Re: Profanity in the Classroom?

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On 1/24/11, Piper Lynch wrote:
> Are teachers required to be the 'potty mouth' police? What
> are some acceptable ways to handle classroom language and
> profanity?

I developed a procedure on the first day of school for
profanity. I knew that working in North Philly and teaching 7th
& 8th grade English to some of the poorest students in the
country would be challenging. I also knew that I would
encounter profanity on a day to day basis. I thought about how
I could deescalate the situation when I heard the profanity,
since many students in poverty need to "save face" when
confronted by the teacher, but I also knew I could not allow
that type of language in my classroom. So, I invented a
procedure for dealing with profanity. I explained it to the
students like this: I expect academic language in this class at
all times. However, I understand you have been out with your
friends all summer and may not be used to using academic
language every day. I also understand that many times cursing
is a habit, and you may not even realize you are doing it.
Then, I showed them a picture of my fiancee. I explained that
he too struggles with profanity (which he really does!) but is
trying to fix his problem, but bad habits are hard to break.
While he is an intelligent person, some people may not believe
that when they hear him swearing. Then, I explained the
procedure to them: If I hear you swearing, I will say,
"Language" in a tone that is neutral. They are not in trouble
when I say "Language" (the tone of voice is key!!). However, I
do expect them to use the procedure. If they choose not to use
the procedure, they I will follow up with consequences. For
the first few weeks, I was vigilant about enforcing this
consistently. Every time I heard profanity, even if it was
whispered, I would say, "Language." Students were so responsive
to the procedure! They would immediately apologize and restate
what they meant to say. Now, students often censor their own
language before I even say "Language" to them. Many had broken
the habit all together and did not use profanity after the
first few weeks. I even began to hear students say "Language"
to each other! I was so surprised this procedure worked so
well to deescalate this problem.

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