So why is living in poverty a problem for children? Children living in poverty have trouble having hope for the next day. They may be taking care of their siblings and not able to focus on their studies. They may have parents who have continuous cycles of job/no job which means hungry tummies. Or parents may be in jail. Children in these circumstances don't get enough food, sleep, attention, or love. This can lead to some major setbacks in their development as a person, and a brighter future for tomorrow.
The next question is, how will I address this in my classroom? Well, since I have some firsthand experience of living in poverty I think I will be able to help my students a lot. For one, I do not feel that I need to "discuss" poverty with my students. I remember when I was in Elementary school and my teachers would talk about how can we help the poor? And I was like, I am right here, but I don't want you to know. My pride was hurt. I knew I was poor, but didn't want my classmates to know. Secondly, for my own students who are in poverty I will attempt to work with the parents/ caregivers, quietly. My goal is to develop a strong relationship with each parent/caregiver. I want them to know I am on their side and am more than willing to help. If that means providing meals, providing resources, providing time for them, I will do it. Thirdly, I understand that some of my students may not be from poverty. But, I do not want to make the students in my classroom who are in poverty specimens for the rest of the class. I feel like this information could be addressed in my newsletter, and I could request that parents discuss this with their children. Then finally, I want to inspire my children in poverty that they can get out of poverty and they do not have to remain in it. Does it seem hopeless at times? Yes. Does it seem like they will have the money to go to college? No. But I was there. I am not in it. And I am in college. I have to develop relationships with my own students and know their thoughts and feelings about their life and dreams before I can help them. But I want to share my own story with them, and the stories of others who have made it out, so they know life is not hopeless. I want my classroom to be a haven for them if that's what they need.
