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  Case: Boy, don't you ever shower?
It is obvious from the first day of class that one of the students has bad body odor. By the end of the third week, you start to realize that the student as Steve. The other students in the class are going to greater and greater lengths to avoid sitting next to him. They mime choking when he sits in the seat in front of them. Any reference to odor or smell in the classroom is met with snickering. Finally, one day after Steve comes in late and sits next to a student in the front row, he turns to Steve and says, "Boy, don't you ever shower?" The class breaks up in hysterics. When should I have intervened? How?, What should I say to student? What should I say to others? Should I confront the class with Steve present?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)

I believe that addressing the situation promptly is crucial to maintaining a respectful and inclusive classroom environment. When you first notice the issue with Steve's body odor, it's advisable to take the following steps:

  • Private Conversation with Steve: As soon as you realize the situation, find an appropriate time to speak with Steve privately, preferably at the end of a class. This will prevent any embarrassment for Steve and create a safe space for discussion.
  • Empathetic Approach: Approach the conversation with empathy and concern for Steve's well-being. Express your observations without being judgmental or accusatory. Let Steve know that you care about his comfort and that of his classmates.
  • Offer Support and Solutions: While talking to Steve, offer support and possible solutions. Mention that the school may have hygiene supplies available, including sample-sized items, which he can use discreetly. This could help influence him to address the issue.
  • Bullying Awareness: Address the inappropriate behavior of the other students discreetly. Let them know that such actions are hurtful and unacceptable in your classroom. Encourage empathy and respect among classmates.
  • Involving Parents, if Necessary: If Steve's condition doesn't improve and continues to disrupt the class, consider opening a dialogue with his parents. Approach this conversation with sensitivity, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. Parents can often provide valuable insights and support.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Keep an eye on the situation and continue to offer support to Steve as needed. Ensure that the classroom remains a safe and welcoming space for all students.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality throughout this process to protect Steve's privacy and dignity. Avoid discussing the matter with other students or teachers.

In short, by taking a proactive and empathetic approach, you can help Steve and the entire class navigate this challenging situation while ensuring that learning continues smoothly.

 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: February 13, 2013 12:21 pm
Rated By: eHeGuL
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: February 19, 2013 2:35 am
Rated By: Jepupy
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: March 3, 2013 6:03 pm
Rated By: GaTuWy
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: March 3, 2013 8:34 pm
Rated By: yTuGyd
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: October 3, 2014 4:41 am
Rated By: Zafer Unal
 
     
     
  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: This solution will solve the problem by addressing the situation head on, without embarrassing the student.
Rated On: October 14, 2014 12:13 am
Rated By: sugeLu
 
     
     
  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: two thumbs up!
Rated On: October 15, 2014 10:04 pm
Rated By: Amanda KAhn
 
     
     
  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 like this solution and think that it is helpful. I also think that this may indicate the type of home life this student lives in. It might also be an indicator that he is of a low SES background or is homeless.
Rated On: October 17, 2014 7:26 pm
Rated By: taMaSe
 
     
     
  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 would use this in my classroom.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 4:17 pm
Rated By: Edward Gibbs
 
     
     
  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: Great solution.
Rated On: February 27, 2015 3:05 am
Rated By: Shannon Stephens
 
     
     
  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: Great solution!
Rated On: March 1, 2015 10:24 pm
Rated By: gumeje
 
     
     
  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: This solution has the best conditions for all involved so that no one ends up hurt in the process of dealing with the issue.
Rated On: March 2, 2015 2:39 am
Rated By: SeRuru
 
     
     
  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: good solution
Rated On: October 8, 2017 11:05 pm
Rated By: ysyByg
 
     
     
  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 agree with this solution. Handling the issue privately is very important because making it a big deal will only make it embarrassing.
Rated On: October 9, 2017 2:00 am
Rated By: aLuruz
 
     
     
  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 would definitely do this. A discussion with the student may also result in finding out about any possible neglect going on in their life.
Rated On: October 11, 2017 12:17 am
Rated By: yGeHyz
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would do this because discussing with the student privately is the most logical and appropriate thing to do in the situation. Maybe the student can not afford hygiene products.
Rated On: October 11, 2017 9:43 pm
Rated By: NaGava
 
     
     
  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 this is the best solution and found it very helpful.
Rated On: October 13, 2017 3:26 am
Rated By: ByGeDa
 
     
     
  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 agree, catching the issue early is key not only in your classroom but for the rest of the students academic career.
Rated On: October 20, 2019 9:29 pm
Rated By: ajeHus