Dave Z

Posted on 10/20/09

On 10/19/09, KL wrote:
> One thing I've always been complimented on is my classroom
> management- though for the last 3 years I've never had more
> than 22 kids on my roster. This year, due to budget cuts,
> they decided to put several classes on overload- meaning our
> cap is at 28 and I have 29 students. Seven extra bodies
> makes a difference! The one issue that my teaching partner
> and I are struggling with is extremely inappropriate
language.

I feel for you.
>
> Our 5th graders are using very sexual words and mimicking
> some sexual actions. Of course the consequence is going
> straight to the principal (legally this has to be our first
> recourse). You'd think this would eliminate some of the
> words and behaviors, but kids come right back from the
> principal and start saying lewd things about their body
parts.

Why is the consequence going straight to the principal? You
are sending the message to the students that you can't handle
them. They also get out of class. What happens to them when
they go to the principal? They may be playing you to get out
of class.
>
> We don't have a school counselor, so assistance from a
> mental health professional is not an option. If it was just
> one kid instigating it, I would report possible sexual
> abuse- but it's many kids, usually boys, demonstrating these
> behaviors. We're wondering if it has to do with puberty and
> noticing bodily changes. We can't teach human growth and
> development until May though- so addressing that is not an
> option either.

I think it would be a good idea for you to talk to them about
what is acceptable in school. When they are not acceptable,
there needs to be a fair and appropriate consequence. Not
all children who do that are sexually abused. I'm not saying
it isn't a possibility, but you need to be pretty sure to
walk on that slope.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas about how we can teach our kids
> that this is inappropriate behavior? So far we've
> disciplined with the principals, had class and individual
> discussions about sexual harassment, have shown the kids our
> district discipline matrix, and have talked to parents.
> None of it has been effective; it's actually gotten worse.
> I am so open to any ideas right now! I don't want another
> day of this in my classroom (actually out on the playground,
> reporting behaviors in the classroom).
>
What is the administration doing?

> Thanks!
> KL
>

Share This Post | Report This Post

Next Post >>

Posts on this thread, including this one