Understanding Socioeconomically Deprived and A Case Study of a Child Living in Poverty

By: Carol Mizelle

February 2, 2012

Section I

Summary of article

While reading this article, I found myself constantly thinking about the children I come in contact with daily. The article did a great job in depicting the culture of poverty, and emphasizing ways to teach to children of poverty. Understanding a childs background helps to put the child in a perspective to be reached. Many children are overlooked in education because no one has ever taken the time to find out about the circumstances that surrounds individual children. First of all, children of poverty are often deprived due to their circumstances. Poverty children are lacking many influences and experiences to help them function in a sustainable society. Reviewing the information of this article proves that it has been discovered, children are individually unique based on their culture and influences. Educators must adjust teaching styles and school techniques to allow for the vast differences in children.

When dealing with discipline, children of poverty respond to swift and physical means. Therefore, physical punishment places a child in a physical state of mind rather than a mental approach. Knowing this information tells one that students will manipulate and

perform better with their hands rather than their heads. Teachers should adjust their activities accordingly. Lastly, students of poverty see school as unfair and of no great value. Students are deprived of learning not because the student cannot learn, but because the learning lacks meaning or directions. All learning must become interesting, relevant, and active to enable the best for all students. Learning should be focused on studentcentered design, firm and definite. Students must be provided with real work to develop proper habits and skills.

Section II

Case Study

The student that I chose as a depiction of living in poverty has various identification of cultural poverty that equates him to definitely belong to this situation. He is a from a single parent home, and he has two other siblings. Furthermore, his characteristics are commonly present with generational poverty. When calling his mother there is often background noise constantly overcastting the conversation. The mother fulfills the role as the full caretaker of her mother, and his siblings, which are all living in the same generational house.

The mother seems not to prioritize academic learning for her or her son. She has a job sometimes, and reveals the fact of the job she has is about making money to survive, and never looks for a career opportunity. Another example would be the fact of his organization skills. Dealing with organization and long-term project planning he often states and shows of his lack of organization skills. Many times this student has been reprimanded for various behavior issues. He deals with punishment as forgiveness, and does not see it as a way to change his negative behavior habits. Other behavioral issues that exist depict that he feels he cant do what is required, and states I quit then gives up instead of resolving his issues at the moment. One of the many ways I have tried to help this student, is to ensure he always has supplies needed for the day. Whether it is pencil, paper, or books for class, I try to provide what is needed. I always try to encourage and praise that child with encouraging words. I tend to be diligent about understanding what his immediate needs are in school. He is allowed to complete his project work on a level

that he feels success. Even though I feel that he has to overcome many obstacles, I know that I will remain confident in requiring that he fulfill what is evident each day.

Section III

Reflection

Reading this article expands my thinking to a different level. I have always tried to be very aware of my students needs, but now I constantly find myself thinking about why the child is reacting to a situation. Exploring teaching techniques, allows me to self reflect about what I can do to improve the lives of my students. Educating a child involves knowing the complete child. It is not until you completely know the child, and the circumstances in which they live that you can truly educate the child to the fullest.
In her book, Understanding Children of Poverty, Ruby Payne discusses the hidden rules that govern how each of us behaves in our social class. Those rules, because they are hidden and only known to those within the group, prove to be a major stumbling block for individuals trying to improve and move from poverty class. (source 2)

Poverty impacts a students learning as well decision making. I feel we must understand that children of poverty come from a different world. Most of the time we take for granted the circumstance in which we live. We learn to survive for the normal. Most teachers, like myself, have a middle-class background. Teachers and administrators must overcome background misunderstanding, and be open to changing real-world techniques that can make a difference in the way we teach our children. I feel this article along with the book has opened my eyes and heart, so

that I can be more aware of students circumstances and improve students learning.

Sources

Source 1: The Socioeconomically Deprived Adaptive Instruction (Part III) Source 2: Understanding Poverty (Ruby Payne)