Greasing all the wheels (not just the squeaky ones)

[Peter Goertzen]

I’m sure most of us have students who take more than their share of our time and energy. I’m thinking not only of misbehaving, insecure, or attention-seeking students, but also of students who need extra help or are unusually curious. I often struggle to meet these students’ legitimate needs (assuming I’ve discerned them adequately) without neglecting my less obviously needy students. What’s helped you manage these issues?

[Carolyn Martin]

I don’t know that I do a very good job of managing this; however, the solution in my current classroom involved getting an aide to assist with one very needy student so I could focus on the rest.  Sometimes being proactive in making sure the wheel is greased well enough that it can’t/won’t squeak can save time and allow one to reach around better. This can involve affirming words to the insecure and attention-seeking child before they feel the need to ask for them. It can involve the approach to teaching a lesson for the child who needs extra help so they get the help they need up front rather than trying to catch them up later. For the child with learning struggles, group activities or partner work can save the teacher time.

Teachers, do be aware of the child who gets along without the teacher. At least let them know that you appreciate them.

[Author]

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