Kendrah's Reflection for graves ch. 20

I was assigned to read and reflect on chapter 20, How to Help Children with Special Problems of Potential. I found this chapter to be very beneficial. I know that many teachers come in contact with children who have the potential to do many things in school but don't care to try. Sometimes teachers don't know what to do and this chapter describes actions that can be made to help. Graves writes about scenarios throughout the chapter that deal with children who have potential but avoid learning and doing. The overall point of this chapter is that the process of helping children realize that their speaking or writing is worthwhile, will be a slow one. Some children find it hard to make a change or adapt to something new. First, the teacher must give less praise. Instead of prasing a child heavily with "good job, keep on working, fantastic" and more, it is better if you let the child come to you and say " I think this is good because...". Children have a voice. Also, children are afraid that their work on paper may be less than acceptable. "A specific teacher response to their writing, the provision for publishing, and the response of other children gradually convince writers they have something worthwhile to say." It is important for teachers to not rush the child but let them take enough time to feel comfortable with their learning. Graves writes that there is no hurry but there is a need for persistent observation and listening in any subject.