• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Free French Resources
  • Newsletter
  • Speaking Activities
  • Beginning French
  • Intermediate/Advanced
  • Unit Bundles
  • Shop

Mme R's French Resources

September 17, 2016

10 ideas for teaching introverts

ShareTweetGooglePinterestMail
teaching-introverts

Teaching introverts is part of every teacher’s job. It’s not always easy to know what our students need, and this can be even more challenging when students don’t share what’s going on. Not all students will tell you if they dislike working in groups, need quiet time, or just prefer a seat a little bit away from others.

I always wondered what was “wrong” with me.

I’m a very introverted person. There are more extroverts than introverts, so as a kid, I thought something was wrong with me. It was exhausting trying to do what was expected of me, and it took me years to find myself.

I often wonder why I ever thought teaching would be the right career for me! The noise, the constant talking, the constant PEOPLE. I go home tired, and all I want is some quiet time. This was easy before becoming a mother, but as any parent knows, little ones are rarely quiet.

After looking hard at my situation, I realized that my love of peace and quiet has not changed, but sadly, my empathy for other introverts went out the window when I was pressured to meet certain standards, differentiate, incorporate speaking, movement, learning stations, hands-on activities, real-life situations, presentations, and so much more.

When looking at how teaching introverts is different, the first question we need to ask ourselves is if we really understand what it means to be an introvert. Does it mean the student is shy? Not always. Does it mean he/she doesn’t like others? No!

So, what does it mean to be an introvert?

It has to do with how our brains are wired.  An introvert has a nervous system that reacts more to what is going on around him or her, so overstimulation comes easily and the student is often left feeling worn out and in need of quiet after long periods of time with others. On the other hand, an extrovert feels best with more stimulation, so extroverts feel best when a lot is happening.

I could just see certain students shrink into their chairs when I said we were going to play a game or do a speaking activity, and although that would have been me as a young student, the teacher in me just wanted them to participate. I struggled a lot with what to do that would meet the demands of my course while respecting the needs of all students. If you’re familiar with my resources and philosophy of teaching a foreign language, you’ll know that I think getting students to speak is really important.  So, what can we do when we need students to speak, yet they want to remain quiet?

1.  Assign groups.

Whether you choose groups ahead of time, number off, or use grouping cards, assigning groups can be a huge help to introverts. I remember my teacher saying, “Everyone find a partner!” as if that was the easiest thing to do for everyone. I would get a sinking feeling in my stomach every time. If only she had seen that this was torturous and just gave us a partner, I’d have loved partner activities!
If you need a way to group kids, my grouping cards make it painless to put kids into groups of 2, 3, 4, or 5. Check them out here:

Do you need a painless way to group your students? Do you want to introduce French vocabulary and culture effortlessly? Check out these cards!

2.  If doing group work, try pairs rather than large groups.

This will allow for your introverts to have some quiet discussion with someone and your more social kids will still get to talk and work collaboratively. Think, pair, share is a great way to incorporate group work into your class without stressing out an introvert.

3.  Don’t insist that students always work in new groups.

I have a really hard time with professional development presenters who come in and say, “Everyone stand up and find someone in the room you don’t know.” Umm…no.  I already might not want to be in that meeting, so I surely don’t want to have some strange, uncomfortable conversation with someone I don’t know. To me, talking to people I don’t know is really hard, and as an adult, I’d rather just not. I have learned to navigate the expectations of the teaching world which are sometimes set for extroverts, but I don’t do my best work in this environment. We need to remember that some of our students are this way. Do we want them to learn the concept we are working on? If so, we need to understand that some kids will shut off when they are socially uncomfortable.

Intoverted students have a hard time with group work.

4.  Give them a quiet place to work.

The constant noise and over-stimulation of a classroom can be over-whelming for an introvert. My favorite teacher let me go to the library to work during independent work time, and I was able to do so much better. Even a quiet corner away from others is a nice option to have. If neither of these is an option, allow the introverts to sit on the sides or in the corners. Sitting in the middle of the classroom is a lot of stimulation and can be really uncomfortable.

5.  If you have younger kids, allow them to read or play board games during recess.

Not all kids want to run around and play games at recess. For some kids, they will recharge the best by having quiet time. If you want or need all kids to go outside, you could have a place where kids could sit and read or do a quiet activity.

Introverts often need quiet time during the day. Allow some quiet time during recess.

6.  Challenge your introverts to participate by raising their hands when they really want to share, and then make sure to call on them!

As teachers, we know that some students raise their hands every time we ask a question. They may not know the answer every time, but they will raise their hands regardless. On the other hand, the introvert may never raise his/her hand. If you want to encourage them to speak, you could challenge them to raise their hands a certain number of times per week, but make sure that you do call on them when they do! It’s very easy to call on the same kids, so make an effort to give everyone a chance.

7.  Don’t base their participation score on how much they speak.

Is there another way to show that they are participating? Active listening, maybe? Good effort during partner time? Are they writing reflectively? These are all ways of participating without waving their hands in the air and speaking for the sake of getting points.

8.  Help them embrace their own personality.

Being introverted does not mean disliking people. I like people a lot. It’s why I became a teacher. However, introverts need quiet time in order to recharge their systems. I feel drained after an entire day with people, yet when I spend a quiet day alone reading, working in my yard, or even working at the computer, I feel peaceful and relaxed. Liking quiet is not a personality defect, and in fact, many people in the modern world could benefit from a little less stimulation. Don’t try to change an introvert. You’ll likely be amazed by what you see or hear from an introvert if you give him or her the time and space to show understanding.

Take time to talk to connect wsith your introverted students.

9.  Make sure to speak to your introverts each day.

I know this sounds silly, and as teachers, we want to think we speak to every child every day. However, when I see 150 students a day and the pace is so fast, I have to make the effort to look at each student and greet them at my door. Even a friendly smile and greeting personally addressed at an introvert will make them feel welcome.  I had teachers who NEVER,  not once, ever, spoke directly to me. It really was like I didn’t exist to them, because I wasn’t raising my hand and demanding attention. Twenty years later, I still remember how it felt to go hours without anyone really noticing me. Sure, I’m quiet, but I’m not invisible! I think some teachers would not have even noticed if I never returned to their classes. Sadly, I’ve had students tell me that I’m the only person all day who spoke to them. Imagine if I hadn’t made that effort…

10. Dim the lights.

Many people overlook this, but this is another form of over-stimulation. Those florescent lights are too bright, and they can really do a number on an introvert’s nervous system. As someone who is bothered by the lights, I have found a way to turn off half the lights in my room. While I have to admit I did this for myself because I got a lot of headaches, I have now spent 13 years with a half-lit classroom, because I have found that all kids really like it.  I am lucky to have windows, so we aren’t in the dark, but the natural light is calming for all kids. Those who need the bright light sit directly under the side that is lit, but otherwise, the rest of the class has always loved the calming effect, and they usually ask to turn them off if I haven’t already.

What about you? Do you have any tips for teaching introverts or anything you wish people understood about what it is like to be an introvert?

Filed Under: Classroom management, Middle and high school teaching, Teaching tips Ashley 6 Comments

Reader Interactions

5 ways to help your students master avoir and être!
5 fun fall ideas for French class

Comments

  1. Joyce Lansky says

    September 17, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Great article. Those introverted students can create a challenge.

    Reply
  2. Ashley says

    October 4, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    They sure can, and as a teacher, I really try to remember what it felt like to be in the student's place. It's hard when we want to do our job and it seems like they kids don't want to cooperate, but we need to look at the reasons why.

    Reply
  3. Denise says

    October 9, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    Excellent article! I wish that all teachers would read this and take your advice. I feel so sorry for the introverts in classrooms that have a three-ring circus-like atmosphere. It's great for extroverts, but not so great for the rest of us!

    Reply
  4. Ashley says

    November 18, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    I totally agree! As an introverted person, I really struggled in certain classrooms. It's important to remember all students' feelings when creating activities.

    Reply
  5. Misty says

    July 29, 2020 at 11:07 am

    I’m just seeing this article although it is several years old, but I wanted to say what a blessing you are to your students by trying to recognize and understand the different personalities and perspectives in your classroom. Having a teacher who made even the smallest effort to appreciate how I worked would have meant the world to me. Every teacher should read this article.
    Wishing you all the best.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      July 30, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Thank you for your sweet words!
      It’s so important to understand for teachers to understand their students, but it is not always easy to see things from someone else’s perspective. Hopefully, by sharing our stories, we can help others understand so that all of our differences can be celebrated.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

Primary Sidebar

French-speaking-activities
French paperless task cards
French-vocabulary-grammar-units
French reading comprehension activities
French vocabulary and verb worksheets
Games for French class

mmersfrenchresources

mmersfrenchresources
New book suggestion 📚 I have been reading this New book suggestion 📚  I have been reading this by @kristinharmel the past few days, and I’d highly recommend it!  I love historical fiction, and I know a lot of you do, too, so I wanted to share! I haven’t wanted to put it down, but I’m spending a long weekend with my sis and don’t want to leave her waiting for me! 😂  #readinglist #frenchteacherlife #frenchteachers #whatimreading #booknerd
Happy Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is always b Happy Mother’s Day!  Mother’s Day is always bittersweet for me, because I lost my mom years ago.  I have an amazing mother-in-law and aunt, and I’m thankful to share the day with them. Plus, I have beautiful flowers in my garden from my mom’s house, so I know she’s still with me.  As a mom myself, I so appreciate having a day where I can relax and be with my family. I wanted so very much to be a mom and it didn’t happen easily, so I’m extra thankful for my son! ❤️  I wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day if you’re celebrating with your mom and a day full of warm memories if you can’t be with her. 💕
🌟STUDENT AWARDS 🌟 Do you have my end of yea 🌟STUDENT AWARDS 🌟  Do you have my end of year awards? If so, you won't want to miss the HUGE update!  The original set was made way back when I first started putting my resources on TpT - around 2014 or 2015 - so I figured it could use a refresh.  It's on sale for just a few more hours, too! 😀  Link in bio @mmersfrenchresources  #teachersofinstagram 
#tptsale #teachfrench #iteachfrench #frenchteachers #frenchteacher #teachingfrench #middleschoolfrench #corefrench #profsfrancofun #profdefrançais #frenchimmersion
#teacherspayteachers #mmersfrenchresources
TpT SALE TIPS⁣ ⁣ 1. Plan ahead! ⁣ You might TpT SALE TIPS⁣
⁣
1. Plan ahead! ⁣
You might not need anything right now, but how about in two weeks - or two months? We don't find out about sales until JUST before they happen, but I can almost bet this will be the last one of the school year. (Historically, it ALWAYS is!)⁣
⁣
2. Leave meaningful feedback.⁣
It is great to get TpT credits, but isn't is also great when you look at a resource and the feedback another educator has left helps you decide if it's a good fit? Meaningful feedback helps everyone!⁣
⁣
3.  It's not hard to find giveaway posts. Why not see if you can win a gift card?⁣
⁣
4. Use the promo code THANKYOU22 when you check out!⁣
⁣
#tpt #teachers #teacherspayteachers #frenchteachersoninstagram #frenchteachersoninstagram #frenchteachersofinsta # #igteachers #teachersofinstagram #frenchteachers #frenchteacher #teachergram #teachers #teachersofinsta #teaching #middleschoolteacher
HELLO MAY! April brought nothing but cold weathe HELLO MAY!  April brought nothing but cold weather and Covid to my world, so I'm hoping May looks better!  Today was beautiful and I went for a nice run, so things might just be looking up. 
🤞  I've got a few huge things planned for this month, but life has been showing me that I can make all the plans I want, but things are just gonna happen how they want to. I guess I'll get to them in good time, right?  #frenchteachers #frenchteachersoninstagram 
#frenchteacher #frenchteachersoninsta
THIS OR THAT?⁣ ⁣ For me, it's lesson planning THIS OR THAT?⁣
⁣
For me, it's lesson planning 100%! I love making lessons, and I'm always so excited about making a new unit.⁣
⁣
Grading? I could never do it again, and I would be alright with that!⁣
⁣
What about you?⁣
⁣
#teachers #teaching #middleschoolteacher #teachersofinstagram #teachergram #igteachers #teachersofinsta #frenchteacher #⁣
#teacherlife #itea #iteach #instateachers # #teacher
YOUTUBE 💻⁣ ⁣ How amazing is it to have vide YOUTUBE 💻⁣
⁣
How amazing is it to have videos right there to play in your class? ⁣
⁣
But... I know how hard it can be to find what you're looking for when there are so many content creators out there!⁣
⁣
In my latest blog post, I share a few of my favorite Youtube channels and how you can use them in your French class. You'll find channels for younger students, older students, and even where you can find listening for your most advanced immersion, AP, or college level classes. ⁣
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchteacherlife #frenchteacher #frenchteachers #frenchlisteningactivities⁣ #frenchimmersion #iteachfrench #iteachfrenchimmersion
BINGO TIP⁣ ⁣ I feel silly that I didn't ever t BINGO TIP⁣
⁣
I feel silly that I didn't ever think to do this before, but I guess it's one of those times where I was rushing around doing so much I didn't see the obvious time-saver in front of my face... 😖⁣
⁣
Do you put bingo boards in sheet covers and use markers to play? Not gonna lie - I didn't do this for over 10 years when I started teaching. Once day as a traveling teacher, I forgot my space markers and we were playing bingo in most of my classes. Digging around my desk, trying to figure out what to do, I suddenly had a 💡 moment (that I know many other people had WAY before me).⁣
⁣
I don't have any idea why it took me years to do this, but I will say this: It's SO much easier than space markers. Plus, it saves you even more time because you don't usually need to laminate them to keep them nice and tidy. And nice and tidy is really important to my type A heart. ⁣
⁣
Please tell me I'm not the last person in the world to do this. 😝 ⁣
#igteachers #teachersofinstagram #frenchteachers #frenchteacher #teachergram #teachers #teachersofinsta #teaching #middleschoolteacher #frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench
HAPPY EASTER!⁣ ⁣ If you are celebrating today, HAPPY EASTER!⁣
⁣
If you are celebrating today, I hope you can spend some time with someone you love. 💜
BOOM CARDS⁣ ⁣ I love verbs. I think they are f BOOM CARDS⁣
⁣
I love verbs. I think they are fun and I always loved grammar activities in school.⁣
⁣
Are all kids going to agree with that? Nope. So it can be really helpful to find fun ways for them to practice.⁣
⁣
The passé composé is not only pretty challenging for students, but there is a LOT to remember, meaning it's really helpful to introduce it in chunks.⁣
⁣
I normally start out with regular -er verbs first, then move to 2nd and 3rd group verbs, then finally to être verbs.⁣
⁣
By using Boom Cards, students can work at home and still get the instant feedback so they know how they are doing. How cool is that?⁣
⁣
Even if you are back in the classroom and happy to use paper again, this is a great addition to your toolkit!⁣
⁣
Link in bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #boomlearning #boomcardsenfrançais #boomcards #frenchimmersion #digitalresources
FRESH AIR⁣ ⁣ Sometimes you just have to get a FRESH AIR⁣
⁣
Sometimes you just have to get a little fresh air to feel better, right?
SPRING IS HERE!⁣ ⁣ Although it sure doesn't fe SPRING IS HERE!⁣
⁣
Although it sure doesn't feel like it where I live right now... but I'm hopeful it will come one day!⁣
⁣
I always love having no-prep activities on hand, but it's extra important this time of year, because there are so many disruptions to class time. That's honestly why I've created so many seasonal activities over the years!⁣
⁣
This spring-themed puzzle is part of my new spring packet that I released a few weeks ago. There are all kinds of spring-themed activities for practicing vocabulary and verbs with beginning French students.⁣
⁣
Learn more at the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
#vocabulaire #frenchteacher #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #corefrenchteacher #frenchclass #profdefrançais #frenchimmersion #frenchworksheets
JOUR DE LA TERRE⁣ ⁣ If you've been following m JOUR DE LA TERRE⁣
⁣
If you've been following me for a while, then you know I 💜 music as a helpful teaching tool. I've compiled many lists of my favorite songs so teachers don't spend tons of time searching for music their kids will love.⁣
⁣
Earth Day is just around the corner, so if you're planning ahead like I do, grab this list of songs and check out the activity I do with my students for Earth Day.⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #jourdelaterre #earthday #frenchmusic #frenchimmersion #frenchimmersionteacher #frenchteachersofinstagram #teacherblogger
SPRING🌸 I kind of feel like it’s never gonn SPRING🌸  I kind of feel like it’s never gonna come this year… 🧐  But the good news is that I’ve got a spring pack that will help your students learn spring words and practice verbs in fun ways!  The better news? It’s on sale until midnight EST on Wednesday, so don’t wait to grab it!  Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources  #frenchresources #frenchtpt #tptsale #frenchteachers #iteachfrench #corefrench #frenchimmersion #profsfrancofun #profdefrançais #profdefle #corefrenchteacher #frenchimmersionteachers #frenchteachersofinsta
Teacher favorites My reading comprehension activ Teacher favorites  My reading comprehension activities are the most popular resources in my store.  Teachers love them because they are:
⭐️differentiated
⭐️accessible to beginners
⭐️ready to use
⭐️offered with a digital Easel version  All my resources, including these reading activities, are 25% off today and tomorrow when you use the TpT promo code FORYOU22.  #frenchteacherofinstagram #frenchtpt #tptsale #corefrench #frenchimmersion #profdefrançais #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #profdefle #frenchreadingcomprehension #iteachfrench
FRENCH BEGINNERS⁣ ⁣ I love teaching all diffe FRENCH BEGINNERS⁣
⁣
I love teaching  all different levels, but beginning French students are so fun to teach! ⁣
⁣
Everything is new, and there are so many things to teach that it never gets boring. My personal favorite topics? Reading and verbs! ⁣
⁣
Find tons of resources for French beginners at my TpT store. And they're all on sale tomorrow and Wednesday!⁣
⁣
I've got resources for both core and immersion, grades 4-12, from beginning to AP level classes.⁣
⁣
See all my resources at TpT!⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #tptsale #frenchtpt #frenchimmersion
PLANNERS⁣ ⁣ I'm team paper, for sure! ⁣ ⁣ PLANNERS⁣
⁣
I'm team paper, for sure! ⁣
⁣
I'm all about a pretty planner with pretty Post-its and flair pens. I've tried the digital thing, but I really like to see it printed out. ⁣
⁣
What about you? ⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
#igteachers #teachersofinstagram #frenchteachers #frenchteacher #teachergram #teachers #teachersofinsta #teaching #middleschoolteacher #teacherlife #frenchteacher #middleschoolteacher #highschoolteacher
⭐️ GIVEAWAY ⭐️ This is an extra special ⭐️ GIVEAWAY ⭐️  This is an extra special giveaway because it’s the 1 year anniversary of this page! To celebrate, I teamed up with those who were involved in the very first giveaway.  We are giving away not one, not two, but THREE $80 Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards. Who is excited for this prize?🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️  Entering is easy! All you have to do is:
🌷Go to the @frenchtastic.giveaway page 
🌷Follow the directions on the post  🤍This giveaway closes Monday April 4 at 10PM EST. The winners will be contacted via DM on Tuesday April 5 and then announced on this page 48 hours later.
🤍We will NEVER ask for your credit card info or send you any links. Please report and block anybody who does.  ➡️This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or associated with Instagram or Teachers Pay Teachers.  This giveaway is open worldwide.  #frenchteacherofinstagram #frenchimmersionteachers #frenchteacher #frenchtpt #frenchresources #profdefrançais #profdefle #middleschoolfrench #teachingfrench #teachingfrenchtokids #iteachfrench #frenchimmersion #corefrench #corefrenchteacher
ER VERBS⁣ ⁣ I don't know about you, but I pers ER VERBS⁣
⁣
I don't know about you, but I personally love verbs. I think they are fun to teach, and I love making fun activities for them!⁣
⁣
A lot of teachers love my verb resources, because they are full of different activities for a variety of learning styles. Since this pack has a French and English version, it's really easy to use the same pack with core  and immersion classes, too.⁣  I updated this recently, so if you’ve been using it, make sure to get the newest version! 
⁣
Find the link in my bio @mmersfrenchresources⁣
⁣
⁣
#frenchteachers #frenchresources #mmersfrenchresources #corefrench #profdefrançais #worldlanguageteachers #targetlanguage #teachingfrench #enseignement #enseigner #teachfrench #frenchverbs #frenchteacher #frenchimmersion #profdefle #teachingfrench
AVRIL 🌸⁣ ⁣ I can't believe it's April! I'm AVRIL 🌸⁣
⁣
I can't believe it's April! I'm so excited about longer days, spring flowers, and sandals! Things aren't quite warm enough here for my taste, but I'm hopeful that it will warm up soon!⁣
⁣
My favorite month is by far June, but I love September, too. Do you have a favorite month?⁣
⁣
⁣
#igteachers #teachersofinstagram #frenchteachers #frenchteacher #teachergram #teachers #teachersofinsta #teaching #middleschoolteacher
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Still Looking for Something?

  • Home
  • Free French Resources
  • Beginning French
  • Intermediate/Advanced
  • Speaking Activities
  • Unit Bundles
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shop

© 2015 Mme R's French Resources · Customised By: Laine Sutherland Designs

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You can view our privacy policy here. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT