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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!)
I understand that it may a cultural practice; however, I think it should be addressed if for nothing else but to stop the teasing. I think that a reminder about proper hygiene to the class so not to call out one particular person. Explain the importance of proper hygiene and some of the negative effects of not caring for self properly could have. I would also address the class with cultural differences and to remind students to be respectful of those differences regardless how we may think it to be strange, grotesque, or funny. Another thing, maybe you can address the parents but approach them with, "I understand our cultures are very different and I just wanted to inform you that I am working with the class on understanding differences. Some of the students do not quite understand the differences and they respond in the wrong way. Again, other teachers and I are working hard trying to get them to understand. Until then is there a way that I can have your assistance because I do not want [the new student] to have a bad experience due to their lack of understanding."

See how the parents respond to this.
 
     
     
  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 pointed out some great key points.
Rated On: October 16, 2014 6:13 pm
Rated By: Angela Avery