Case
Teacher, I'm so tired!

In my internship, I have a young girl who complains to me every day that she is so tired and wants to take a nap. In fact, during silent reading time, when students are allowed to pick any place in the classroom to read for 15 minutes, she ends up in a place that is comfortable and hidden away and she often falls asleep. One day, when she complaining to me about how tired she was, I asked her why she is always so tired and asked her what time she goes to bed at night. She then proceeded to tell me that when her mother has a man over, she is forced to sleep on the couch with the television on and she usually does not fall asleep until one or two in the morning. She also told me that sometimes men come to her house in the middle of the night and wake her up because she has to share a room with her mom. Then her mom puts her in the living room again and she cannot fall asleep until the man leaves. This is extreme and I told her teacher who then told me that there was not really anything we could do. I disagree and was wondering what I might be able to do as an intern? If not with the home situation, then at least with how to maybe help her stay awake in school and energize her to work…

Posted on: 11/04/12 | Views: 1597
Solution #1
This is a very serious situation. Although the child may not be in physical harm, there should still be something done. I would suggest talking to the guidance counselor about the situation. Then they would most likely decide the best way, if any, to address the situation or speak with the mother about the child's well being. I don't think you should try to handle the situation yourself; you may put your internship at risk.

It is our duty to keep our students safe.

This is a good solution. Having the guidance councilor involved could help make a better solution.

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Solution #2
As a student who will soon be an intern myself and have worked with children for years, I believe that if your supervising teacher isn't willing to help you then I think you should go to your college professor who is in charge of the internships. They may be able to tell you what exactly can be done without disrespecting the classroom teacher and will not jeopardise your internship. I defiantely think you should let one of your supervisors know besides the classroom teacher, especially since she thinks there is nothing that can be done. I disagree with her.

First it is sad to hear things like this and not sure that the correct solution is my favorite, but I think that this is the correct way to move through the chain of command.

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Solution #3
This is a very serious issue. I do not think that there is much you can do in the classroom. If she is tired and sleepy, she is tired and sleepy. She cannot focus on her learning until her biological needs are taken care of. The situation requires a more fundamental solution. The school administration should contact the proper social service agency to inform them about this young girl's situation.
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Solution #4
In a situation like this, the student should see a counselor. If this still affects the student, then it should be reported so some type of action could take place. Allowing students to stretch as a whole an at the same time making it fun will sometimes help students get over being sleepy. Allowing them to move closer to the front so that they could focus more will sometimes help also.
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Solution #5
If the teacher is telling you there Is nothing you can do, and you feel concerned still, then I would definitely speak with someone in charge of your internship to see what else you can do. Maybe you could recommend the teacher to set up a parent conference and let her know that her daughter is constantly falling asleep in class. You never know, maybe the mom will realize she is not making the best decisions.

I agree with this solution. The teacher can have a meeting and bring these concerns to the mother. Best case scenerio the mother will fix this issue.

I definitely agree that you should speak to the administration, or someone involved in your internship, that way they can decide what to do about the issue.

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Solution #6
This is a problem we wish we could fix on our own. We want to try to help as much as possible but sometimes we can only go so far. One thing we are obligated to do is report this unhealthy situation. Children should not live a life like this. Yet, in the classroom, we can make activities interesting to help her. For example, with the silent reading, possibly a teacher or another classmate can read with her or just listen to her and then after a while provide her the opportunity to read silently while the teacher tends to others. Another thing to do, is give her a designated area to stay in (don't allow her to choose an area she may feel too comfortable in).
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Solution #7
In a situation like this, the student should see a counselor. If this still affects the student, then it should be reported so some type of action could take place. Allowing students to stretch as a whole an at the same time making it fun will sometimes help students get over being sleepy. Allowing them to move closer to the front so that they could focus more will sometimes help also.
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Solution #8
It is up to you and no one else to decide whether or not you should report something. You did what we are told to do in reporting to your CT first, the next step is reporting it to your supervisor. They may be insightful on what your next move is, whether speaking to guidance or making a further report. As for school, allow her some time to lay her head down after lunch during a transition time. Or you could create activities that require movement and group interaction.
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Solution #9
I would try to help this student by suggesting that she come in early in the morning and allowing her to lay down in the classroom before school starts. I would contact CPS about the home life anonymously just to ensure that it is a safe environment for the student. Also providing the student with a small sugary snack might help her stay awake as well.
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Solution #10
It is difficult for you to address because you do not want to step on your teacher's toes but clearly there is an issue. Does the student get to school early? Maybe you could allow her to come in the room first thing and nap. The teacher needs to realize that there is a bigger issue. Administration, guidance, and possibly even DCF need to be notified.
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Solution #11
unfortunately, sleep is not a problem that can be handled at school. It would be beneficial to give her snacks to make up for the lack of sleep she is getting, but that won't solve the problem. Call the authorities and report this. I would consider it child abuse. If you are an intern and your CT says not to worry about it, talk to your supervisor through the university. Talk to the principal or guidance counselor at the school you are attending.

I would not go above the teacher and report it to the schools administration. I would consult a senior member of the university and get advice from them.

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Solution #12
There is a hotline that you can call anonymously to give information you may have on a minor who is possibly being abused. This is definitely a case of abuse since she is suffering at school because of choices her mother is making. I would definitely report to the hotline!
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