From the Home to the Classroom: Supporting Students with Difficult Home Lives

When I began student teaching at Ridgeway Elementary School in January 2025, I met two students who I will call Juliana and Shelly. Both of the girls’ mothers are battling cancer. Developing relationships with both girls inspired me to center my Masters Thesis around the effects of a parent’s catastrophic illness on a child. I explore the child’s social/emotional development, school performance, and coping behaviors. Drawing from my Human Development in Context and Theories of Development courses, I outline key theories and thinkers that connect to the topic. These include family systems theory, holism, and Urie Bronfenbrenner. During the research process, it became evident that I needed to conduct interviews with individuals I have worked with in the three schools to better understand the implications of having a child with a catastrophically ill parent in the classroom. Two organizations that provide support for those affected by cancer, Cancer Support Community and Wonders & Worries are explored. The vital role of the teacher is the next section, with steps that teachers can take to ensure that students are supported well during this difficult time. And finally, I conclude with concrete steps for bridging the gap between home and school through positive relationships.