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When severe enough, children with social anxiety may avoid situations in which they need to talk or perform in front of others. One disturbing outcome of this avoidance behavior could be selective mutism. Another is school refusal.
The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for the anxious child. Seasonal parties, gift exchanges, Christmas plays, and other group activities suddenly disrupt the normal classroom routine. Teachers need to be particularly sensitive to the needs of youngsters with anxiety disorders during what is typically an exciting time of year for the average child.
Establish a Classroom Peace Corner
During parties, an anxious child may become overwhelmed and fearful. Create a quiet place in the classroom where she can retreat to and be alone if necessary. This may be a corner with a special chair and a shelf full of beautiful holiday books or an arts and crafts station.
Create Behind the Scenes Tasks
If the classroom plan for the holiday season includes performing in a group play, allow the child with social phobia to have a job “behind the scenes” instead of having a visible role. This chore could be creating or setting up the background scenery or being in charge of scene changes during the performance.
Another idea might be to have the child help others get in and out of their costumes. This would afford her with some one-on-one social contact which is much less intimidating than requiring her to interact in a large group.
Eliminate Chaotic Activities
Games and activities that have not been tried and tested may turn out to be disorganized and chaotic. Attempt to provide the class with activities that are more subdued, such as an ornament craft, egg coloring in which children take turns one by one, a well-organized classroom decorating effort, or educational board games requiring smaller playgroups. Make sure to pair the socially fearful child with another student who is kind and calm.
Give the Anxious Child Ample Warning
If a large group game is planned for the holiday celebration, warn the child with SAD ahead of time. If possible, prepare her by teaching her about the game and its rules. If it is a holiday spelling game, for instance, provide her with a list of words that might be utilized. Minimize oral or performance requirements during the game, perhaps by having everyone write the words on the board instead of spelling aloud.
Always ask the child ahead of time if it is okay to call on her to participate, and tell her what she might expect during the activity.
Remember to respect the enormous amount of fear that children with social anxiety may harbor during group situations. Do not force social interaction or label them as “shy” in front of others. The best way to help anxious kids during the holidays is to provide a warm and encouraging environment full of empathy and positive reinforcement. In this type of classroom setting, seasonal celebrations can be special for all students. Carol Plumley – Dec 2008
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