Hello everyone!
This month we're taking a slightly different viewpoint for our lesson. In school, we often find ourselves in discussions about how to speak with students about personal care, particularly in the spring when the weather gets warm. Let's just say that 4th grade classrooms - especially those in the portables that lack air conditioning - can get a little ripe! Taking care of our bodies is a lifelong job. Practicing good hygiene is more important than ever for young students whose bodies are inching closer to the enormous changes of adolescence. Whether we are talking about body odor, toilet practices, bad breath or the transmission of germs, most students can surely benefit from a reminder of why good hygiene is important.
Practicing good hygiene does more than help us stay healthy. It allows us to look and feel our best. One of the underlying reasons for teaching children good hygiene practices is to help them develop a sense of self-esteem and personal value. A child who cares about himself or herself is more likely to maintain a clean personal appearance. This becomes even more significant as children approach adolescence and their bodies begin to change.
Students were reminded that many adults are available to them to answer any tricky questions they may have about taking care of their bodies. As always, we recommend they go to their parents for advice and support but we are here to help as well.
My collaboration with 4th grade teachers indicated a pressing issue for them was how to broach the subject with a student if a chronic situation should arise. In the interest of respecting student's burgeoning self-awareness, our class discussions revolved around the hypothetical 'what if'. It was very enlightening to the adults in the room to hear the perspective of students. The overwhelming majority indicated they would prefer to hear a discreet message from a trusted peer than an adult.
From there, we modeled the 'who, what, when, where and how' this could be done in the school setting, using very specific examples. Though initially uncomfortable with the topic, students were very animated and actively participating in this discussion. We can hope that by setting up scenarios and fostering thought on the topic, everyone can make an awkward situation less so by gaining understanding of an appropriate way to handle it with kindness and respect.
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