| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
The Newcomer
Ivan came to my 5th grade classroom two weeks ago. He moved to the United States with his parents about a month ago from Russia. Both of his parents are graduate students at the local university. Ivan speaks no English at all. There are no other Russian speakers in our school, so I cannot use a translator when I try to communicate with Ivan. So, I decided that I would give him time learn some English through everyday interactions with me and his classmates. Two days ago I heard Ivan using the "F-word" repeatedly on the playground and in the classroom. I do not exactly know how he learned the word but my guess is that one of his classmates taught it to him as a joke. I have to address this problem. I have to find a way to explain to Ivan that this word is not acceptable. I also have to find out who taught this to him. I cannot allow these types behaviors in the classroom. I am not sure if I should involve the parents. I need to do something, but what? |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 1
Posted November 30, 2012 5:29 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I would let the parents know that this is a problem that you have seen occur in the classroom and on the playground. I would tell them that it is not acceptable to say this word at anytime while at school. I would also apologize to the parents and say that you are trying to find out where this language came from. I think by letting the parents know immediately, they have a better chance of getting through to Ivan and communicating with him that it's not acceptable. I would first go to the parents in this situation since there is a barrier of different languages with you and Ivan. It would be different if he knew some English and you could use basic words like "no" and "don't say", etc. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 2
Posted December 9, 2012 11:38 pm |
|
|
|
| |
You could sit Ivan down next to you at a computer and use some sort of translation software or website to write something to him. Both languages would be on the screen, so both of you will know what the other is saying. You should consider giving the parents a head's up. Let them know what's going on and explain how you know he's not doing it on purpose, but it still has to stop. Make sure you find out who has been teaching him this stuff and address that issue. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
That's a good idea. If you notice a student is using bad words, take the opportunity to address the issue to the class. It's better to try and fix the issue early before things get way out of hand. |
| |
Posted on: February 17, 2013 7:55 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 3
Posted December 7, 2012 4:15 pm |
|
|
|
| |
Since Ivan know no English you're going to have to talk to his parents to get them to help you let him know it's not acceptable to say that word. Since you think the kids in your class taught him that word, you will also need to address the issue with them and let them know that it won't be tolerated. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 4
Posted February 17, 2013 7:49 pm |
|
|
|
| |
Most children don't know a word is a bad word until they see someone's reaction. They are not born to say bad words. They learn from the actions of other people. They can see and hear a lot of things other people are doing. I would not yell at a child for swearing, because I don't think yelling would solve anything. It's never okay to label a child bad. It's the behavior that may be an issue. If I heard a student of mine using curse words, I would take the opportunity to address the issue to the whole class. I won't mention the student's name. I would like to discuss with the class that we will not be talking like that here at school. Some words can really hurt someone's feelings. Just because you may hear a particular word being used, that doesn't mean it is okay to say to someone. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 5
Posted December 9, 2012 4:49 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I would try an find a way to tell Ivan that saying that word is unacceptable. He can't be held accountable for that when he doesn't understand what the word means. I would then try a role play where I am speaking a language and I have the student repeat after me and have everyone laugh at him because in my fake language what I just said was a bad word. We would then discuss how it made him feel and why it was unacceptable to do this. I would also mention that if this ever happened in our classroom that I would call the child responsible's parents and send that child to the office. Bullying will not be tolerated. I wouldn't address that it already happened but try and prevent it in the future. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 6
Posted November 30, 2012 9:06 pm |
|
|
|
| |
Addressing the entire class could be difficult because the person who said the word may not come forward or his/her friends may not want to tattle. I would discuss the severity of using such language and how it is inappropriate to not only use that language, but how it is mean and disrespectful to teach the word to a student who does not speak english as a joke. I would then have an anonymous dropbox where students could come forward by writing the name of the person on a slip of paper. Maybe have the entire class do it all at once to reduce the chances of someone seeing another student drop the slip in the box. If done anonymously, you may have a better chance of a student coming forward and telling the truth. In terms of the student who does not speak English, I would talk to the parents, explaining the situation and apologizing for the incident. I would also attempt to work with the ESOL teacher to communicate in a way the child can understand he should no longer use the F word. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 7
Posted December 7, 2012 1:05 pm |
|
|
|
| |
First of all, I would have a serious discussion with the class. I would let them know how disappointed I was. I would ask the students to reflect on how they would feel if someone taught them language like this if they were in Ivan's situation. I would explain that Ivan could get into trouble for using this language and he doesn't even know what it means. I would explain that Ivan is having to integrate into a new country, school, culture, and lifestyle. The last thing he needs is to not be able to trust his classmates. I am not usually one to jump to punishment as a solution, but in this case I would. I would explain to the class that they would have privileges taken away until someone came forward. Someone (most likely more than one student) knows who taught this language to Ivan. Living without privileges would most likely bring new information to light. This would also serve as a warning to the entire class that this behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. I would contact Ivan's parents to inform them of the situation. I would then request that they come to my class so the students could apologize to them. Seeing the severity of their actions should force the students to reflect on this poor behavior and ensure that it doesn't happen again. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 8
Posted December 8, 2012 4:13 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I think that you should prepare a lesson geared towards proper language usage within the classroom. If you make it a rule to not use bad language than the children will have no excuses if they use the bad language. I would also let the parents know that they child has been using the F word, and that they should talk to their child about words that he shouldn't be using at school. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 9
Posted December 8, 2012 9:00 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I'm not sure if involving his parents right now is a good idea, he doesn't know any better so he shouldn't get in trouble. However, I would have a talk with me. Ask him who taught that word to him and explain that that is not a word to be used in the classroom or at home. Tell him not to use that word anymore and if he does it will result in consequences. Don't be mad at him, remember he's just learning from the other students. I would whenever he gave me that name of the student talk to him and tell his parents that he's teaching this word to other students and that is not acceptable. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 10
Posted December 8, 2012 10:17 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I would let the parents know about the situation. If they are attending a local graduate program, chances are they speak English well enough. If not, a translator might be needed. Just explain that you know Ivan is still adjusting and trying to learn English, but that the language he is using is inappropriate for school and if they could encourage him to not use that word anymore. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 11
Posted December 9, 2012 10:56 pm |
|
|
|
| |
First you should talk with the class as a whole and let them know that you have rules in your classroom (which I know they know already) and that what was done to Ivan was very hurtful because he didn't realize that the word was not a nice one. But if you feel the need you can met with his parents; I feel that somethings can be controlled in classroom. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 12
Posted February 22, 2015 3:57 am |
|
|
|
| |
I would not want to make a big deal about the "F" word as it is probably not being used intentionally.I would look to use some type of translator software and sit down with the student and communicate that the use of the word is not suggested. I would also involve the class in an effort to help Ivan assimilate into our country and incorporate a lesson about immigration and the challenges in coming to America. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Solution 13
Posted December 8, 2012 3:56 pm |
|
|
|
| |
I would pulled Ivan to the side and ask him where he learned the F-word. I would tell him that I am glad he's learning English words but the F-word is not an appropriate English word for to be using. I would explain to him what that word mean and address him not to use it. I would then address with the rest of my students that, that type of language or English word is not appropriate for anyone to be saying, and I would love to not hear it again. Then, I would send a letter home to Ivan parents stating the incident but tell them I did not punish him but did correct the matter. |
|
|
| Comments posted for this solution |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
