Students with executive functioning challenges often struggle to handle themselves in the classroom. They benefit from learning to treat teachers with respect with the knowledge that their teacher is there to help them. For example, your child can be taught that when she is asked a question and she doesn’t know the answer, it is appropriate to just simply say “I don’t know.” She shouldn’t pound her head and make up wild answers in hope that she might stumble on the right answer. This just assures everyone that she is foolish.
Help your child practice the following ways to get along in the classroom and with teachers:
- Look the teacher and others in the classroom in the eye.
- Take a risk and answer at least one question the teacher asks each day.
- Look like you know the answer — lean forward — when someone else gives the right answer shake your head.
- Don’t be negative toward the teacher or assignments.
- Use the teacher’s name at least once a day.
- Use other student’s names.
- Get there early.
- Smile!
- Get ready to leave only when the bell rings.
- Never slam books shut.
- When the teacher offers suggestions or corrects errors, say, “Thank you.”
- If you don’t understand what the teacher said, ask him or her to repeat it: don’t blurt out, “I don’t understand!”
Practice these skills with your child on a regular basis.
Need help applying these concepts? Call 817.421.8780 to schedule an appointment today.
© 1995-2009 Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
