Case
ESE Student Romantic Relationships

I have observed a high school ESE classroom in which multiple girls claim to be with the same boy. All of the girls surround this boy and will sometimes fight with each other over this one boy. These romantic relationships and conflicts are keeping them off task and distracting other students during group/independent work. How can the teacher address this issue?

Solution #1
Top Solution
While I do not have experience with this since I am not a teacher yet, I think I would have a talk with each one of the girls (privately of course) and express that you've noticed that they have been quite distracted during class because they're are busy socializing. I would remind them that while it is okay to socialize during appropriate times (lunch, break, PE, etc.) you expect them to be on task and focused during class. I would also possibly arrange seating where these girls are kept separate from each other and the boy as well. Again, I do not have experience in this so my solution is only as good as my knowledge and intuition but that is personally how I think I would approach the situation.

I agree with this solution.

Great suggestion

Solution #2
I would reiterate the classroom rules and expectations. I would also speak to the girls privately explaining the issue with their behavior. I would also explain that if it continues, you will be forced to go to administration with your concerns.

I think this would be a good solution.

Solution #3
I would be sure all students knew the expectations and rules of the classroom. Make sure the seating arrangements are not conducive to this distracting behavior. Getting the guidance counselor involved is also a good idea.
Solution #4
I would speak with the students involved indidvidually and express that it is o.k. to socialize during appropriate times, but that peers must not distract us from school work. I would notify the parents of the situation going on so that they can work with their child on appropriate behaviors at school and appropriate times to socialize. I would also ensure that the student desks are arranged in a way that the girls are not near each other, and everybody is well spaced out from one-another.
Solution #5
I am an intern at a high school this semester, which as we all know hormones are all over the place. My ESE students I have do not express PDA, but that is because my CT has laid down the law that class time is not date time for them, that they need to save that for after school or on the weekends.
Solution #6
I would maintain a strict no-dating policy in the classroom. While these students may date outside of the classroom, explain to them that there is no dating in the classroom and you are not tolerant of any behaviors or acknowledgements. Change the groups of students so they are not often paired together, and monitor them closely. Discipline as necessary.
Solution #7
I think it would be beneficial to have a whole group classroom discussion about social boundaries and the expectations in class. It would also be wise to meet with the individuals whom seem to be involved in the situation to get a better idea of what is happening before finding a solution.
Solution #8
In this situation. I would emphasize to these students that they need to keep conversation about this particular boy out of the classroom. I would also bring the situation to administration's attention in case it gets worse.
Solution #9
I would speak to each of the girls individually, as well as the boy, and let them know you are concerned about their academics. Split them all up from each other and if it still continues then, involve the school consular.
Solution #10
I have students who do the same thing, we seat them as far from the boy as possible and make sure that none of the girls are ever alone with him in any part of the classroom. Every day we remind them of classroom rules and have take privileges away and made them have silent lunches or something along those lines. We recently did a read aloud about personal space and keeping your hands to yourself, it may also be useful to go over how to solve conflict without fighting or violence.
Solution #11
I would go over the classroom rules with the whole class and then talk to the girls separately about the situation. I would also talk to the poor boy and see how he feels about everything and he may have an opinion and want to talk to the girls as well. Parents may need to get involved next if the solutions do not resolve themselves.
Solution #12
Clearly posting classroom rules and procedures is a good way to remind students that you expect them to come to class ready to learn and they do this by participating in classwork and only working and talking with their peers when it is asked of them for collaborative work. If the problem continues, I would speak to each individually. After that, a note would go home with parents.
Solution #13
I would first address the issue immediately when it starts to happen. The whole class must know that this sort of behavior is not tolerated in the classroom. They are there to learn. Remind them of the rules and expectations. Definitely separate them and not allow them to do any group work together. Let them know that if the behavior continues, that there will be consequences and privileges taken away. I also think that involving the parents, in the least letting them know, could be helpful.
Solution #14
It is important to keep romantic ideas and relationships out of the classroom. Even if the students are ESE the students should not be permitted to act this way. However it might be helpful to sit a group girls down together to talk about this after school one day.
Solution #15
Explain the classroom rules and procedures. If these behaviors continue, take it to the administration.
Solution #16
That is more of a personal issue but since it is effecting the school work, you can have a meeting with the students parents who are involved. Let them know whats going on and see if they can resolve the issue.