Overcoming Shyness - Helping Your Child Overcome Shyness
Many children cope with shyness, and this is especially true for children with learning disabilities. Shyness can be so much of a problem that children are reluctant to participate in school activities or even fun extra-curricular activities. Some learning disabled students withdraw from others and may develop anxiety in social situations because they feel different or worry about others accepting them. Unfortunately, shyness can prevent children from making friends and developing sense of well being and happiness. Try these tips to encourage participation:
Overcome shyness by appealing to their curiosity. Fill a small box with games or toys that involve interaction with others, and place it among a small group of children, including your child. Have children take turns drawing items from the box. Have them find other children who have matching items to play with. Have them play with the activities together for about 15 to 20 minutes. If time permits, call time, and have them place the items back in the box. Pull out a new box or mix the existing box and have them draw again.
Plan craft activities to help children interact. Arrange craft workspaces so that children work in small groups of two to four students. Place containers of materials needed to make the crafts in the center of the group. This will help students learn to tolerate other children in close proximity while focusing on the craft. As children become comfortable having other students near, they may begin making eye contact, sharing, and talking with each other.
Play outdoor games to encourage interaction. Start with games that require limited contact with others, and gradually introduce activities requiring more contact. For example, start with games like Catch the Compliment, dodge ball, or kickball. As children become comfortable, add games that require more interaction and closer proximity among participants such as board games and basketball.
Find More Activities to Help Kids Build Social Skills and Make Friends
