Students who, although not openly rejected, are ignored by classmates and are uninvolved in the social aspects of school. Students who have established a circle of friends based upon common interests or proximity but seldom move beyond that circle. Students who have successfully established positive relationships within a variety of groups. Many students with learning disabilities find themselves in the rejected or isolated subgroups. It is important for the teacher to assist the students' classmates in changing their view of this child.
Punishment is an extremely ineffective method of modifying bullying or rejecting behavior.
If you punish Billy for rejecting Joey, you only increase Billy's resentment of his classmate. However, you can increase a child's level of acceptance in several ways. Attempt to determine specific interests, hobbies or strengths of the rejected child. This can be accomplished via discussions, interviews or surveys. Once you have identified the child's strengths, celebrate it in a very public manner.