Question

Read the scenario to inform the questions that follow:

Neveya, a second grader, regularly does not bring school supplies needed to school due to financial hardships in the family that include the caretaking of an elderly family member. Frustrated, her teacher, Mrs. Williams, has stressed to her administrator that she feels Neveya’s parents do not care about her education. Upon hearing Mrs. Williams’ strong opinion, the administrator quickly explained that the family was going through turmoil. Mrs. Williams was immediately regretful of her comments as she had no idea of the family’s situation.

How would you ensure you have an open line of communication and know the circumstances of your families? How would you deal with a child not bringing the proper supplies to school? What would you do to support the child’s family during this crisis?

Answer 1

Perhaps the best way to ensure an open line of communication with the parents is to conduct parent-teacher meetings regularly, with sufficient time invested to engage and interact with the parents. During these meetings, I can make attempt to learn more about the circumstances of the child’s family background and struggles, if any.

If I understood that the child was having difficulty bringing supplies to school, I would first contact her parents and hold a meeting with them, to ask them if I could offer any help in this regard. Directly intervening without the parents’ consultation may offend them. I would then ask the school, local community or other parents of the school to offer aid and assistance.