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!) 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.