Challenging Third Grader

I have a really challenging 3rd grader who has the “Drum Major Syndrome” as you would call it. Always seeking attention from other kids. The class often accuses her of bothering them at recess and in the class. She tends to cover up by lying her way out of her problems.

Regarding the little girl: Usually these kids overpower other students if they are aligned with one or two classmates. What I would do is invite the entire class to help the girl you are talking about. Identify two behaviors that you can focus on and invite the entire class to assist her. Let the class know you would do the same thing for someone else who needed extra support and love.

If she succeeds for a week, plan a special event that she earns for the entire class like a special puppet show, or extra minutes at PE, or a special art project.

By having the entire class help her this makes her feel really special rather than the scapegoat. Make the 2 behaviors you choose doable. Maybe you shouldn’t start with lying. I’ll give you some more information on what needs to be done with lying. Also consider water on the face to soothe her from time to time! It works miracles. A simple idea that we forget Develop a little signal with her that she can immerse her face from time to time especially when she needs to be refreshed and renewed.

Lying next time…

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