Should a teacher ask why a student is crying?

Question

Should a teacher ask why a student is crying?

Answer 1

Yes, it shows concern, but also respect the student's privacy.  Let them know it's ok and you're there to help.  They'll open up if they trust you and need someone to talk to.  But sometimes they just need a safe place to cry & think.

Answer 2

Of course. Any teacher who doesn't have the welfare of their students as their number one priority isn't doing their job.

If a student is upset, you should try to find out why.

Answer 3

One time I was going through a horrible time in my life and went to class anyway. I was holding back tears and my professor asked "are you okay?". I said "I'm ok" and he said "are you sure" and I said "yes."

I was really touched and I will never forget that he cared to ask.

I think it's ok to say "are you ok" but I might not acknowlege the fact that they are crying because it might embarass them.

Answer 4

if a kid is crying in class, they obviously don't want to be bothered.  don't ask them what's wrong, just ask them if they're alright and need some ice lol.  that's what the school nurse would do.

If there's anyone kids don't want to talk to is teachers.

Answer 5

sure why not.

Answer 6

It depends on the age of the student.  With young children, it may be appropriate.  With teenagers and adults, however,  the teacher should draw as little attention to the student as possible.  It may be appropriate to say as the student is leaving class, "Can I talk to you for a second?"  And then say, "I noticed you were crying.  Do you want to talk about it?"  

This is the best way of expressing concern without nosing into their business because it gives them a choice.  Some students choose to talk about it, some don't, but they all know that you are concerned, and they all appreciate not having the teacher draw excessive attention to them when they're already upset and possibly embarrassed.

Answer 7

I was crying in class but trying to hide it and my teacher came up to me and asked if I was ok. He didn't ask why I was crying but patted me on my shoulder and walked away. I thought it was a nice thing to do. But I was in the 11th grade. I don't know how it would be for a younger kid.

Answer 8

I always ask if s/he's OK.  Then I'll ask if I can help.  I don't ask why s/he's crying.  I figure the student will offer that information to me if s/he wants me to have it.

Answer 9

It might be better to ask if they are alright or need some help.  It shows your willingness to listen or offer help no matter the situation. I have ask students why they are crying if they are obviously distraught.  I have also asked students if they want to be left alone for a few minutes and later ask if they want to talk about it.

Answer 10

yes.. I believe it is the teacher's responsibility to take care of her students. Atleast I will do.. if I would be teacher.

Answer 11

i think so probably u could help him/her instead of just by looking =)

Answer 12

haha, my two guy friends got in a "fight" at lunch,

one of them back-handed the other, and the one who got hit is a HUGE weenie,

and he was crying for about an hour.

and my spanish teacher asked why he was crying in front of the whole class,

and he cried even more!

but, if they want to do it, then they should go to their desk and ask

or in private,

not in front of the whole class

Answer 13

They could. If one of my students were crying, I would want to know why because if someone in the class were mistreating them, I would want to stop it.