Embarrassing Questions from Elementary Students: A Teacher's Perspective

As a teacher, you encounter a wide range of questions from your students, some of which can be quite embarrassing, especially in subjects like sex and relationships education. Here are a few instances that stand out as particularly uncomfortable.

A Sex and Relationships Education Nightmare

One such case occurred when I was teaching a class of year 6 boys in a topic that is often met with mixed emotions – sex and relationships education. I drew the short straw and ended up being the one to teach them. To their dismay, many of the boys were upset that it wasn't a male teacher taking on the role. In an attempt to assert their control over the situation, the first question they threw my way was: “What is a wet dream?”

I took this opportunity to provide a detailed but appropriate explanation of nocturnal emissions, leaving the boys squirming in their seats. At the age of 11, most boys and girls find any mention of puberty, especially involving female instructors, to be highly embarrassing. Yet, it was a turning point that allowed us to dive into numerous sessions on sexuality and relationships with openness and honesty.

Teasing About Physical Attributes

Another embarrassing moment came when I was asked about a physical feature of mine that I find quite unsettling – my bad, uneven teeth. I suffered a hockey injury as a child and my parents couldn't afford braces, leading to a front tooth that is permanently black due to a lack of nerves and blood flow. This question was much more common in my younger days of teaching, but I still remember the kids' reactions. Brushing it all day didn't make a difference; it was always black.

Despite this, I was occasionally teased for not brushing my teeth properly. It's a situation that I've grown accustomed to, knowing that it is an inherited trait rather than a conscious neglect. Still, when this occurs, it can be a delicate matter to navigate, especially with such a sensitive topic.

Innocence and Honest Communication

Students often ask if their teacher likes another teacher. Although this can be taken in a positive way, it can sometimes imply a romantic interest, which might not be appropriate to discuss. Always be prepared to answer such questions with honesty, but also with respect. Kids are perceptive and can quickly detect discomfort or an attempt to avoid the truth.

One particular moment was when a kindergarten student approached me, visibly happy, and asked why. I inquired, “Oh that's great. How often do you see him?” The child replied, “I've never seen him. He has been away.” I followed up by asking, “Wow! This is special then. Where has daddy been?” The kid responded, “He did something bad so he was in time out.”

This candid response from the child was actually telling me that his father was in prison and was being released that day. I learned about this from the mother later. This moment highlights why honesty and open communication are crucial in dealing with young children's questions.

Conclusion

Teaching involves a lot of unexpected moments, some of which can be quite embarrassing. However, these experiences are part of the journey and can be opportunities for learning and growth, both for the teacher and the students.

Keyword: embarrassing questions, elementary school, teacher experiences