Helping students from poverty will also assist the rest of your classroom.  Even children from the middle class need reminders of the rules and extra support at times.

Ideas for helping students:

     *Use the "adult" voice.  Please refer to the Language and Voice page for more information.
     *Teach the hidden rule in your classroom.  See the Hidden Rules page for more information.
     *Keep resource information on hand to give to families that may need help finding support.  See the resources page and the Directory of Related Links for more information.
     *Remember that children from poverty have difficulty organizing their thoughts.  They are used to storied being told in a round about way.  This shows especially in storytelling.  It may be difficult for them to comprehend stories as well.
     *Children from poverty may be hungry, dirty, abused, and neglected.  Keep in mind that appearance doesn't tell all.  You will never know everything that goes on in a child's home.  Please be aware that school may be the only safe place for a child and that there may be many other distracting things on a child's mind while they are in school.  Take the time to be patient and understanding with every student.
     *Keep some healthy snacks in the room for needy children.
     *Send videos instead of notes to the children's parents in case they can't read.
     *If you believe a child is being abused, contact CPS at
        716-661-8040