I am teaching right now in 4th grade and have a student who LOVES to read. He will read any chance he gets- what a problem, right? Well, the main problem is that his reading will occur during math, cursive, transition periods, etc. He gets absorbed into his books and only comes back to reality after I call his name 3 or 4 times. He is doing fine in these other subjects, and I don't mind that he reads except that he never finishes work unless I stand right by him. And when we do cooperative groups, he complains and a few times has gotten tears in his eyes. He is only 9 and I want him to continue his love for reading, but he is missing out on the social interaction, and I fear that he will have problems in his future, especially since he is a lot smaller than his peers. He gets along with his classmates, but it takes effort to get him away from his book and talk with his peers. Any suggestions?
2007-01-24 15:25:46 · 5 answers · asked by Janet R 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Why don't you hold his books until appropriate reading times?? He may feel awkward in social situations and he is using this as a way to be in a sort of fantasy world. Speak to his parents about the problem and see if there is anything going on at home.
2007-01-24 15:32:32 · answer #1 · answered by mom of twins 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a very caring teacher and I am so happy to meet you.
In helping him with his first love, reading, you might be helping him all the way around. There are advantages to the other subjects that increase his understanding and cognitive ability to advance in his reading. For example, his math work will help him to increase his reasoning ability with words, as the logic is part of the understanding. He needs to learn to write, so that he can become able to critique what he reads, and to later learn to be a writer. So English and grammar and spelling are all important.
The social interaction at school will enable him to grasp the reality of what he is reading and how other people feel about various subjects. If he is to become a writer one day this will give him much to write about. This will also help him to keep his feet on the ground. Perhaps he will appreciate these advantages if you write them for him and let him read it in a friendly typewritten paper. Call it 'How To Be A Very Good Reader and to Oneday Become a Writer'. Best Wishes for your success.
2007-01-24 15:41:43 · answer #2 · answered by QueryJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like he doesn't want to interact with the other kids at this point. I'm guessing he is of above average intellegence and the school work doesn't really stimulate him much. While I think you should continue to make him participate with the class during group work, I don't think the issue should be pushed to hard. Making a big deal out of it will only push him further into himself. I think that with time he will slowly learn to interact more. As a precaution I would try talking with him at different times to make sure this isn't covering a deeper issue. (problems at home, bullies, etc. )
2007-01-24 15:38:51 · answer #3 · answered by lola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is so good that he loves to read. Although it is also important for him to make friends.I would suggest sitting down with him and just talking to him.It does seem a little hard to say this to a 9 year old, but he seems smart.Start off with telling him how good it is for him to read and slowly proceed to telling him that there are times to focus on other things.Don't let him think he is in trouble. Just calmly speak to him.
2007-01-24 15:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by Kaci (: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Geez, you'r the teacher aren't you? You decide what goes on and when. Not him. He is just a little boy. You are ther "big adult", and you have to make the decision for them. That's your job!
2007-01-24 17:14:19 · answer #5 · answered by MrZ 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋