I have had success with this in the past by building the students up so that he or she feels a responsibility to monitor their language at school. For example, if a student shows leadership skills, you might tell the student, "You are a real leader in the classroom, so I need you to be a great role model for your peers." Also, when a student hasn't used the inappropriate language for a time period, brag on the student for the good choices he or she is making. Even if the time is brief, try to praise the good choices as often as possible.

When the student declares there is nothing wrong with it, talk with him about the fact that in an educational setting, it is not appropriate. If the student continues to intentionally swear, use your school's discipline plan to help handle the situation. Write a referral to administration, or speak with the parent.

I tell my students that "potty mouth" is not acceptable. There are always other words we can choose to express how we are feeling at any given time. I also try to make it personal and tell them that I don't speak that way, my children are not allowed to speak that way and when they say those ugly words it's putting them in my head and making me think them. What we put in our minds comes out. Sometimes when I call it "potty mouth" they think it's silly and will back off. Other times the situation needs to be referred to the office.

It is crucial to be in contact with the parents of J.M. in a situation like this one. Talking to the parents and creating a course of action for J.M. can help him improve his actions.

Your goal is to try to break the habit. Have 2 jars. Fill up one with candy/pennies/etc. Each time JM uses a swear word, have him take one and put it in the swear jar. At the end of the week/month he gets to keep what is left in the other jar. This is a great way to break any habit. He is probably hearing these words at home and knows he is going to get punished for it. Telling his parents won't work and going through the school's discipline system will only land him in ISS constantly. He needs to be in your classroom learning. The swear jar helps him break the habit.

You simply have to pull him aside and tell him that his profanity will not be tolerated in your classroom. Give him a warning and then write a contract that said he understands if he continues to use profanity in the class it will result in being written up and detentions, ISS, and silent lunch will come into play. Get administration involved. If not of it solves the problem, request for the student to be removed from your classroom and transferred into another class.

I have not had a student that swears but have had some that talked about inappropriate things. I too used the leadership role to help get the student to make necessary changes from talking about things not appropriate for school. I would make sure that this student knew they were a "role model" for students and that they set and example. In order for this student to be a role model, they could not talk about these types of things. It took some time, but it eventually worked!

I have had success with using strategies that help show the student ways to get attention positively. I also have used point sheets and allowed the student the opportunity to control the point sheet. For example, you could have the student write down a tally mark for each time he uses profanity. Then have a discussion with the student about appropriate behavior. Often times, just getting to know and develop a relationship with him/her, you will see great improvement.

For a student like that, you would have to incorporate some redirecting through taking time away from fun time like his activity time, give silent lunch, and no treats on Friday (if given). Then he would have to learn the importance of not swearing, especially for someone his age. He needs to know and understand that swearing is inappropriate. I would also involve the parents by setting up a conference.

If J.M. uses profanity intentionally then I feel the student knows that it's inappropriate. I would have a talk w/ J.M. one on one and if and when J.M. swears in front of his peers or other adults I would remind the student that he is a leader and capable of using words that leaders use. I would implement a document that holds J.M. accountable the goal would be to cut down on the use of profanity until J.M. is not using profanity at all. I would always hold the student accountable and let J.M. know that my perspective of him/her is high so I know there are other words you can use to get your message across. I would also remind J.M. if you wouldn't want anyone to speak to you in that manner then please don't do it to others the goal would be to get the student to slow down and not be so impulsive by saying the first thing that comes to mind.

I would contact the office first so there would be a meeting between the student, myself, and the principal and discuss what their consequences would be. If the actions continue, I would contact the parents and speak to them about the student's behavior.