Hi tygaBu, Your schools rules and codes of conduct may affect how you address this situation, but the bottom line is that your students need to understand that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. I was going to suggest using this as a learning opportunity by teaching some sort of social/emotional lesson about how words impact others but it seems like you already tried that and did not have success with it. Because this behavior is continuing, I would definitely conference with the students one-on-one and make sure to keep anecdotal notes/a record of this occurrence. If they are still unwilling to comply with your requests, I would give them consequences, such as lunch detention, and call the parents to let them know why they are receiving the consequence. Problems that still persist should be brought to administration. Hope this helps! Melissa

I am sorry to hear this. It is very unfortunate that some children do not understand that they need to be respectful and compassionate towards others, but I would not give up. Have you tried praising students for good behavior and showing compassion to others? I may offer a "prize" (snacks, stickers, time on computers, etc.) incentives for students to go out of their way to help others. I used to work at a job that had a "good citizenship" award, and we could nominate any employee we wanted if we saw them doing a good act for someone else, and their name was put into a raffle every month for a prize. Maybe you could try implementing something similar?? This may encourage students to behave better. Since you have already tried explaining to the class as a whole, I would next let them know that the behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance, and enough is enough. I would explain to them that if they continue to disrespect other students, there will be serious consequences, including a phone call home/teacher-parent meeting, and further action with the front office. This will either discourage them, or once one student is the example, discourage the rest. I don't have personal experience in this, but this is how I personally would handle it if I needed to take it further than what you have already tried with your class. This is so unfortunate and I wish you the best of luck. Don't give up!!

This is very sad to hear! I would bring this to the parent's attention immediately. I understand that parents are not always involved or will take their child's side, no matter the situation. That being said, you can also bring it to the administration's attention to possibly have these students removed, or receive counseling on bullying. You can also teach lessons on the harmful effects of bullying to get the message across.

Teach them about bullying and how that is a bullying word. Make them understand that there is a zero tolerance for that in the classroom. If they seem not to care, send them straight to the administrators office.

This word is often used, and I think it should be taught that it is unacceptable. I have seen resources online where you can take a pledge to never say the word. If you think that could apply to your classroom, attempt to give a lesson on not saying insulting words, including the R-word, and have them sign the pledge.

This is a word that should never be tolerated. I have heard student and even teachers say it before and it's such an offensive word. You can try to have the class write a research paper about bullying. Maybe have some approved websites for them to look up. This might change their perspective on bullying and its horrible effects.

I personally do not have much tolerance for use of the "R" word, or any offensive words for that manner. In the classroom, there should be a set of classroom rules and procedures calling for respect, kindness, and good behavior at all times (specifically worded, of course). Group bonding is a great way to combat such an issue!

I would maybe try to explain to students that the "r" word is outdated terminology due to its derogatory effects. Explain that society has moved into a people first language in order to give an alternative means of communicating this information. If students do not stop, I would call parents.

Have another lesson about correct and incorrect words and how to respect other. If they continue I would invovle the parents.

Explain to students that there is a zero tolerance for bullying not just inside the school but in the classroom as well. Address the issue that the R word is not the correct way to identify someone.

I also think that getting to the bottom of why they are "taken" to these students and education in the forms of differences, compassion, and kindness are valuable and mandatory in the classroom. I would absolutely get the parents in on the situation immediately parents can't help if they don't know what is going on. Also, try some group bonding and classroom activities where students work together.

Implementing something such as a "swear jar" or a "no-no jar" would be a good idea to use. If a student uses the R word or any other inappropriate language, they a marble would be placed into the classroom jar and if the class receives x amount of marbles, they will receive a punishment.

I would start with a brief lesson that teaches how everybody is different, but that is o.k. and what makes us all unique. (There are even fun/cute games and crafts to do this). I would also instate a consequence for every time that the students use the "R" word. The first time, verbal warning, second time consequence (loss of daily points, silent lunch, etc) and the third time the students will receive a phone call home to the parents. I am a firm believer in rewards also, so every time the students use a kind adjective to describe this one student, I would give them some sort of reward (snack, marbles, fake money, whatever system you already use within the classroom).