Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         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!) As a novice teacher, dealing with such a sensitive matter can be quite a challenge. However, it is of upmost importance not to let the situation continue. First of all, the children doing the teasing must be made aware that their actions are not appropriate. Although it may be difficult for a younger child to understand the differences of cultures, they must be made aware it is not appropriate to tease another student regardless of the reason. I would also recommend the parents of the students be contacted to inform them of their actions. Gaining parental support is always helpful in re-enforcing the need for improvement in classroom behaviors. Now, dealing with the hygiene of the young boy is more difficult. Although culture may be playing a role in his hygiene habits, it is having a negative impact within the classroom. Since you are a novice teacher it is important to seek the expertise of a school counselor or nurse. Allowing someone who is better trained in dealing with issues such as this may be the best course of action. Having a counselor or nurse contact the family to explain the situation and how it is affecting their son may be better received.