My Elementary School students call me hot quite frequently. How am I supposed to respond?

Question

And I know it's not the type of comment that turns into a game for them to get a reaction out of me. It's never the same kid and it's in totally random places of the building (In band, in chorus, in general music, when I have lunch, recess or bus duty).

I'm just confused what I'm supposed to say. I teach music, so I work with grades K-5 (ages 4-11) and these comments come from all different grade levels.

I'm going to be honest too. I don't dress to instigate it. They've never seen me in a skirt, im not...buxom/revealing, makeup does not exist on me...i just look like a natural female with no fake "additions"

Please give me your opinion.

Answer 1

First of all, I would not acknowledge it as a compliment by saying "thanks" or anything else. Calling a teacher 'hot' is basically the equivalent of calling a teacher 's**y,' and it is not appropriate.

If it happens again, you need to firmly tell them that it is inappropriate, and you would appreciate them not making comments like that to you in the future. You need to do this consistently every single time a situation like this occurs. The reason it has continued is because you didn't take control of the situation the first times it occurred, but it's not too late to change things.

I teach jr. high and high school, and this used to be an issue for me...but on a somewhat more serious scale. I learned that I should never ignore things like this and correct it immediately. Once they see that you're not going to take it, they'll back off. Good luck!  

Answer 2

I've had this happen to me a couple of times and I got really flustered too.  My best advice is to either ignore it (if it was said in such a way that you probably weren't supposed to hear it), or if it was said to you make a small comment such as "thanks...but that's really inappropriate" and change the subject immediately.  This way they know not to say it again (to you) and no one can accuse you of not dealing with it or handling it inappropriately.

Answer 3

I completely agree with jr...I wouldn't even say "thanks". Don't acknowledge it at all, except to say, "That's inappropriate," in a gentle, but firm manner. Obviously, you are there to teach, not to be gawked at, but the students need to be reminded. From a teacher and parent's point of view, I appreciate your care in dressing and conducting yourself modestly. They get plenty of messages everywhere else. They certainly don't need it at school! =)

Answer 4

For starters, maybe you should be a model instead of a teacher ;) - Just kidding!  Really though...

I would tell them it's inappropriate to say that -- especially about a teacher -- and give them an alternate way to say it.  For instance, they could say a girl is pretty if they find her attractive or cool if they like her personality.  Of course, this depends on the child.  Some children need something like that while others just need "it's not appropriate" or to be completely ignored.

Another suggestion (though I'm not sure how you would do this) is to somehow work it into your lesson plans -- since you said it happens across grade levels.  Or, let the counselor know and have her work it into her guidance sessions with each class - that has worked for me with many uncomfortable situations.  It takes the ball out of my court and lets her handle it in a subtle, non-confrontational way.

Answer 5

Ignore, ignore, ignore.  Or be firm and tell them it's not appropriate!

Answer 6

A simple, calm, immediately-delivered, "That's not appropriate" should do it for you.  Most kids who are making random comments will usually stop if you let them know that you don't like it.  If some of the kids continue to say it after that, you tell them, "That's not appropriate, and if you say it again, I'll have to (insert first step of your school's disciplinary policy here, time out, written up, whatever)."  The bottom line is that comments like that are going to get them in serious trouble when they're older, so they need to learn that it's not ok now.

Not to be rude to other posters, but I wouldn't say "Thanks" before the reprimand, either.  That sends a mixed a message.

Answer 7

well tell them its nice but the thing is its not good to treat women that way. cuz when they get older they will sya that to the wrong girl and ger harrasment for it.

Answer 8

It's happening in elementary now?  I've seen this trend of students calling a teacher "hot" on the high school level, and it bugs me there, partly because of the creepiness factor.  On any level, I don't think it's appropriate.  That's just my opinion.  The younger kids have picked up the term from media, older kids, and adults.  But I really have trouble thinking of a situation when the red flags don't go up.  When you are talking about a ten and eleven year old, it IS starting to get creepy.  But the younger one's are learning from adults what they can and can't get away with, consciously and unconsciously.  Even if it was cute from a four year old, do you want to encourage it?  At some point, you have to say, "We don't speak that way to our teachers."  Boys shouldn't speak that way to any woman unless it is someone they are seriously dating, or married or engaged to.  (And, of course, that should rule out your kids).  If you're talking about a girl using that, you might want to encourage them to say "beautiful" instead of "hot."  It sounds so much nicer, you might add.  So, you're not lying to the kids or doing them a disservice by correcting them.  I certainly would be more firm with older kids.  They should know better.  I hate to hear that this is happening at this level.  I responded to a similar YA question on this issue before:  

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 9

i usually acknowledge the compliment, then warn them that the behavior is not really appropriate, (it's not wise to speak about certain things-unprofessional-risky for them).

Answer 10

Just laugh it off or say something to divert the attention to them instead of you. Try to embarrass those who do it and maybe they won't in the future. Showing annoyance is not likely to help at all.

Answer 11

just toss back another turn of phrase.  

"no im cold"  say on a cold winter day

"thanks, paris hilton"

or something elso like that.  

perhaps they dont necessarily mean that you are a "hottie," a s**y mama, but maybe they mean "awesome"  or "cool"