have self-esteem issues, being thrust into the spotlight in front of classmates in a position of weakness many only reinforce feelings of inferiority. In the subjects that a shy child has problems, a teacher should be extra sensitive to the child's emotional well-being, and guard against negative reactions when learning is not as quick as it is in other children.

A teacher can gain tremendous insight into helping an extremely shy child by simply speaking briefly with the child's parent in a private setting. There may be a certain interest that the child has which a teacher can utilize as a tool to bring them into a more socialized existence in the classroom, or a particular area in which the child is superior. This is also an excellent manner for a teacher to assess if the child's home life has anything to do with an associated withdrawal from participation. There are many reasons that a child may be shy - ranging from a bad home life, to the recent death of a loved one or beloved pet. In this sense a teacher should become an investigator and apply their knowledge of children directed toward a solution.

In many cases of extreme shyness in children, until an aspect of the educational process strikes a cord with the child and enthusiasm follows, the issue will remain. It is incumbent upon the teacher to disseminate information concerning the child to enable them to assimilate in social settings more readily.