|
|
|
|
Case: Smelly Kid
I guess I am still considered a novice teacher because I have been teaching for four years only. I am an elementary school teacher who teaches in a mostly White suburban setting. Couple of weeks ago a new student joined my classroom. He and his parents recently moved from Eastern Europe. His father works at the local university as a music professor. I am not sure what his mother does. He is a wonderful child. Although he speaks little English, he tries to participate in class activities and to make friends with others in the classroom. Couple days after he arrived, I noticed a strange smell around him. I was sure that it was body odor. The other students in the classroom started noticing it too. They started making fun of him. I learned in my multicultural classes when I was at the university that not all cultures promote taking showers everyday, and that body odor is not considered a problem everywhere in the world. Now I have a big dilemma. If I tell my student about it, I might embarrass him. If I sent a note to his parents, I may appear disrespectful toward their culture. But the way he is treated in the classroom by the other students is becoming a real problem. What should I do?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I would tell the parents, but I would also provide the student with some hygiene items to ensure that he did not smell. Bullying is a big issue and I wouldn't want the outcome to be negative. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
Comments: I think it would be a great idea to keep some personal hygiene items available. Spray deodorants, packages of travel tooth brushes and toothpaste, and maybe a fresh smelling cologne or perfume. It might even be a good idea to have Personal Hygiene Station (like a First Aid Station) set up in the classroom, so students can use the items when they feel they need them. |
Rated On: June 1, 2015 4:28 pm |
Rated By: uqeXun |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
Comments: I think a lesson on health would be a great idea to implement in a lesson! |
Rated On: July 10, 2015 2:37 am |
Rated By: RaMevy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
Comments: I think you present some great ideas
|
Rated On: October 18, 2015 4:42 am |
Rated By: Krystalynn Gulczewski |
|
|
|
|
|
|