Shy Children

Shy Charles, by Rosemary Wells, is the story of a very shy mouse. He overcomes his shyness when someone needs his help. This story may help shy children realize that others feel shy too. Maybe some of the children will share about times when they felt shy. It is amazing how much children relate to and can learn from the experiences of other children. You might want to start by telling about a time when you felt very shy and what you did. Discuss that it is ok for people to watch what is going, or ask questions about what they should do. Be sensitive not to attract too much attention to a very shy child as that may make the problem worse.

Here are just a few more ideas to help a shy child.

• 
  Set up several play areas in your classroom where two children can play.
• 
  Provide opportunities for children to work in pairs for projects.
• 
  Find ways to match socially competent children with the shy child. If these children become friends it will build the esteem and skills of the shy child. Sometimes it may be better to pair two shy children together, so one child does not overwhelm the other. Learn to know the child, so can provide the appropriate pairing.
• 
  Find ways to allow shy children to contribute without speaking.
• 
  Find the talents of the shy child and and use them to build confidence.
• 
  Develop a strong relationship with the shy child.
• 
  Give the shy child a job to do. Start with low risk jobs such as picking up something you drop, closing a door, and then move to "harder" jobs.
• 
  If the child is hesitant to talk to you directly, use puppets.
• 
  Prepare all children for new events, visitors, or field trips. Provide extra support beforehand by allowing the child to be near you or another adult. Make sure he knows to come to you if he is starting to be afraid.
• 
  Do direct teaching of social skills. Teach what to do in various social situation. Demonstrate what to do if someone takes your crayon or pushes in front of you. Watch to make sure the shy child does not become a victim of aggressive children.
• 
  Observe and document behaviors. If necessary, refer the child for evaluation of a special need or social emotional support. Don't hesitate to ask for professional help. If your child already has an IEP or support plan, reread it for more information which may help you address the needs of the child.