Why is it important for teachers to understand the impact of poverty on families?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Children who come from families living in poverty do not share the life experiences of their middle-class peers and teachers. Children come to school with needs; in order to meet those needs a teacher must understand the background history of their students. A child who is living in extreme poverty may not have their basic biological needs met. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs reminds us that a hungry child will not learn as well as one who is well-nourished. Even if the child has access to food, it may not be nutritious, contributing to poor health. Poverty causes stress in families, so a child's home life may be difficult. A child living in poverty may lack hope. Children in poverty may not have access to adequate housing. Parents may not be able to help their children with homework or provide computers or supplemental resources. Teachers must not judge a parent based on their inability to come to school events and to be involved in a child's education, because the parents may be working or lack transportation. Poverty tends to isolate many affected parents from their children's schools. Teachers must understand the multiple impacts of poverty in order to meet their students' needs and reach out to families.