Copy Cat

[Student4life]

I teach 6th grade. I love my class. My students are all great, but there is this one student who tries so hard and just loves school, a really nice kid overall, I'll calll her Stacy. Stacy is always copying what I do and say and trying to be just like me. She even tries to copy my personality! I'm not sure what to do because I want Stacy to be herself, not try to be like me. I know I am a role model for her and that is why shes doing this but still I wish she would act like her self and not like me. What do you think I should do...just ignore it? I've been trying to ignore it but I'm also curious as to what other people would do.

[Bananas]

I would ignore it. It is just about the end of the school year, so the point will be moot soon. She will be onto someone else probably. She is trying to find out who she is and be comfortable with herself. Just observe some traits that are unique to her and positively comment on that at an appropriate time.

[Boxcar]

You might try an essay or project like: How I've Grown This Year - Who I Was And Who I Am. A fun end-of-year reflection game might also be appropriate here. This student will have to think about herself and may give you something to go on. If you are going to have her again next year, I'd put more into it. If not, relax and feel confident she will come into her own soon.

[Student4life]

Thanks. I will see her next year as she will still be in my school, but she wouldn't be in my class at all.

[Boxcar]

Summer might be the perfect time for her to grow into herself. I hope so!