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  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!)
The teacher should set up a meeting with the student's guidance counselor and/or grade level administrator and the parents of the student. The student is in elementary school so I would be careful about discussing this sensitive topic with him without his parents being aware of the situation. In the meeting, the teacher and school staff need to communicate with the parents that their child is experiencing some difficulties with the students in the class and honestly explain what the situation the body odor. I do know that the school staff does not need to be judgmental or accusatory and make sure that the parents clearly understand the situation. I would also consider having a discussion with the class about tolerance and respect. The students in the class need to understand that they do not have a right to make fun of any students for any reason.
 
     
     
  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 post!!!
Rated On: July 10, 2015 2:43 am
Rated By: RaMevy