by jennismortal » Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:24 pm
It depends on the age. I would say if they are 4 and younger, the teacher can comfort the child for a little while, try to distract him or her with toys or other things, maybe give him or her a snack, etc. and if nothing works, simply leave them alone and go to the other children, keeping an eye out for the crier, making sure he or she is safe and not trying to escape the classroom. Sometimes it helps to start the program a little earlier such as a greeting time or group activity as a class. It gives the child a routine to follow and lets them see how the other children are responding in class. Usually the child just needs assurance that he/she is in a safe environment, an adult is close at hand if he or she needs help and that his or her parent WILL come back eventually. No amount of hugs or talking to the child or trying to assure him or her will help. They just have to see and experience it for themselves over a period of time to understand the new environment.
Something a teacher should never do is ask the parent to stay for the day or allow the parent to stay in the classroom until the child gets over his or her anxiety. That never, ever works and even prolongs the whole suffering!