1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

Topics:

Class clown

For teachers, having a prankster in the class isn't always a laughing matter

By
//
Originally published in Today's Parent January 2010

When Karen Tamplin’s* son, Kevin, was in grade seven, he and his best friend were the class clowns, able to break up an entire class with a look, a quip, a joke. “It was such a rush for Kevin to discover he had this power, that he could make other people laugh,” recalls Tamplin.

Every school has one — the class clown who can bring down the house just by walking through the door. However, it may be that his teacher is finding the constant stream of jokes and pratfalls disruptive, and she’s called you in for a chat.

First, parents should ask if this is something new. In some cases, a child who suddenly becomes the class clown may be diverting attention from a learning problem, says Christina Rinaldi, a University of Alberta educational psychology professor in Edmonton. “If, for instance, he’s goofing around only in social studies class, he’s probably finding the material too challenging, or not challenging enough.” If the problem is pervasive and ongoing, further investigation — including testing for learning issues or counselling — may be needed if you suspect the behaviour is masking a deeper issue, says Rinaldi.

* Name changed by request.

Subscribe to Today's Parent for just $14.95* That's only $1.25 an issue!

May We Also Suggest...

What do you think?