Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Mute Student I have a student in my remediation class that REFUSES to speak. Several other teachers and I have discussed this student, and we have all referred her to the counselor. The counselor has spoken with her several times, but was unable to get anything out of her as well. We were also told that her brothers and sisters are the same way. When you ask her a question she will nod her head, or if it requires more than a yes or no she will mouth the answer to you. Her grades are struggling in several classes as a result. It is difficult for teachers to understand what she is comprehending if she does not communicate with anyone. How should we help this student? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) While there are certainly more ways to handle this situation than just one. Here is a possible solution. I had an issue similar to this recently with another student. I found that every time I approached this student she would completely shut down. I a created an incentive type program where I would give her a stick of gum if she would communicate information with me. Through a painfully slow process I also infused some conversation about what she enjoyed doing for fun. This helped to establish communication with her and helped her to be more comfortable with me speaking to her. I will not say that it worked quickly but it did work and now the student will speak with me almost every time I ask her a question.