Case Study #1 "One of your 4th grade female students is
very well developed physically and looks as if she is 15 instead of 9 years of
age. Today you heard a group of 5th grade boys commenting on her body in a lewd and humiliating manner. Two other teachers
also heard these comments but blew them off as "boys will be
boys," and "she needs to get used to it."
I want to start off by saying even though these are 5th graders, this is still sexual exploitation. The comments are lewd, humiliating and should not be put up with in any form! I can prevent these types of behaviors by having a zero policy for them. As a teacher, it is my job to make students feel like school is a safe and comfortable environment. I can do this by providing proper supervision and interfering when needed. In this situation, I think interference is necessary. I would immediately confront the boys informing them their behavior is offensive, inappropriate, and it will not be tolerated by any means. I will also make the boys aware of the consequences that will be taken if it happens again. I would document the incident (stating what the boys said, what I said, and the other teachers said), informing their 5th grade teacher, and putting it on file with administration.
I also feel it is important to talk to the girl about what
happen. I would not pressure her or
insist she talk but I would make myself available for her if she ever felt she wanted
to talk. Without acknowledging how this situation made her feels my fear is
that she will “get used to it.” No one should ever have to deal with being sexually
exploited
Tish, I really liked reading your perspective on this case study. I chose the same case study and now I feel silly because I didn't even mention talking with the girl about what happened!! I think this is one of the most important things you do in this situation. Acknowledging that this type of behavior is not going to be tolerated will make her feel safe and may help restore her faith in the adults who are suppose to be protecting her.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both actions. Not only does the boys's behavior need to be addressed, it would also be a good idea to involve the parents, as it is unlikely that they are aware this is taking place. It is unacceptable that any teacher would acknowledge this as typical boy behavior, especially since as educators, we are responsible for providing students with understandings about what is appropriate and what is not.
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