While there’s nothing wrong with introverted personalities, in some cases, it can prevent students from truly shining at school. If children don’t engage in class discussions or request help when they need it, their grades may suffer. From signing them up for tutoring to arranging fun activities, take some of the steps explained below to help your child feel comfortable speaking up in class. 

How to Encourage Your Shy Child to Participate 

Identify the Cause

For a better idea of how to tackle the problem, first find out why your child feels reticent. Begin an open-ended, nonjudgmental dialogue by asking them how school is going, which classes they prefer, and why. In some cases, they may be afraid to speak in front of a group, while in others they may be embarrassed to show their confusion about the material. In still others, they may simply be bored and disengaged from classroom discussions. Identifying the root cause will help you craft a plan, whether it’s staying after school with their teacher for extra help or brainstorming ways to make the material more engaging for them. 

Try Private Tutoring

If your child is struggling to understand the subject matter, they’ll benefit immensely from private tutoring. An instructor at a tutoring center will provide one-on-one attention, allowing your youngster to learn at their own pace. They’ll feel more comfortable asking homework questions in relative privacy with a tutor they trust, ensuring they’ll understand one lesson before progressing to the next. When your child feels confident in their abilities, they’ll be more eager to speak up when called on, lead discussions, and volunteer to answer questions.   

Practice Outside the Classroom

If fear of public speaking or lack of confidence is the main reason your child keeps quiet, find opportunities for them to practice speaking in other settings. For example, you can enroll them in an academic after-school program. Because class sizes are small, your little one may feel more comfortable expressing themselves. They can use this newfound confidence as a stepping stone to speaking more in class. You should also consider signing them up for a sport or other group activity. By being part of a team in a new context, they’ll learn that their voice and opinions have value.  

Whether your child is a thoughtful introvert or a social butterfly, contact JEI Learning Center South San Jose in Santa Clara County, CA. The educators provide math and reading programs for kids to reinforce their knowledge of common core curriculum and tutoring sessions to provide extra help where needed. To find out how the staff helps kids in the Evergreen and Silver Creek areas excel at school, call (408) 270-6162. Visit the learning center online for an overview of their different educational opportunities.