I absolutely agree with the previous commment. Just stop teaching him. I doubt that talking to the parents will change anything globally. The kid's behaviour is the outcome of their upbringing.

Hello, Mikhail. Yes, teaching children can be challenging due to their lack of motivation, But I don't think that mission is impossible just because your students says he won't do anything. First of all I have some questions: What aids do you use during your lessons? Do you have the opportunity to use the computer/internet? Do you have music player/dvd player? What are your student's hobbies, interests? I would talk with the parents anyway in order to find out their perspective on their son's English learning. Maybe they will give you an idea what works best for their son. Hope to talk with you soon. Diana

Thank you so much, Terasee. I love your recommendations, inasmuch as I was not considering giving up as an option when I asked the question. And I’m not considering it now. Perhaps, it’s a pedagogical mistake, but he is my friend, and I would like to try everything possible first to help him with his English. I like your methods very much. P.S. I talked to his parent. It changed the situation, but only for a short while. Of course “the wrath of one's parents can instill enough fear in a child to be more disciplined”, so can the wrath of one's teachers, but I’ve always been against such military-like-fear-fostering-methods. Yes, it follows that I’ve got what I deserve, but nevertheless. Thanks everybody.

NO! Most people are motivated by rewards. When I have these types of students I give them a choice. For example, do the next 2 (whatever number you decide but be reasonable) then you can have a 5 minute break. Another thing to try is have the student stand while he works a couple of problems. Also, let him get up and get a drink of water or have him do some sort of excercise between each problem. There are many solutions. Just giving up or telling the parents is not enough and really not appropriate. You have to develope a relationship with the student. If it is reading, trade off reading, or have the student copy you as you read. Find materials that are of interest to the student. With the internet at your disposal you can do all sorts of subjects via YouTube or in games of some sort. Basically THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. Don't teach just one way. You could have him recite his vocabulary words while skipping rope or doing jumping jacks. This type of student is testing you to see if you will give up on him...Don't! I have been a teacher of this age child for over 20 years. Believe me this is NORMAL! I am available to talk to if you would like more suggestions. :-) Remember me! A Wrinkle in Time....

Holidays! It seems to be his parents` decision to study the language.It happens very often.