9. Challenge The Student
Once you start to make headway into what has been bothering the child and they are making improvements, see how they feel when you challenge them a bit more. It wouldn’t hurt to ask them after class if they would be comfortable answering a few questions over the next couple of days. Don’t force it, just ask them if they are willing to try. Give them the control though and let them know that if they raise their hand to answer a question you will call on them first.
It would also be wise to give them time to muster the courage that day by explaining that you will be asking a few questions shortly and would like to let everyone answer. If they are included, and chosen early on so the anxiety can’t get control of them, it may start to give them a jump start on the confidence they need to start participating more openly in the classroom. This is going to be a delicate step to take so don’t rush it and let the student decide when the time is right. Give them gentle pushes, not shoves.