Is it OK to tell spanish speaking students in my class they have to speak English?

Question

I am a High School art teacher and I have a group of Spanish speaking students who can also speak English. They are constantly giggling and laughing when they speak Spanish & I don't feel comfortable in my own classroom. I think it is great to be bilingual but I am not and I also don't feel I should have to learn Spanish. Not to make this sound rude but our national language is English and that is what we should speak first.

Answer 1

YOU are the teacher and therefore SHOULD be allowed to dictate what comes down in your own classroom. But beware, because these kids will probably complain to the school administration via their parents, and the next thing you know some administrator will be telling you that you that are discriminating against them. I agree that ENGLISH should be first and foremost. I am of the opinion that all this Spanish nonsense is just that. NONSENSE! If you are in the USA (living here) you learn to speak the language and save your native language for when you are at home. Of course, we have made it so easy for the Hispanics because now, EVERYTHING is also in Spanish (phone menus, grocery products, announcements in stores, television, etc.). This will have DIRE repercussions on the country at some point in time. All thes eposters who say you are rude and racist are undoubtely children (they are always very high and mighty and moralistic). Wait until they get a little older and see how the world REALLY works! Today, we cater to Hispanics. Notice we don't cater to people of OTHER cultures. The resaon why is VERY APPARENT!

Answer 2

Bound's hubby here:

I have been in teaching for 25 years. I have had students that are bilingual, but I have never tolerated speaking in a language other than English, and I have not gotten into trouble. After all, the foreign language can also act as a distraction and safety hazard in the classroom. The only time I would permit a student to speak their foreign language is when they are an exchange student with limited English capability, and I will translate the class materials into their native language.

I would suggest you discuss your concerns with both your department chair and your principal ... I am certain they will back you in this.

Also, be careful what you say ... Congress, in its infinite wisdom, has never proclaimed any national language ...and the way they are leaning concerning illegal immigrants, don't be surprinsed if Spanish is designated as the first national language of the US!

ETA: I am multi-lingual ... German, Russian, Latin, Spanish, and French ... I do listen to what is said when students think I do not know what they are saying ... generally the students are talking about other students or female teachers very crudely. Nine times out of 10, what is said in a foreign language would definitely get the kids in trouble if they said it in English!

Answer 3

Are you uncomfortable because the students are laughing and giggling? Or are you uncomfortable because the students are speaking Spanish?
Does it make you uncomfortable when students laugh and giggle while speaking English?
Before you start taking draconian measures, figure out exactly what it is about this situation that bothers you.
If your students are allowed to chat and socialize in class, and often this happens in art classes, the there should be no problem with what language they are chatting in.
If your students are not allowed to chat and socialize in class, then it is a disruption, no matter what language it is in, and should be treated that way.
It won't do you much good to get on your high horse and start talking about English being a national language, because as far as I'm aware, there has never been an official proclamation stating that. The nation was founded as one nation, under God, so you could insist on church attendance if you wish, but not on which language is used.
That said, why not learn a few phrases in Spanish and just casually drop them in conversation one day? You will astound and astonish your class, and gain new respect from the gigglers.

Answer 4

This is coming from an American born to Hispanic parents.
I always spoke both languages in and out of school. Whatever the crowd was more comfortable with, I went with. This has helped me out BIG time. I live in another country now and work as a translator/ English teacher making big bucks. I'm not saying I'm rich, but I have opportunities that the average high school grad doesn't. Good extra income.
My point is- don't feel uncomfortable or try to take the gift of speaking two languages away from them. They are smart kids that chose to express themselves in a language you don't know. No big deal. By allowing this, unknowingly and indirectly your preparing them for a better future. Take the group "Kumbia Kings" for example. On Spanish TV they are always being put down because of their lack in fluency in their native tongue. If their parents would of enforced speaking Spanish more, there would be no problem or embarrassment to put up with.
Point is, let those kids be. They aren't hurting anyone.

Answer 5

I teach high school social studies and I have had many ESL students in my classes. During instructional time, my students are expected to speak in English because that is the language that the class is conducted in. During tests, however, and for times when extra help is needed my students have the option to go to the ESL teacher for extra help. However, before class begins and if I were to finish early my Spanish speaking students sometimes talk together in Spanish. I don't really mind that since everyone else is chatting as well. Because my class is pretty structured most of the time, student's really don't have the chance to get to speak in Spanish during most of the class.

Your situation is a bit different since Art is a class when you can chat and work at the same time. What you need to do is think about what your reaction would be to English speaking students who are talking and giggling during these times in your class. What is your policy with them? Do you change their seats, ask them to get back to work, write them up, or just allow it as long as they're working and not bothering others? Try to treat these students the same way that you would treat the other students in your class.

A few suggestions to help you to handle the situation better may be to talk to the ESL teacher in your building about the issue. It may be part of the students' program to try to talk in English as much as possible and maybe their teacher can talk to them about it. It also may be that some of the students are really new to English or the country and do not feel confortable yet speaking in English and possibly the ESL teacher can work with them on that issue as well.

You could also talk to other teachers in your building or administrators to see what their take is on the situation. See what their policy is. Make sure that you are not making rules that are not oging ot be supported by the district or the parents.

Finally, I would maybe sit down with the students and talk to them about the issue. Kids deserve more credit then we give them most of the time. I have found that my students are honest to a fault and are almost always ready to discuss issues that I have with them openly and honestly. If you can gain their respect and each of you can share your points of view possibly the situation will resolve itself on its own. They may be able to teach you some easy Spanish phrases and you may get them to speak English a bit more in class. That way you both win.

I hope this helps!

Answer 6

Why on earth should they have to speak your language when they are speaking to one another? If you allow talking in your classroom while people are working, they should be able to talk however they want... assuming they are not disrupting the learning of others. It's not a question of what language they speak - it's a question of whether or not they should be talking at all. Shame on you -- and here I thought art teachers were some of the more open minded teachers in the bunch...

Why don't you try learning some basic Spanish so you can converse with them?

And perhaps investigate why you're feeling so insecure. It's almost as if you want to punish them for your insecurities.

Answer 7

Perhaps if you develop a better sense of humor there would be less stress in the classroom. A school teacher is in charge of her students and they will follow you wherever you guide them.

In a nation that practices freedom of speech and expression, the classroom should be the last place someone must practice any free speech. Try explaining to them how important it is to learn English, but, to demand and force the students, not right.

Perhaps if you worked with the students and got them untested in doing what they like doing the language would come easy. Get those interested in sports into a sports program, i.e., soccer, baseball, tennis, etc. The whole idea of having someone benefit from learning is a great motivator.

View some old movies, the Blackboard Jungle, To Sir, With Love, etc. involving troubled schools and classrooms. Might be of some value. Try to remember, people come here to have a better life and by speaking English, one can attain the better life.

The point is...don't get angry, get motivated...laughter is a great medicine for tension and anger.

Answer 8

You're the teacher, of course they should speak English in the classroom. They can speak Spanish after school with their friends.

Answer 9

It is your right as a teacher to tell your Spanish speaking students to speak only English in your class.After all, English is the basic language you use when you teach your whole class.
Don´t worry about it.

Answer 10

Of course you are right to tell them to speak English. They are being rude by speaking Spanish in your classroom.