What should a paraprofessional do if a student expresses feelings of frustration?

When a student expresses feelings of frustration, it is crucial for a paraprofessional to listen actively and validate those feelings while offering support. This approach demonstrates that the paraprofessional values the student's emotions and acknowledges their experience, which can help to build trust and rapport. Active listening involves giving full attention to the student, using body language and verbal responses to show understanding, and allowing the student to express themselves fully without interruption.

Validating feelings is essential, as it lets the student know that it is okay to feel frustrated and that their emotions are recognized. This can be particularly important in a school environment where students may sometimes feel that their feelings are overlooked or dismissed. Following this acknowledgment, providing support could mean discussing coping strategies, helping the student to articulate what is causing the frustration, or brainstorming potential solutions together. This constructive engagement can encourage students to develop emotional intelligence and resilience.

The other options suggest responses that may minimize or dismiss the student’s feelings, which can lead to further frustration or a feeling of isolation. Ignoring the feelings or dismissing them outright can prevent the student from feeling heard and understood. Likewise, suggesting that they simply stop feeling frustrated does not address the underlying issues and may leave the student feeling invalidated. Redirecting them to another