Sunday, November 21, 2010

Dealing with abused children in the classroom

How does a teacher know if a student is being abused at home and how should they go about addressing the issue?

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Teachers have the special ability to watch students over the year. They get to know the children individually and on a personal level. They understand how the child works, acts, socializes, etc. If a teacher knows their students and does their job, then they should be able to quickly notice any change in the students behavior, especially drastic changes in a short period. Teachers who notice dramatic changes in one of their students must be on their toes and must really pay attention to signs that they child may be being abused mentally or physically outside the classroom. Teachers must also take into consideration the childs home environment. They can learn about the parents/guardians by holding parent-teacher conferences. Some signs teachers should look out for when trying to decide if a child is being abused are:
      • agressive behaviors 
      • sudden drop in grades 
      • lack of motivation 
      • antisocial behaviors
      • signs of depression/anxiety
      • sudden mood swings
      • low self esteem
      • numerous absences
      • Stays at school longer than needed and doesn't want to go home
      • always on edge
      • states they do not like their home/mom/dad etc.
      • and obvious physical signs 
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These factors alone do not necessarily mean a student is being abused, but if they show numerous signs then the teacher must be alert. Children who are being neglected at home look for a sense of belonging somewhere else and the teacher can be this for the student. Teachers can be a sense of safety for a child. They must take advantage of this and try to get the student to open up to them. Abuse is a serious accusation so the teacher must be careful and really watch the student over time. If they believe abuse of any kind is occurring to a child, even if it is not their own student, they have the responsibility to report it  according to the state statutes. Even if the teacher is wrong and the student is not being abused they can not get in trouble because they were just looking out for the best interest of the child. Schools are supposed to be safe and teachers are responsible for looking out for their students, not just educating them. It is not in their job description,but morally I feel it is a necessity because if teachers do not do so and the parents do not care, then who is going to help these children?


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