Not all children are the same; some are outgoing while others are more introverted. In fact, this phenomenon is pretty much an even split. If you have an introverted learner in your classroom, then you may have noticed their more reserved and observant nature.
Introverted children can easily feel drained of energy after spending time with their peers. While these introverts aren’t exactly social butterflies, they are capable of making friends and excelling academically.
If you are looking for ways to support these quieter learners on their journey, here are some ways in which you can genuinely help:
1. Consider Tutoring for Introverted Children
Younger introverted children do not need much help with school work. However, older students can benefit from high school tutoring that allows them to learn at their own pace via one-on-one interaction with their tutor.
In addition to giving them the freedom to learn in their own way, the natural interaction they experience with their tutor can help them open up more when they’re in the classroom.
2. Assess the View and Don’t Be Afraid to Bend the Rules
Schools throughout the world place a focus on inclusive education for a reason. They want to make learning accessible to all types of learners in the classroom. Since group work forms part of this focus, you need to make note of how introverted learners perform during group interactions.
If you notice the learner’s frustration during group activities, you need to remember not to push the amount of group work tasks that they participate in. Sometimes it’s important to bend the rules to ensure that all learners in your class feel comfortable.
3. Allow For Alone Time
If you are not an introvert yourself, then you may not understand how stressful school can be. It’s often difficult for introverts to remain focused while also interacting with other children.
After a busy day, allow introverted children the chance to have some alone time. Reading a book alone or just enjoying some quiet time will be good for these children.
4. Praise Introverted Children in Your Class
Extroverted learners are confident, outspoken, and always eager to share their talents and achievements. So, these children always get praised while the skills and talents of quieter introverted children are often overlooked.
Find out what the introverted children in your classroom are good at and praise them accordingly. Be sure to praise with sincerity, and make the child feel appreciated for the efforts they’ve made and the great things they’ve done.
5. Restructure Your Classroom
Simple additions such as a quiet corner can be a great way to restructure your classroom to give introverted learners somewhere to go when they feel overwhelmed by social interaction.
It is okay to give these learners time out from general classroom discussions so they can be alone with their thoughts. Even seemingly insignificant changes like these can make their lives that much easier while creating a more harmonious classroom.
Remember, it is never a great idea to stereotype children and confine them to one box. Introverted children can interact with others, and they can be just as boisterous as extroverts. However, it’s easy for them to feel overwhelmed by and stressed out by social interactions.
Therefore, you cannot classify all introverted learners as being exactly the same. Instead, cater to them in the classroom by following the above tips, and never ask them why they’re so quiet or tell them not to be shy.