THE HOME

SOCIAL CLASSES AND HIDDEN RULES

The classroom is a melting pot of students from all different cultures, backgrounds, and economic social classes. Each of these bring with them "hidden rules" of that group in which these children have been raised. It is important as a teacher to be aware of these hidden rules to better understand and relate to the students. This creates a student-to-teacher trust and prevents the teacher from having unrealistic expectations.

WEALTH

It’s not okay not to be perfect
You are not respected unless you have an expertise
Time is more important that money
Details make or break you
Rules do not apply to my child
The weapon of choice is social

MIDDLE CLASS

Respect the position, even if you don’t respect the person.
Don’t air your dirty laundry in public.
When the topic is unpleasant, change the subject.
It’s ok to tell white lies.
Basic verbal courtesies are expected.
Use a 6-12 in voice.

POVERTY

Noise level is higher.
Important information is non-verbal.
Your value to your group is your ability to entertain.
You are not respected unless you are personally strong.
There are a wide range of behaviors that are accepted.

MANDATORY REPORTERS

By law, all teachers are mandatory reporters of child abuse. Abuse can have many forms: physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual, neglect. Regardless of the type, all forms of abuse are detrimental to the child's well being.

Signs of child abuse:

Withdrawal from friends or normal activities
Changes in behavior or school performance
Sudden loss of self-confidence
Depression, anxiety, or attempted suicide
Frequent absences from school
Attempts at running away
Rebellious or defiant behavior
Unexplained injuries and bruises

PARENTS

The most influential adult figures in the life of a child are his or her parents. Parenting styles and divorce are a huge factor in how receptive the child will be to a school environment. The following are just a few facts and statistics on these subjects. To find more information, click link to the right:

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PARENTING STYLES

Of children with helicopter parents, 84% feel overwhelmed with responsibilities
Signs in the child of permissive parenting:
- low achievement
- lack of self-control
- poor decision making
- substance abuse

DIVORCE

Over 50% of marriages end in divorce
Children in the midst of a divorce often blame themselves
Children from divorced families are twice as likely to drop out of high school
28% of children living with a parent who is divorced live below the poverty level