Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: 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: (Rates are posted for this solution!) 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.