There is a reason why children don't study
Q. I am a third-year university student aspiring to be a teacher.
What should I do if there are children in class who don't study or cannot concentrate?
A. While it depends on the school level (elementary, junior high, or high school) and the grade, first, consider the reasons why they are not studying or cannot concentrate.
1. Not used to school life (especially 1st graders)
2. They love playing or their friends too much
3. They dislike studying
4. They don't see results even when they study, leading to a loss of motivation
5. They have anxieties about bullying or peer relationships
6. Relationship with the teacher
7. Lack of sleep, not eating breakfast
8. Cannot rest at home
9. Concerns regarding developmental aspects
10. Suspicion of mental illness, such as depression
These are some possibilities.
Especially among 1st-grade homeroom teachers, there are those who want to attribute everything to developmental disabilities (9), but that is wrong.
Of course, an assessment of developmental aspects is necessary, but it is even more necessary to consider other possibilities.
1. Not used to school life (especially 1st graders)
In the case of 1st graders, many are studying in a group for the first time.
While some may have studied in kindergarten or nursery school, most children are experiencing sitting still for 45 consecutive minutes, having 5 classes a day, and being strictly scolded by teachers for not following rules for the first time in elementary school.
Most children get used to school and study, thinking, "Well, I guess this is what school is like," "It's fun to play with friends," or "Studying is kind of interesting too."
However, some children take time to get used to a new environment.
In that case, "don't be impatient, don't be greedy," and aim to get used to school slowly over the course of the first grade year.
Many children also don't want to be separated from their parents when arriving at school.
In that case, having parents accompany them to school every day, or even having the parent enter the classroom if the homeroom teacher allows it, is an option.
Once they get used to school, they will gradually be able to engage in their studies.
2. They love playing or their friends too much
These are children who love school but don't study.
Often, the child themselves is not troubled by this.
They talk throughout the class and get warned by the teacher.
In the case of these children, they often react quickly to the teacher's questions.
Let's make use of that.
If you pick up on their comments and utilize them well, there is a possibility they will suddenly become fond of studying.
However, do not let this child answer everything; make sure to pay attention to other children who want to speak as well.
3. They dislike studying
Well, it might be blunt to say this, but there are many children who dislike studying.
Compared to playing, hobbies, and friends, it is likely difficult for them to take an interest in studying.
In that case, let's combine studying with things they are interested in.
Study x Play, Study x Hobbies, Study x Friends.
・Study x Play
Incorporate elements of play and gamification into studying.
Time trials, point systems, rankings, etc.
It is good if they get excited by competing, but be careful so that children who cannot win do not lose motivation or get bullied (sometimes children who are good at it get bullied too).
As with anything, there is no universal method.
Combine various methods in a balanced way.
・Study x Hobbies
Find the overlapping parts between hobbies and studying.
If a child likes trains, there are geography, speed, electricity, design, announcements, station melodies, English displays, etc.
If they actually go to ride them, it also becomes exercise.
Develop the habit of thinking, "Is there an overlapping part?" with English, math (arithmetic), Japanese, science, social studies, physical education, music, art (crafts), and technology/home economics for any hobby.
To be continued next time.