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Shy students

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Shy students exist in practically every classroom, so you might as well learn how to deal with them now! Here are some tips to help you, as a teacher, “deal with” shy students.

Realize that just because shy students do not always raise their hands or choose to participate in class, it does not mean that they do not know the answers!
Do not treat shy students as different than other students.
Do not neglect shy students or let them disappear in the cracks of the classroom. You need to give them just as much attention as you give students who are constantly asking for attention. “Allowing” them to remain shy does not help.
Encourage them to join a volunteer group or a recreational organization like a soccer team. Sometimes, interacting with peers outside the classroom is easier and more natural, and it can lead to less shyness in the classroom.
Recognize the strengths and abilities of shy students and constantly reward them for them. Give the students the confidence to branch out!
Enlist the help of the shy student’s peers. No, do not directly tell the peers that so-and-so is shy and could use some help (this could end in a great deal of embarrassment). Rather, enlist their help in other ways…
Divide your class up into small peer groups for some activities. It is often much easier for a student to come out of his or her shell when there are fewer people to do it in front of.
Seat your shy student by some of your more friendly and talkative students. Of course, pay attention to whether or not the shy student starts to come more out of his or her shell… or retreat back into it. Sometimes it can help to be around someone who forces you to talk to them, but sometimes it can cause more anxiety.
Try not to put any shy students on the spot. Yes, you should try to encourage their participation in class, but try to allow them to volunteer it. Do not corner them and force them to come up with an answer.
When you call on shy students, make sure you encourage them and praise them for correct answers. If they answer incorrectly, be kind. After all, a wrong answer can cause more anxiety and prevent them from answering questions in the future.
Assign group presentations. Allow your shy students time to prepare something before having to speak to the class. Being allowed to prepare can greatly help. If you think that presenting in front of the entire class may be too much, have your students present to smaller groups.
Display good artwork or writing. Allow others in the classroom to see their good work.
Assign a partner – whether you assign shy students a partner for a classroom task like cleaning up the chalkboard, or for an assignment, it can promote communication.
Make time to talk with your shy students each day. Listen well and respond positively. If appropriate, suggest ways in which they can join groups of peers.

There are many things that you can do to encourage shy students to branch out. The most important thing is to be encouraging, understanding, and patient.

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