well, I went to Caitlyn’s school ...

Awwww, big hugs Caitlyn! I always hated talking in front of the class too.

I guess all you can do is keep stressing to her that it doesn't matter how much she remembers, she can just say whatever she does remember, coz her anxiety is probably making her shut off and not actually hear what her buddy is saying anyway.

Good luck for next week!

I am no expert but maybe you could be her "Buddy" at home and practice telling news to each other and then maybe she could repeat to her Grandma etc. Poor wee dot! I hate public speaking too!

Maybe you could tell her to just remember 2 things? That way she'll focus on 2 things and hopefully won't get as freaked out by the multitude of information.

And when you talk to Caitlyn this afternoon, I'd tell her that you reckon she's a champ for remembering the bit about the pool! You could also kinda make it into a game, like she tells you what she did during the day and you tell her a couple of things you remember from what she said (just 2 so it's manageable, and count them off on your fingers). And then you tell her about your day and she can do the same thing. I wonder if she knows that she only has to remember 2 things, not everything (cos far out I wouldn't be able to remember all that kids spiel off at sharing time!) then she won't stress as much? And then after a few weeks, once she's REALLY confident with that, you can make it 3 things. Or she may even do 3 things by herself, at which point you give her loads of praise and say how wonderful she is! Which I'm sure you do already

And I always talked to the kids in my class (they were older by it still applies) about how it's ok to be nervous - in fact it's normal to feel nervous and a bit scared. But there's things we can do to help us. My little saying was "it's what you do with your nerves that counts" (that might be a bit old for her though). You could tell her about times that you were scared or nervous (maybe about doing speeches at school or something), and how it was a bit hard but you did them anyway - and then about how you felt SO proud afterwards cos you were scared but did it anyway.

You can talk about little strategies she can use - counting off 2 things on her fingers (or cross fingers on one hand for one thing, and cross fingers on the other hand for the second), taking a deep breath, looking at her teacher for reassurance, or even having a special little something in her pocket that she can reach in and hold to make her feel better. You could get her a special little stone or something and talk about how it's a hug from you, and anytime she feels scared or nervous she can just reach into her pocket and hold it, and it'll be like you're right there.

I dunno, just a few ideas and they might be a bit cheezy but could be worth a try!

Oh and if you decide to do any of these things, I'd let the teacher know.. keep the communication open. That way she'll know why Caitlyn is crossing her fingers or reaching into her pocket etc. And even ask her if she has any ideas on how to help Caitlyn cos it's obviously stressing her out the poor wee poppet.

I'm a teacher and in every class I have ever taught there is always one or two children who find it really scary to share infront of the class. You are doing such a great job as a Mum listening to her and encouraging her. She is lucky to have such a supportive Mummy. It is great that you are practicing with her at home. Could the teacher also help her out by prompting her and quietly encouraging her when it is her turn to tell the class her buddies news. eg Saying "Caitlyn can you you tell the class what has ____ been doing" And then give her lots of praise.
I am sure Caitlyn will be fine with it soon.

i was going to suggest practice too...but not in obvious way

try in evenings - so caitlyn what did you do today at lunchtime do you remember? and push her a little to tell you.

Then repeat it to her -so you watched them play and ate your lunch and ran around? cool! DOnt do it word for word tho...

then tell her "hey today I did..." and ask her so can you remember what i just said?

make it a little game and then tell her - hey YOU are my BUddy today...etc etc or similar!!!!