Case
Smelling of Animals and Body Order

I have a set of twins in my classroom that smell of cat urine and body order. They preform well and their parents seem to care about their academic goals. However, I am worried about their hygiene. What should I do?

Posted on: 07/08/19 | Views: 439
Solution #1
A possible solution would be asking students about their pet situation at home, to get a better understanding of what exactly is going. If both students are coming to school like that it could be unsafe living conditions or maybe they just play with a street cat on the way to school. First, I would better understand what is going on then I would take corrective action to fix the issue.
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Solution #2
Depending on the age group I would intertwine basic hygiene steps throughout the class. For example, getting enough sleep (maybe nap time), washing their hands, wearing clean clothes, exercising and being healthy. Teach these skills, and implement them before going to lunch have all the students wash their hands if there is a sink in your class. Teach them to neatly hang up their jacket after they return inside. Or you could talk to the students and gather more information on why they may smell this way. You could kindly share you concerns with the parents.

I like bringing healthy steps into classroom procedures as a way to model it for the class. Talking to the students and the parents is always a good step.

I agree with this solution and like how teaching these skills in the classroom can be important.

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Solution #3
This is something that can get very personal and easily offensive. Reaching out to the parents and just informing them that maybe it is something other students are picking up on as well and it is making the girls uncomfortable can open them to realize that the girls are carrying an odor as they may be so used to living in it that they are unaware they even smell.
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Solution #4
First, I would try to understand their home life. Talk to their parents too, mention that you think the cat might be spraying on their stuff with the intention that the parents had no idea from being too busy. Second, I think that most schools have a washer and a dryer. Offer to have them bring in spare clothes and see if you can wash it for them once in a while. Some students may have just one sick cat that may not be able to control their bladder, and that can be an issue. Also kids are going through Hormonal changes, so they may smell worse than it really is. Just give them the best accommodations, like taking a five minute restroom break so they can possibly sponge bath it off too.
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Solution #5
i would ask the students if they have their own pets or is it the family pet. if its their own pet possibly reach out to the parent and explain to them that the student may need assistance when taking care of the animal.
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Solution #6
I would approach the schools counselor for help with this issue. Just because the parents seem attentive doesn't mean that there isn't more going on at home. It's important to have an extra set of ears on this, just in case it becomes a bigger issue.
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Solution #7
Incorporate a lesson that includes the importance of hygiene so it involves all students and doesn't single out the twins. Make hygiene a fun and exciting lesson to get the students interested and eager to be involved in their own hygiene. You could also send a letter home to all parents/guardians discussing the importance of student hygiene. Sometimes hygiene differences can be cultural and this is a part of their belief system so sensitivity should be taken when discussing it.
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Solution #8
I do not think it would be appropriate to make any immediate decisions such as talking with the student or contacting the parents about the animal odor. Especially if the student is performing well and the parents are involved. I would keep personal hygiene items such as deodorant, mouthwash, extra clothes, etc. for all students to use if needed. I would also incorporate a mini lesson about personal hygiene and ways in which we can keep our bodies clean and healthy.
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Solution #9
This is a very sensitive situation and needs to be handled with care. I believe that there are two options: try to have an informal conversation with the students or have a guidance counselor or nurse come in and speak with the students. The informal conversation can be about if the children have animals at home or asking what are some of the things they do at home for fun. This can give you an insight in to their home life and to determine if there is something unsafe that is going on or if it is just them playing with feral cats. The other option would be for you to have a school official come talk to them as they are usually more qualified to investigate issues of this matter.
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Solution #10
One solution that you could do is talk to their parents and try to help them remedy the situation. Another idea would be to possibly let them wash up in the teacher's bathroom and maybe use some lost and found clothes to give them something clean to wear.
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Solution #11
tell the guidance counselor

Telling the guidance counselor along with other steps like talking with their parents and asking them about pets. I don't think just telling the guidance counselor is going to solve much on its own.

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