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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!) At first, I am not sure how to go about handling the experience that you are sharing in this forum. However, I think I would speak with the counselor about the situation. He/She may be able to speak with the other students in a more delicate manner to help them understand the cultural difference that the student exhibits. I do think that the situation will eventually have to be discussed with the parents, along with the counselor, to let them know about the situation that is starting to affect the social experiences of the student in the classroom. I would begin the discussion with the understanding that you are not trying to be disrespectful to their way of life or their cultural beliefs. I think the parents would be thankful that you addressed such as delicate topic with them in a respectful manner. |
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