Crying Kids in the Classroom?

Question

So I'm a new teacher at an ESL preschool in Korea. This was our second day of classes and we have 6 year olds (really 4-5 years old in U.S. ages) who are in their second year of the school. The school year ended last week, so they only got a week off between the 5 year old class and the 6 year old class. anyway, so we have 4 crying incidents today. One boystarted crying right after being dropped off. Then a girl started crying when I told her she had to put her book up and sit on the carpet so we could play a game. Then another girl start crying after gym time and said she missed her Mom. Finally, we had one last girl who started crying in the last 10 minutes of class for her Mom and wouldn't stop until her Mom came in.

I know this is going to continue happening since these kids are pretty young. So what are some strategies for dealing with crying kids. You don't want them to cry for attention, but you want to comfort them too. Golly, this whole teaching thing is hard :-O

Answer 1

They are little old to cry for attention in most circumstances.  Give them a hug and let them know that you care.  They are probably a little apprehensive of the new white lady to start with.  Have fun over there!

My second year of teaching I taught kindegarten.  The week that school started, the week following a break, the day after I returned from being sick and Thursday afternoons were filled with crying kids.  It will subside all on its own.

Answer 2

Tell them if they don't cry they will get a reward. (For the reward, get a plastic treasure chest and put tiny little toys and treats.

                Good luck! ♥

Answer 3

gosh, that's actually older to be crying still - our 3's cry for their mommies.  I only have one now who continues.  Dad drops her off and leaves immediately, I pick her up, start reading a book and by the time the book is over, she's happy, climbs down and goes to play.  Distraction is your best key - and understanding.

Answer 4

I get down on their level, find out what is upsetting them, and spend a few minutes reflecting back why they are upset. Once I've determined why they are sad, I address the problem as best as I can, then lead them to a favorite activity.

I'm in my first year of teaching, and I can relate to what you said about teaching being hard : )

Answer 5

this to the person with hearts for a name:

WTF GAL little plastic toys for 5-6 yrs old? they could be choked if the putem in thier mouths

Answer 6

As most of the other ones have said, keep them occupied on other things. But don't give them a reward daily for not crying otherwise everyone will need a reward and that may turnout to be a headache.

Have a checklist for them to do once they get into class and give them maybe a gold star when they complete the list. Then maybe they can get something after the 6-weeks (or the grading period) is over, something special like a "You are very special" letter in English that they will cherish.

Answer 7

They either are scared to be without a parent or need more attention. This won't continue if you do comfort them, and show them that they can trust you and that you are there to take care of them. Also crying is contagious, one child starts crying and others will follow- they see it as the way others cope. I teach even younger children and none of them cry after a couple weeks because they know we care about them and will take care of them.

Answer 8

The idea of a reward sounds good but in the long run may hurt you because then they will start crying in anticipation of getting a reward when they stop... in general getting on a rewards system is not developing children's ability to be self motivated, in your case to be motivated to comfort themselves without a prize or a treat. You want them to have independence and be proud of themselves for self soothing. I teach two year olds currently in daycare/preschool and have also taught older ages 3-5 for over three years now.

One thing I have found to be successful is to have children bring an item from home that in comforting to them such as a small stuffed animal or blankie until they have made a smooth transition. In most cases I have found the child will cling to that item for the first one or two weeks and slowly they start to put that personal item down more often to join in group acitivities or play with classroom toys or activities you have set up. It will be a slow process but will eventually turn into the child not needing that comfort item because they feel safe at school in the nurturing and caring environment you provided for them. By having that piece of home with them they will have comfort and peace of mind when they go to school and not feel like they are surround by 100% strange things. Having that familiar item is a great help to many children!

Hope this suggestion works! Sometimes though, some children just aren't able to be comforted : ( sorry!

Also: don't forget to reinforce positive behaviors... when they are NOT crying make sure you tell them how wonderful it is they are participating in the class and you are glad they are having fun and are happy! Do not focus on telling them to stop crying - instead focus on the positive behavior you wish them to do instead of the negative behavior you don't want them to do!

Answer 9

Give them love, time by themselves, something to do, or get them to interact with friends. Whatever they respond to best. If it continues after an unreasonable time feel free to tell them that it is enough and they need to stop crying.

Answer 10

my daughter used to have a friend who always cried, and sometimes my little-un felt nervous too, so I used to get them to comfort one another.  They both knew that if they had eachother it would not be so hard to leave mum, get through the day etc, so whichever was feeling sad, I'd say to the other "Come on now, you be a good friend to x*x and hold her hand/do this colouring together/give her a hug, until she feels bolder".  This means they are learning some valuable life skills and not always relying on going to the adult for assistance, besides, the crying soon stopped as they thought of something to do

Answer 11

well distracting them with some fun activities is always a good solution..

or if you offer the child a lollypop or a little treat its bound to get the "crying" thing off their minds

i dont know how i know so much about kids im only 13 myself and i LOVE children

thanks

i hope i helped you!

bye