Please tell me about your most challenging experience while working with children and how you handled it.

How to Answer
Answer Example
Community Answers

This is a 'Tell me about a time when...' type of question. Use a recent example and provide relevant context so the interviewer is able to understand the scenario. Be sure to include the positive outcome and why you were proud of that outcome.

"The most challenging experience I have had so far was being tasked one-on-one with a five year old child who had never been given a book to read. This child was far below the standard reading level for his age and he didn't show a great interest in reading. He only expressed interest in video games. I was able to help him create an interest by introducing books that were related to his favorite games. It took a lot of one-on-one time and patience, but eventually he was able to read at grade level. The best part was that he was beginning to really enjoy it!"

Anonymous Answer

"My most challenging experience while working with children was when one of my students would not complete a written response. The student was bright, and I knew he could do the work. By his own admission he didn't like to write about anything he wasn't interested in. I explained to him that sometimes we have to write about things that don't interest us. I also offered him a few options to complete the written response. I suggested that he use the RACE organizer. I asked him if he wanted to dictate his answer to me, and I would write it for him. I also offered to allow him to type his answer on the computer. He finally came around and decided that he would dictate the answer, and I would write it down for him. He completed the assignment. I discussed the matter with his 4th-grade teacher. She was a bit surprised, and she showed me his writing composition book. He actually wrote many excellent responses for homework. I borrowed the book for our next class and I complimented him over and over again about his excellent writing. The student was more receptive to the writing assignments after that."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your approach shows a great deal of patience, understanding, and desire to uncover the core of an issue. This response is terrific and will show the interviewer so much about your character and approach to teaching. Well done!