Stuttering at school (Primary School and Adolescents)
Stuttering is no trivial complaint and for those insufficiently equipped to cope, the consequences can be tragic. At school, stuttering can conceal a learner’s intelligence, impede progress and expose a child to ridicule and social isolation. School can be stressful at times for any child. For one who is afraid to read aloud, speak, give an answer, act in a play or even to talk at break, the stresses and anxieties are even more acute/significantly exacerbated.
Teasing
Teasing may be a part of everyday life for some children and can have a devastating affect on the progress of a dysfluent child. One should therefore empower the child who stutters with strategies for dealing with teasing on his / her own. The goal of these strategies must always be to best respond (instead of react) to teasing in ways that support self-esteem and confidence.
Some Do's and Dont's
1. Don’t tell the child to “Think before you speak”, “Take a deep breath”, “Stop and start over” or “just relax”
2. Be Patient - Don’t complete words, supply answers or interrupt
3. Don’t avert your eyes, turn your head away, or look pained / pitying
4. Avoid imposing time pressure and firing too many questions
5. Maintain natural eye contact - concentrate on what is being said (ie the content) and not how it is spoken (ie the manner)
6. Don’t pretend that dysfluencies do not exist – be open with the child about their stutter.
7. Contact a Speech Therapist who has a special interest in suttering
Stuttering is no trivial complaint and for those insufficiently equipped to cope, the consequences can be tragic. At school, stuttering can conceal a learner’s intelligence, impede progress and expose a child to ridicule and social isolation. School can be stressful at times for any child. For one who is afraid to read aloud, speak, give an answer, act in a play or even to talk at break, the stresses and anxieties are even more acute/significantly exacerbated.
Teasing
Teasing may be a part of everyday life for some children and can have a devastating affect on the progress of a dysfluent child. One should therefore empower the child who stutters with strategies for dealing with teasing on his / her own. The goal of these strategies must always be to best respond (instead of react) to teasing in ways that support self-esteem and confidence.
Some Do's and Dont's
1. Don’t tell the child to “Think before you speak”, “Take a deep breath”, “Stop and start over” or “just relax”
2. Be Patient - Don’t complete words, supply answers or interrupt
3. Don’t avert your eyes, turn your head away, or look pained / pitying
4. Avoid imposing time pressure and firing too many questions
5. Maintain natural eye contact - concentrate on what is being said (ie the content) and not how it is spoken (ie the manner)
6. Don’t pretend that dysfluencies do not exist – be open with the child about their stutter.
7. Contact a Speech Therapist who has a special interest in suttering