I'm livid. I'm far from being fluent in Spanish, but I have three very close Puerto Rican friends who I consider sisters. I've been around them enough to hear conversations and learn a little Spanish. And like any language, I've learned good words and bad words. It really angers me to think this child thought it was ok to speak like that in my presence, assuming I didn't understand him.
Has anyone else had this issue??? How do you deal with it???
YIKES! And no, it's never happened to me. :( What are you going to do???
ReplyDeleteKristin
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
I had a child last year (3rd grade) that would beep himself out. He'd say, "What the fff...." like I didn't know what he was saying. I just addressed the issue head on and said that I knew what he meant and even if he didn't say the word, he was implying it. I would definitely just call the kid out. Let him know that you understood and it was highly inappropriate. It doesn't matter what language you use...bad language is bad language and we don't use it at school. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out. ~Amanda @ The Teaching Thief
ReplyDeleteYes . . . I've heard words in Spanish and Korean that I've recognized from friends of the respective cultures. I've called them out on it and let them know I knew exactly what they said (without translating to them). Usually it catches them off guard, but I know it's not going to stop them from saying it . . . just maybe not in my earshot. To stop it all together I think it'd have to be a united effort on the part of parents and teachers.
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Mel, you're so right. Kristen, I called the kid out immediately. He had the "deer in the headlights" look. He knew I was completely aware of what he said and that it upset me. He didn't misbehave for the rest of SS. I told his teacher about it once we had a moment to talk privately. I just hope that today was the one and only time it will ever happen. Thanks for the advice!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have. In middle school I usually ask them if there parents know they talk like that. Being middle schoolers I usually get a yes. I then tell them that I am sorry, but that I don't allow it and that I need to verify it with their parents.
ReplyDeleteWhen I call their parents and they find out that their child is talking like that and that they are saying their parents approve it usually comes to an abrupt halt.
I have had parents immediately come to school, to deal with their child. Many don't even have a clue their child is using that vocabulary with anyone, let alone an adult at school.
When I catch students saying things like that. I let their parents know what they said (no matter what language). I usually get a supportive response from the parents. Also,you may want to speak a few words of Spanish so they know you know. It just might surprise them.
ReplyDelete