RUNNINNG HEAD: TEACHING ALL CHILDREN

Teaching All Children

Corinne Watson
Ashford University/ ECE 405
Professor: Andrea Lara
10-26-2015

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Teaching all children

When children arrive to classrooms what do we see? Bright eyes, excitement, and eagerness.
Frist days are often filled with these things for most students, but for some the thought of worn
clothes, a sparse meal if any, and embarrassment might be filling their minds. When children live
in poverty, the uncertainty of each day is a reality of life. When children live in a homeless
situation the weather usually controls each day. (Sulkowski Michael L., 2014) Cities such as San
Diego, California are finding ways to serve, and be successful in educating their High risk
students. We as a nation find that the numbers of low income and homeless students are rising.
This means that each teacher no matter which State within our country they might work in, will
be faced with this rising reality. So how do we help students overcome lifes obstacles when they
seem over whelming? And is it our job as educators to even worry about a childs life once they
leave our classrooms?
Making Connections
We want to enable them to leave us with curiosity, and crave knowledge. This wanting for
knowledge will set our students on the path of learning. But can they learn if they are hungry?
Can they learn if they are wet or cold? The answer is no. Children must have their basic needs
met before they can truly engage in the classroom. So as a nation there are free lunch programs,
which also offer free breakfast, and a snack in the afternoon. Models such as Head Start feeds the
children as an essential part of their daily program. (Curenton, 2013) Many churches offer
assistants with shelters, and clothing. (Sulkowski Michael L., 2014) So how would a teacher
connect a family to all of these kind of things? Well when a student is enrolled at any campus the
free, and reduced meal program forms should be handed to every family. This information is kept
confidential.

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If within the classroom a teacher sees that she/he still has hungry children, I have witness
teachers allowing student to have such things as cheese and crackers, or even a bowl of healthy
cereal to get them through the morning. This teacher knew that the students could not arrive early
to school, and that food was scarce at home. Is this ethical? Some say yes, and others no.
Teaching, and caring for the whole child is essential, if you want success. So how are these
things done? 1. At home visits you get to enter their world. Not to judge but to be understanding
of limitation the child might have. This is a great time to ask of family needs. And have ready
resources to give regarding living situations. (Utilities, rent, food, clothing.)This is also a model
which Head Start follows. 2. Later in the year a parent teacher conference takes place it is a great
time to follow up on progress. 3. When working with pre-k students parents can volunteer, and
partake in meals at school with the children. 4. Handouts are often sent home with information to
connect families to activities within the community. Teachers can keep a resource board handy
for all parents so that local assistance can be found easily.
Working with the child
Student need to be watched as they learn. Are they reaching milestones? If not, why not? Taking
antidotal notes to look back on as a teacher assesses each learning goal is important.
Understanding the limits of their home life is also important. So what can I do within my
classroom to help a child with these types of life situation learn? 1. I would fist see where the
need is. Then find ways to meet that need. 2. I would offer tutoring to any student struggling to
achieve a goal. This could be done as a group after school or during the school day as schedules
permit. 3. Be welcoming each, and every day. I would let each student know that I am truly glad
they have arrived. 4. Connect student to school counselors as needed.

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Bringing It All Together

Finally a teacher needs to be understanding, and work hard to know what the student needs to be
effective. As educators we see statistics of rising numbers of students coming to our classrooms
from these difficult life situations. We will all be faced with this reality at one point. (Lefrancois,
2012) Educating our selves on how this can affect our student, and knowing that even faced with
these struggles of life they can be successful is key. Arming our self with resources to share with
families before the year starts, and keeping track of changes within our communities, are all
ways proven to be helpful to our students and their families. Teaching all children in a caring
manner, with thoughtful words, prepared lessons, and a understanding attitude would make each
classroom an effective teaching space.

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References
Curenton, S. &. (2013). Cultural Competence in Early Childhood Education. San
Diego, Ca: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Lefrancois. (2012). Children's Journeys: Exploring Early Childhood. San Diego, Ca:
Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Sulkowski Michael L., K. C. (2014). School-Based service delivery to homeless
students: Overcoming Significant Barriers . National Association of school
Psychologists, Issue 1. p 1-5.