Classroom Management Series #1: When Students Verbally Harass Others

This is our last classroom management post until I return to the States and I get settled.  But it is an important issue to tackle! 

Unlike last week's blog post, this one is more serious thus needing more dedication to solving these issues.  This week we are talking about students verbally harassing other students. 

What is verbal harassment?

• Name calling
• Accusing and blaming
• Saying mean jokes
• Threatening
• Criticizing and judging
• Ordering them to do things
• Constant monitoring or checking in
• Embarrassing in public
• Yelling
• Starting rumors

This is a serious issue and must be addressed immediately in order to protect the victim and addressing the underlying problem.  Please include parents, principal, and anyone else to help address long standing verbal abuse/bullying. 

Even if you see it as a one-time thing, please do not ignore.  We as teachers may not see all attempts at verbal harassment, and we are in a great position to positively influence ALL students. 

Please remember to treat all students fairly the one harassing and the one being harassed.  Students look up to you.  But if you isolate a student it will be more difficult to impact that student positively. 

Preventive Solutions

• Talk to last year’s teachers to see if any students have issues with each other
• Separate students who have had problems in the past
• Create a space where students can sit/stand to cool down after an argument or work where they feel safe 
  
• Use “Report Bullying” handout for students to fill out when they are bullied or witnessed bullying 

  

  Download a copy HERE

• Set aside “Talk with Teacher” time each week

Responsive Solutions

• Separate students immediately
• Talk to students separately
• Allow time for students to talk about it with supervision
• Ask the person harassing:
• Why are they doing it?  
• What can they do to stop it?

This will be my last scheduled post before my hiatus as I go back to the United States as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.  Please continue to check for new ideas.