What might be causing this child to act so needy? (i'm very worried about her)?

Question

I teach Sunday school to 6, 7 and 8 year olds at my church. Having two kids of my own, I understand young children are needy by nature.

But one child in my class stands out. Whenever I talk to another child one-on-one she acts jealous and starts interupting the child speaking.

She raises her hand about 20 times during my 10 minute lesson. When I call on her she'll either say, "Oh, I forgot" or she'll ask me a question she that already knows the answer too (ie: Blue crayons are blue right?)

Whenever the kids have 10 minute independent work time and I sit at my desk, instead of working she stares at me. Then she starts raising her hand a lot, whereas the other students are happily working away, totally consumed in the project.

She has a younger brother (3) and Dad is home during the day, Mom is home during the afternoon and night.

Answer 1

Starved for attention.

Answer 2

She is certainly wanting your attention, but it may not nessasarily be something to worry about. She could just be the type who just loves to jump in and participate, and loves to be teachers pet. She may just be a very talkative child and is not yet old enough to comprehend that she is a bit overboard with it. Kids are all different and some may be extremely shy, talkative, outgoing, lazzy, and it does not alwaysindicate a problem at all, but if you are still concerned then privatly confront the parents.

Answer 3

I think it may have something to do with the younger sibling.  We are raising 2 boys, my fiance's nephews, 11 and 6.  The 11 year old needs constant attention.  Whether his brother is in the room or not, I think this child that you speak of just may have a jealousy issue,(likely so) with her younger sibling.  This is her chance to get your full attention, which I'm sure she doesn't get at home.  That seems to be the pattern with the 11 year old.  He reacts the same in school as your examples posted.  It's tough, I'm sure at that age to almost feel like you're always fighting for attention, so in my opinion that's probably what's causing her attention getting behaviors in your class.  Why don't you try talking to her parents about these kind of behaviors and if they mock the behaviors at home.

Answer 4

This is sad, this child is BEGGING for attention. There's no other reason why she would do this. This child needs more attention at home, and there isn't much you can do about it. Does this girl seem  healthy and clean. Does this child seem to be taken care of? This really worries me, she needs more interactions. It seems that she has a lot to say, and no decent outlet to communicate. As a Sunday school teacher, you only see this child once a week for a few hours, think of all the other days, and hours this child is starving for attention. Communication, validation and interacting with other is VITAL is a child's development. You need to keep a close eye on this one, watch for signs of abuse, and then act accordingly.

Answer 5

I was like this as a child, but I was just a perfectionist and wanted everyone to like me.  I was the oldest and got plenty of attention.