new teacher needing help

[Unregistered]

I have a girl in my year 6 class, whose behavioural problems have caught my attention. The school I work in is in a lower socio-economic area, therefiore there is much cultural and ethnic diversity. This girl is very shy, and has recently been withdrawing more than usual from class activities and group work, and is coninuosly asking me if she can do anything to help.

This child has changed school three times. Her parents are separated and she lives with her mother, she has very little contact with her father, although he lives close by. She has 2 older siblings, who both live with their grandmother. She often moves house due to the mother forming new relationships. The mother has recently given birth. I have tried talking to the mother on numerous occasions, however, she is disinterseted, and states that she "doesn't really know what (the child) does in terms of her after school socialising" and (the mother) doesn't have time to "stay & chat".

The child has trouble sharing and working in a small peer group. She has difficulties with problem solving and higher level thinking (she has trouble in understanding new concepts). She also needs a lot more extra time for activities. Her previous teacher has also noted this child's social problems, however, in comparing notes, the (social problems) seem to have gotten worse, her academic level has fallen and she is becoming more and more disengaged with others than she used to.

I am very concerned with her behaviour, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can help her, and how far can I go in helping her family?

Thank you!
Jane Norman

[Unregistered]

Hi Jane
That is a very tricky situation.
Do you have a Senior Teacher that you can discuss this problem with?

You probably need to think about one aspect you would like to change/work on first - maybe the sharing issue. I would suggest you only work on one thing at a time and once that has improved, move onto the next.

Have you tried talking to the child?
have you tried a contract with the child in the classroom?

Aslo try to remember that you can only do your best and that you cannot perfporm miracles!!!

Good luck

[Monica]

Definitely go with the contract. Works great!

[Unregistered]

Be very careful about what you "think" you know about a child's home life. It can spell lawsuit. It sounds very much to me like gossip. If you have reason to believe the child is being abused, or neglected, you must call the authorities. Otherwise becareful about what you and other teachers talk about. Especially when it comes to an individual. There are specific laws about what can be discussed between teachers, nurses, staff, and parents. We can't fix every childs homelife, and if the authorities don't see any problems, there is nothing you can do about it. That's the hard part. Get used to it, you will see several like it in the years to come. Just do your best to be a positive role model for the child.

[Unregistered]

I have been successful with a one night a week "after school homework club". Kids that really do not have an interesting place to go, love to stay with me 20-30 minutes after school. Sometimes we read together, taking turns reading. Sometimes we work intently over a difficult math problem and we use small white boards and tissues as erasers. Sometimes several students will use the computers to word process final drafts of writer's workshop pieces, while I help someone with handwriting. Sometimes I have soft music playing, and it is really a nice, safe, relaxing place to be. Sometimes one of the kids just wants to talk about something. Sometimes the boys and girls club can be loud for some kids. I have found that kids with inner worries and troubles, just like to hang out in my room one afternoon after school where it is clean, safe, and there is support, and someone who has time to listen. Remember, for some of these kids, school is the best part of their day! Parents have to sign kids up for this privilege and agree to pick them up. It's amazing, even kids with working parents, do make arrangements.

[Unregistered]

Hi Jane,

While I understand that you may have had the best intentions in mind, try to be a bit careful about how much information you disclose about a student because that was a rather detailed overview of the child and her family background.

Obviously there are some serious concerns but as a teacher, we cannot perform miracles - even as much as we wish we could sometimes. Find out what learning support is available within your school and district. Also seek the guidance of a senior teacher or the principal if necessary. If the issues stem from home, then there is bound to be a process or policy in your school which will tell you what steps you need to take.

[Unregistered]

I commend you in seeking help here!

Everyone needs to realise that we have not been offered any details of address, or even area, so this child, or her family, are in no danger or being identified.

Next we all need to use our professional judgement, and realise that a child's home life is going to have serious implications on schooling. It is naive to say that offering a full case study of a child is gossiping!!

As teachers we need to consider the ecological perspectives of every individual. If we didn't, we may as well start back at cave-man times, and throw everything about inclusion, specific needs, empathy, understanding, etc, right out the window.

So again, well done for offering a comprehensive case study on the child from every angle, as we need to cover all bases if we are to find the root of a problem.

I have one point to make that did raise my hackles, however... you state that your school is "lower socio-economic area, therefiore there is much cultural and ethnic diversity". The general trend may be that schools with lower socio economic status ARE very culturally and ethnically diverse... however, it is not a given, as you seem to have stated. We must all be careful that we are not making generalisations that can descriminate and predjudice. I am very aware, however, that when we are within a situation it is often seen to us as the norm. An outside perspective can often challenge this.

I know by now you would have come up with strategies and solutions in regards to this girl in particular... as it is now a year on from your initial post. Just wanted to add my two penneth worth.

I wish you all the best.

[Unregistered]

Next we all need to use our professional judgement, and realise that a child's home life is going to have serious implications on schooling. It is naive to say that offering a full case study of a child is gossiping!!

It depends if the information was disclosed through first-hand accounts. If the parent or kid told you that these problems were occurring, then it isn't gossiping. Most likely the information is learned through second-hand accounts -- gossip.

[Unregistered]

The only part of the case study, that was initially provided, that is likely to be gossip is the statement that reads:

"She often moves house due to the mother forming new relationships"

The rest of the account sounds like information that can reasonably be associated with the truth. However, whether the information gained is true or not... professional teachers need to take the info and build approaches and strategies in reaction to it. Afterall if these strategies that are put in place end up to be successful, who really cares if it were gossip, or the truth!

Again, we need to view each child through that of an ecological perspective... through the many links and environments that make up the whole child, their personality, and therefore their behaviours.

[BLBO]

I was reading through this thread and was surprised that noone seemed to catch on to the fact that there was a new baby involved. Children will often regress or pick up new behaviors when a new sibling is introduced. I would not be surprised if things had improved for the child as she got used to the new addition. Obviously, she may not be receiving the same amount of attention at home as she had been. Therefore she would seek it elsewhere (from her teacher?).

[Unregistered]

I think it is wise of you to seek help in such matters. You seem like a very observant and caring individual. I think if you are concerned that there is abuse going on, then you should carefully DOCUMENT everything that you see, write it down with the date and keep it in a safe place. Continue to consult with others, but if in your own best judgement you believe that action should be taken, then you should anonymously contact Department of Human Services.