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Teasing is a part of everyday life for children at one time or another and for various reasons. We cannot eliminate teasing, but we can - and must - be prepared to empower the child who stutters with strategies for dealing with teasing on his or her own. The goal of these strategies must always be to best respond (instead of react) to teasing in ways that support self-esteem and confidence.
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Continue to establish a classroom atmosphere of tolerance for differences.
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Handle teasing about stuttering in the same matter-of-fact, positive way that you handle any teasing episodes.
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Discuss teasing episodes discreetly and ask the child who stutters what he or she needs from you.
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Teasing and bullying strategies are available from a number of sources. Enlist the help of the social work professional in your district or utilize the library system for resources.
Bullying and Teasing, produced by the National Stuttering Association, brings together the "best thinking" available for dealing with bullying and teasing for children who stutter. This must-have resource addresses this very sensitive issue with specific strategies for clinicians, children who stutter, parents and educators. It also contains an appendix of available children’s literature on the topic of teasing.
Another great tool to help you deal with teasing is the NSA's Classroom Presentation Guide. Help your student decrease teasing and overcome the fear of speaking in class by educating peers on the disorder of stuttering. Children who stutter learn to advocate for themselves, with our help. This guide gives sample outlines for doing a classroom presentation about stuttering.
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