Help for a not so typical "problem child"?

Question

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?

Answer 1

My Long Lost Twin!!!

The kid needs therapy... not like intensly... but he sounds emotionally stunted. What are his parents like? If they are reasonable people you might gently suggest this to them. Prehaps discuss the problem with a school counselor.

I was very much like this as a child. But I never really did my work... I'm still kind of like it... I could read and learn all day about things I enjoy, but real work is difficult... occasionally impossible.

He could be ADD, but I hesitate to say that becuase if even if it is true, I hate the idea of drugging children up. He doesn't need drugs, he needs discipline and positive reinforcement.

I don't know what your personality is like, but the child is obviously extremely introverted. Most people are extroverts and don't at all understand what it's like to not WANT to interact with other people. Some of us just don't like interacting. The unfortunate lesson for him is that we sometimes have to do things we don't want to do.

This touches on a sensitive subject for me... in school I used to just get sick to my stomach when we had to do group projects. I don't know why teachers think this is a good idea... or if they just think kids prefer it... well, some children might... but some of us hated it... I would almost cry when I had to interact with other students... it was horrible.. whether they were my friends or not...

You are wonderful person to care so much.

I hope some of my rambling helped you here... Good luck!!!