I have moved our family to Canada. My youngest son, who is in Grade Three, has always been a good student. Unfortunately his teacher feels he is too quiet and does not participate in the discussions in class. What can I do to help him? What should I tell the teacher?
Education consultant Florence Robertson replies:
It is important that you have a meeting with your son's teacher. Explain that your son has always been a good student but there was not the same emphasis on participating in class discussions. Point out that in his previous school students were expected to do their work quietly and answer the teacher's questions. Make it clear that there were no classroom activities involving student discussions.
Indicate to the teacher that you want your son to participate in the class discussions and that you will encourage him to do so. Ask the teacher to suggest what you can do to help your son participate more actively in class. Accept the teacher's recommendations and propose that you will check regularly to find out if your son is participating more.
Try to find out what is preventing your son from participating in the discussions. He may feel timid to voice his opinions since he has not had such opportunities in his former school. He may feel intimidated by others who readily join in the discussion.
The teacher may not have thought it was necessary to explain to students the importance of joining in the class discussions since the majority of the students will have had such activities in their previous classes. If your son can identify what prevents him from participating in class, try to allay his fears. Explain that you will show him what he needs to do and how easy it is.