Shy Shell Shelling
In busy classrooms, shy children can be challenging, often you are met with a silent blank stare when reaching out to them. It can be tempting to move on to louder demanding classmates and other responsibilities but with proven strategies you can gently open their protective shells and find the hidden pearl. Development of intervention programs tailored to the needs of shy children can significantly improve their well-being at school . Peer acceptance and support can lead to greater confidence in the classroom Dr. Hay explains “ Peer acceptance is associated with better psychological adjustment and educational achievement, programs that support early competence with peers will have implications for educational and mental-health policy .” We can support peer acceptance by facilitating student to student opportunities. Pair Up Basra a grade 6 student, whispered so quietly I had to lean in very close to hear her, was a talented writer. I paired her with Shelley who also loved wri