Practice Participation

Some children are reluctant to speak up in class. Even if they understand the lessons and know the answers, participating makes them fearful.

Be it because they’re shy or worried about what others might think, the idea of having all eyes on them is dreadful. Even when the other students do their share, kids who refrain from participating aren’t inspired enough by their peers to follow suit.

There are teachers who require that every child chimes in, but some only select from the ones who raise their hands and actively contribute. The silent students are more like bystanders who do learn, but they’re not getting as much as they can out of each lesson.

Parents can help their children feel more confident and comfortable by practicing at home. It may take some time getting used to, but before long, these kids will be a regular part of the classroom activities. Your encouragement will boost their self-esteem, and the stronger your child becomes, the more they’ll shine like the stellar student they know they are inside.

Here are some ways you can help your child come out of their shell and stand out.

• Read books out loud together
• Practice spelling
• Introduce them to new people
• Join after-school clubs and teams
• Volunteer
• Call family friends and relatives
• Record family activities
• Put on puppet shows
• Do family singalongs
• Host a neighborhood potluck dinner or picnic
• Form a kids’ book club
• Enter a talent show
• While you’re out doing errands, suggest your child ask questions and make requests to store clerks and cashiers

Simply do things that help get your child to step out of their comfort zone. The more they participate in everyday conversations and interactions, the more natural they’ll feel doing it. This will work its way into the classroom, where your child will go from a fly on the wall to a force to be reckoned with.

For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay