Is it normal for a 7 - 8 year old to do this?

Question

I am a 24 year old, first year second grade teacher. There's a girl in my class that stares at me constantly. Like when we go on field trips, she'll turn around in her seat and just watch me for 10 - 30 minutes straight. She barely blinks.

In school, whenever she isn't doing classwork (ie: when the students first arrive at school, during dismissal, after she's done her work, during indoor recess, etc.) she watches me.

It makes me feel uncomfortable.

When I look up and ask her is everything okay, she's like, "Yup."

Answer 1

well, maybe she want to tell you something, or maybe ask you something, but doesn't know how, she's embarrassed or something.i don't really remember when i was that age, so, idk i can't help you a lot.it's kinda weird, i know, but idk why she does that.you can try to talk to her or her parents.

Answer 2

You may want to consult her parents...to see if she does this at home.

Answer 3

This girl sounds like she is crying out for help. By staring at you she is catching your attention and she is trying to get you to notice her and her problems. Also because she wants YOU to take the first step she is denying she has an issue in the first place. I suggest you just sit her down and talk to her. Tell her you would like to just talk to her friend to friend. Say things like:

'So how are you?'

'How is mum or dad? How is home?'

'Have you got anything you would like to say'

Another thing you can do is talk to your Guidance Councellor [is that what you call them in America. We call them Learning Mentors but anyway] Ask your school councellor to have a session with the girl. As the councellor will be able to assess the girl properly and resolve her issues. And a final thing is to bring it up with the parent/s. Simply say that you feel the girls has a problem or an issue that she is worried about and could the parent look into it.

I bet she is just stressed but it could be a bit more serious.

I hope things turn out well!

Answer 4

Kid's are weird you have to take control of the situation, tell her when she turns around in her chair to stare at you, to sit right in her chair and eye's front in a nice but firm tone, when she is in class give her extra work to do to keep her busy and when she stares tell her to focus on what she is doing eyes on her work, she will eventually stop staring when the novelty of you wares off.

From the additional details that you posted it sounds like she has emotional problems and needs to be in special ed.

Answer 5

OOOOOH

CREEPY!!!

I DONT KNOW

MAYBE SHE HAS PROBLEMS AT HOME..

Answer 6

She is desperately seeking your attention and looks up to you.  Maybe something is missing at home.

Answer 7

Lol ,Creepy, ask her y she starts at u.

Answer 8

CREEPESQUE!!!!

Maybe she is some sorta children of the corn!

Answer 9

I have no clue but that pretty funny!

Answer 10

she might just be watching becuase she wants someone to look up to. kinda like an hero or something like that. I would try and talk to her on the side and not in front of eveyone! if she dosent want to talk just keep tring. if that dosent work talk to one of your co-workers about it just remember dot say her name to anyone!

Answer 11

Honestly, she really looks up to you and wants to be JUST like you. I guess its cute, but that would get unbelievably annoying and weird, and yes, uncomfortable. If she is continueinly staring at you, I would contact her parents at a conference or on the phone ASAP, and let them know whats going on so you are aware if she does do this a lot, or if she has some sort of problem / issue.  Defineatly call her parents and talk to them. Hope this helps!=]

Answer 12

She is probably fascinated by you. She looks up to you as well.Take it as a compliment!!

Answer 13

aawww! thats so sweet! don't worry. if you do get a bit freaked talk to her parents

Answer 14

thats called intimidation

Answer 15

no it is not but be proud that u r being noticed by someone and that feels really good! trust me!

Answer 16

thats so sweet, u have a little admirer ♥

Answer 17

I would definiately be creeped out. I recommend telling her that classtime is not for daydreaming and she needs to find something to do. If she doesn't then give her busy work, something that will keep her occupied until the next lesson starts. I would not acknowledge that she is staring at you. Just keep telling her that she needs to stop daydreaming and find something to do. If she is staring at you because she has something on her mind she should tell you she's not daydreaming or get very upset that you said that. If she is just doing it to get a rise out of you a few days of long math problems to do should end that. As for field trips and such again don't acknowledge it. Just focus on another child or grade papers anything to look busy and ignore her. Also I  would definately talk to the school counselor about her and see if there is anything they can tell you about her that might account for it or what you should do about it.

Answer 18

My nephew got in trouble one time for staring at his teacher.  We thought that was hilarious, that he would creep the teacher out enough for him to have a consequence for it.  That was a one-time deal, though.  If I were you, I'd come right out and say something to her.  "Sweetie, I notice that you've been staring at me quite a lot today.  If there's something you'd like to talk about, I'm all ears.  Otherwise, you need to be working on something."  Keep redirecting her when you notice her staring.  You could also try talking to her first grade teacher and/or the school counselor to see if there's a history of this behavior, or even other odd behaviors.  Hopefully there's an explanation for it, and you can help her with the staring (and any underlying problems).

Answer 19

Well, I can certainly see how that might be unsettling.  How is her behavior otherwise?  Does she get into fights w/the other kids? Do the other kids pick on her?  Does she have friends?  Maybe she is looking to you as a source of comfort if none of the other kids like her.  Or maybe she's just being a smartass.  Seriously, kids these days aren't dumb and she may have figured out that it bothers you when she stares, so she may be doing it on purpose.  I'm not sure what the protocol is in your school, but I think maybe you should bring it to her parents' attention.  Whatever the reason, the behavior isn't normal.

Answer 20

she probably admires you.

or she needs your approval on something.

if it makes you uncofortable talk to the principal

before the problem gets bigger. now adays teachers

have to walk on egg shells when dealing with minors

(students)

Answer 21

Maybe she's fascinated with the way that you look! Redirect her attention to something else when you find her staring at you!

Answer 22

you have a secret admirer

Answer 23

I think she is non-verbally asking for your help. I would tell her to write you a letter. tell her it can be about anything and see what she comes up with.