Why Temperament Awareness is Important for Tutors
Often children who come for tutoring exhibit temperament traits that make classroom learning difficult. Tutors, because they work one-on-one, can adjust teaching style to temperament style. Thus, both learning and enjoyment increase.
Activity Level Affects Classroom Learning
High energy children need to move as they learn. This need remains unmet in many classrooms. Therefore, tutors or parents do well to incorporate jumping and running with younger students, and balance balls
Low energy children need time to think about each step in a process. Often, they benefit from a timer to help them stay on task. A small reward such as a star sticker
High or Low Sensitivity to Sensory Environment
Highly sensitive children need permission to change their environment. For example, they may add or remove layers of clothing, turn off lights, or move away from distracting sounds. They might need a pen instead of a pencil (scratching sounds) or a smooth writing surface such as a whiteboard.
A child with low sensitivity needs help to notice interpersonal cues. These include facial expression, body language, and personal space. Help students understand that we all have different responses to noise, light, touches, temperatures, tastes, and smells. These discussions improve students’ ability to work together as well as self-advocate.
Regularity: Needs for Predictability or Novelty
Children who desire high predictability need advance warning of changes in routine. They benefit by practicing changes in a safe environment.
Other children crave novelty. For them, the tutor establishes routines to stabilize behavior. Then the tutor meets the child’s need for novelty by offering constant variations within the routine. This child may flourish with a variety of surprise rewards for turning in papers or following directions. Simple, inexpensive rewards serve best. Ideas include smiley stickers
Approach/Withdrawal Temperament
If a child approaches new situations easily, provide close supervision for safety. For example, teach caution when approaching new people. Reward curiosity with knowledge!
The child who naturally withdraws needs time to adjust. So, let the child set the pace. Quiet encouragement builds confidence.
Adaptability
A child who adapts to new ideas slowly needs plenty of warning about transitions and changes. Role-playing the coming change can be valuable. Also, acknowledge the stress associated with change and talk about it.
Some children adapt too easily. So, teach this child to make decisions based on thinking ahead. “What might happen if you do that?” Children who easily follow the peer group benefit from stories about independent characters whom they can emulate.
Adapted by Yvonna Graham from an article by Nancy Firchow
www.dyslexiakit.net
Temperament considerations are important for parents and tutors.
