You Again? Really?

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I love participatory songs (“Old MacDonald had a – what did he have?”), but have struggled with giving quieter kids a chance to speak up. It’s great when the extroverts blurt out answers, but after the 4th suggestion from the same kid, the introverts stop trying.

Storyteller Stephen Hollen has a great solution:

After Little Suzy raises her hand for the 10th time, say “Gosh, Suzy. You are so creative and have so many wonderful ideas. Would it be alright if we let some of the other kids share their ideas too?”

Little Suzy soaks in the compliment; the other kids hear that their ideas are welcome and you no longer have to avoid looking at Little Suzy.

Everybody wins!