What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

I teach sixth grade. This year I have a student who says and asks totally inappropriate things, often of a sexual nature (i.e. she once wanted to know the first time I had unprotected sex with my husband. ) I told her it was none of her business. There were a couple other questions, but more nosy than inappropriate.

Today she wanted to know how I told my husband that I was pregnant. I told her again, that it was a very private and personal thing and not something I discuss with students. She then said something about a condom. I didn't hear the whole sentence because we were in the auditorium, but I said again that she was asking me things that were inappropriate between a student and a teacher.

So I'm weirded out. I am wondering if maybe she's being sexually abused? I'm just floored by the way she keeps brining the topic up. I don't know what to do. Thoughts?

Message edited 2/25/2009 4:32:26 PM.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

i would DEFINITELY ask to speak to her private about the situation. that is completely inappropriate and needs to stop. if there is a serious concern about her sexual background, i would maybe bring in a counselor for a 2nd discussion.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

Thanks- I am thinking that I might go right to the counselor- this isn't the first time, though it had been a while since the last time she said these sorts of things. I'd hoped it was an isolated incident.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

I'd talk to the counselor or the principal and let them know.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students?

Whoa, I hope that you don't find this offensive, but if I were in your shoes I would've told my chairperson the second she made her first comment! She then would've advised me on what to do...I'd never let that fly!

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

Update- I told the AP and dean the next day. The principal had been out till today because of a death in the family. The AP spoke to her yesterday morning and while she didn't quote me (i.e. she didn't use the words "sex" or "condoms") she did point out the inappropriate nature of the questions and reminded the student of the line between kids and adults.

SO this morning in class, the student asked me, "Why did Ms. **** (AP) want to talk to me yesterday?" I just looked at her for a second, and then I told her that she needed to think about that conversation and what I told her. And you know, she honestly does not think that she asked anything inappropriate even after the AP talked to her. I just don't know what makes her still think that it's ok to say these things. Her mother is comiing in tomorrow. I also spoke to the counselor today, who is going to follow up with the kid.

I really thought this would be wrapped up more quickly and easily.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

Posted by MrsProfessor

Update- I told the AP and dean the next day. The principal had been out till today because of a death in the family. The AP spoke to her yesterday morning and while she didn't quote me (i.e. she didn't use the words "sex" or "condoms") she did point out the inappropriate nature of the questions and reminded the student of the line between kids and adults.

SO this morning in class, the student asked me, "Why did Ms. **** (AP) want to talk to me yesterday?" I just looked at her for a second, and then I told her that she needed to think about that conversation and what I told her. And you know, she honestly does not think that she asked anything inappropriate even after the AP talked to her. I just don't know what makes her still think that it's ok to say these things. Her mother is comiing in tomorrow. I also spoke to the counselor today, who is going to follow up with the kid.

I really thought this would be wrapped up more quickly and easily.

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

I think you did the right thing too and in the end, I really think something will come out of this about her and her experiences...possibly horrible ones!

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

You were definitely right in telling the AP. I've had some of my high school kids ask some inappropriate questions or make random inappropriate comments (about themselves or their friends.) I either ignore them, give them a look or say that was inappropriate and continue. Usually they get the point and apologize and we keep going. One time a kid was being inappropriate and wouldn't stop so I talked to them after class and then went to their counselor. Sometimes the counselors know a lot of history about the student's families and situations. Some students are just clueless as to what is appropriate. But 6th grade is quite early!

Re: What to do about inappropriate questions from students? Updated- ugh.

You absolutely did the right thing. Hopefully this child gets the help she seems to need.

Message edited 2/26/2009 7:10:52 PM.