Scared of reading aloud in class

[_sophie_]

Have been dwelling on wether to post this or not, but I have been crying over it a little and getting a bit depressed. In my 3rd and 4th year at school I had a teacher for English who just wasn't my cup of tea. Very strange woman, don't know any other pupil who actually likes her (I posted about her a few days ago), she is hard to relate to. She always chose me to read and for some reason I got so nervous, I would feel sick and my voice would go really shaky, but she wouldn't stop. She kept me reading page after page and she did this all the time. It's weird because I used to be fine until I got her. When I found out I didn't have her this year I was over the moon and began to enjoy English again, now we have swapped teachers with another class and I have her again. My heart honestly sank when I was told. I am so worried she is going to ask me to read again and I just can't deal with it anymore, I have been crying for gods sake.. over a teacher! I find this really embarrasing and nobody knows except my best friend (she doesn't know to this extent). Is there any way I could ask to not read out in class ever? I would enjoy it way more if I knew I wouldn't have to read again and I want to enjoy it. What can I do?

[Eve]

Maybe see it as a challenge to overcome and take pride in beating it and not letting it get to you anymore?

Could you ask them for help in overcoming your nerves? Do something positive? Maybe as they don't understand they are trying to get you to keep reading to help you?

Is it reading aloud in general you struggle with or just in her class?

[_sophie_]

In other classes I don't really have to read aloud, just answer questions which I am fine with. I am so much more relaxed in other classes too, with her I tense up. I know that if I ask her if I could not read she will just say 'we'll see what we can do' then pick me the next day. I wouldn't be assured. I would be fine answering all the questions in her class, just not the reading. I just can't put up with it anymore, I did for two years and was now just beginning to enjoy school and now I feel like it's back to scratch.

[boxtops]

Sophie, did you speak to your pastoral teacher or form teacher abot this problem, as many people suggested you did last time you posted about this teacher? The school needs to know if you are being singled out, and that your studies are suffering as a result. Grit your teeth and tell someone - you really need to - don't suffer in silence.

[flicrat]

Sophie, could you pretend that you are Keira Knightley or whichever film star you like and imagine you are that person reading it, not you, so whatever the teacher says, it won't be critical of you, but of your character,and therefore it cannot touch YOU.

[anneasquith]

sophie. i agree with box, you should not be feeling as anxious as you are re a particular teacher, im sure you are not the only one being asked to read, is it possible that in fact you are good at reading out loud in class ? try reading aloud to your friends and family, even in front of the mirror to gain some confidence, good luck

[annie0000]

Not that I know the teacher here, but it is possible that she senses you have a problem with this and is actually trying to get you over it. I was very shy at school and I think that maybe a bit of pushing might have helped in the long run. They start kids speaking out to the class at a very young age now so that they get used to it and it makes it less scary when they get to high school/college and they are expected to give presentations. It might be worth having a grown up talk with her and tell her how it makes you feel, ask her if she can give you small bits to read regualrly and build this up gradually she may then try to support you - if she doesn't then I think you have a case to pusue in terms of her bullying you. I'd take a friend as a witness to your conversation.

[cazzz1975]

practice reading aloud in your spare time, once you can read aloud with lesser nerves she may decide to pick on someone else.

[karenmac60]

I can only agree with Boxy and Anne - speak to your pastoral/guidance teacher. Although it is very unprofessional - teachers can have personality clashes with pupils just like anyone else, and if she is letting her personal feelings affect her teaching then something should be done. If, however, she does think she's just helping you, then she has to be made aware of the state she is getting you into. You could speak to her yourself, but I think it would maybe be upsetting for you and you might not be able to get your point across if you are that upset. Talk to another teacher and see if it can be dealt with in a way that satisfies everyone. Good luck x