How to Engage Passive and Hyper Kids

Some children require a lot of work before they open up and share in a lesson. But others present the opposite challenge — they may interrupt often or have trouble calming down to focus on the material.

So how should you deal with these two very different kinds of situations? Let's take a closer look at some things you can try.

Passive Students

Let's focus on the quiet ones first. In a real-life classroom, these children may be in the back with their heads down, trying not to be called on.

In a one-on-one online lesson, however, there's nowhere to hide, which may be stressful for them. Here are a few tips to make things easier for them and for yourself.

Give them time

Our lesson format means that one student is the sole focus of attention. One way to relieve the pressure on a shy or overly passive young learner is to simply allow them more time to respond to you. 

Unlike more extroverted people, introverts often take longer to formulate responses to questions and situations. You can't sit around forever, of course, but waiting just a bit longer for a response can help. You can even tell them, "I'll give you a little time to think of what you want to say."

Use softer language

Softening your language is a simple way to make quiet students more comfortable. It's basically saying things indirectly or in ways that don't sound like judgment or criticism. 

For example, "What does this mean?" may seem like a perfectly normal question, but changing it to "Can you tell me what this means?" will likely be less intimidating to a shy student. 

Present challenges as activities you're doing together rather than something they're expected to complete on their own. Phrases like “Let's try the next problem" and “Shall we try again?” are useful for creating a friendlier and more collaborative environment.

In addition, try to present any criticism alongside something positive or motivating. When responding to an incorrect answer, for example, you can say, "Oh, almost! Good guess, but let's try again."

Use the chatbox and whiteboard

Although lessons are primarily about speaking, there are other ways to communicate — and thankfully, we have tools to facilitate them: the chatbox and whiteboard! These lesson room features can be a welcome break for students less eager to talk. 

If the child is having trouble speaking up or choosing the right words, look for opportunities where they can engage by drawing a picture. Drawing is an activity many children naturally enjoy, so take advantage of it!

Hyperactive Students

As opposed to the students trying hard to disappear, hyperactive students won't let you forget they're there. But there are techniques that can help with them as well. Try the following tips to calm down an overly excited young learner.

Establish a predictable structure

This tip is best for students you see regularly. Because hyperactive children have trouble focusing for long periods, letting them know ahead of time what will happen in the lesson will give them a good framework to work with. Think of it like the tracks that keep a train moving in the right direction.

Similarly, because sudden shifts can be difficult for some students to adjust to, let them know in advance before changing to a new project or assignment. For example, you might say, "After this section, we'll move on to the reading, OK?"

Break lessons into smaller pieces

Another way to combat hyper students' struggle with focus is to break your lesson into chunks. Rather than moving through uninterrupted, try separating sections with mini "recess periods" so their minds get a chance to disconnect from the material and loosen up. 

These breaks don't need to be very long — maybe only a minute or so before moving on. Then prepare them to restart with phrases like "Are you ready for the next part? Let's go!"

Let them stand

There’s no rule that says online lessons must be done while seated! 

Most children like to move, even those who aren’t especially active. Obviously, they still need to focus on the material, but allowing them to stand is one less restriction they're forced to deal with. 

Thankfully, most children aren’t too tall, so simply adjusting the camera on their computer should be enough — no expensive standing desks required! (Of course, this will need to be OK with their parent or guardian.)

Use the whiteboard

Just like for the quieter students, drawing can be a good way to turn extra energy into a focused activity. The reasons for using it may be different, but the effects are just as positive. 

Ask them to draw an answer to a question, then have them to explain it to you. Or, have them draw a situation in which someone would use a certain phrase or vocabulary word. This article has several suggestions for games you can play using the whiteboard.

Wrap-up

It doesn't matter if you're tutoring kids who are nearly silent or never silent, you have tools and techniques to help. Remembering to adjust your pace and tone while emphasizing structure and utilizing lesson room features will contribute to a more positive experience for all.

Lastly, check out these general tips that are helpful for tutoring all types of kids — quiet, loud and everything in between.