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[kev7161]

This is what I was asked today when I came into school. A mother, in her halting English, asked me to call on her child more often. I have 24 students in my class. Sometimes I ask a question and wait for hands to be raised; other times anyone can shout out an answer, and then other times I draw names from a cup. With 24 kids, it's easy for me to make sure all kids get equal opportunities. Then, of course, when they are doing a worksheet, I walk around the class helping those that need it.

I tried to explain to her that I can't give her child preferential treatment over the others . . . unless she could slip me an envelope loaded with RMB notes (just kidding!). Later, my Chinese co-teacher told me she has the same requests almost every day!

On a totally different note (yet vaguely related to the topic), I had a little girl who barely eked out a word or two. She seemed timid and shy. I told her mother to tell the girl not to be shy, to speak out regardless of whether or not she makes mistakes. This little girl has become a powerhouse as of late. And many times, she's exactly on the nose with her answers!

[mmm... pancakes]

Yeah, I get that, too.

What can you do? You can't FORCE kids to learn, especially just by choosing them more often. I give EVERY child a chance to enjoy their English classes, participate in them, and learn.

Ideally I'd give each kid lots of individual attention, but of course that's not feasible with limited time in class.

You've just got to do the best you can - give speaking opportunities to as many kids as possible - and those who actually want to be there will learn, those who don't won't.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I often had parents ask me why their child wasn't participating in class.
My answer was always: "Maybe your child doesn't want to learn English. You should encourage them more at home." Shift blame to the parents, in other words. It worked just about every time for me!

On a related note, one boy's mother even said "He's afraid to speak in front of people. He's like a girl. Will you help him?"

I told her that I was a teacher and not a psychiatrist.

[Don McChesney]

At English Corner last week I was told "make my son open his mouth. Make him ask questions."
I said I was a teacher, not a dentist.
The rest of the people understood and laughed