Touch each other gently.
posted by Sarah @ 4:17 PM
9 Comments
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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9 Comments:
This one has my name all over it!!! I am a person who thrives in an environment where physical and "mental" touch are both there for me! I am a trainer in a program called True Colors and I go out to schools and present this awesome program all about the 4 different personality types(by color). Blue people are the warm fuzzy, touchy, and expressive group of people(at most of my schools over half of the staffs are also blues). So, in response to this chapter in our book, I agree 100% that children need to see adults modeling warm and accepting behavior. I know my little class is very generous with the hugs and I'd like to think that my warmth comes across to them as a positive quality. To me teaching starts with the heart and then everything else follows! I am a person who responds very favorably to gentle touch and gentle words and without both of these, I have a hard time thriving!
This one can be tough especially when dealing with older kids. I am a hugger and a touch-er. My own children are huggers too - My boys still hug me when they leave and I find that the friends they are close too give me a hug too. Contact is so important - but I think it is equally important to know your students. Knowing who responds to a touch on the shoulder or a gentle backrub or who needs a word of support or a special smile - I want each student to know they are important and worth my time and energy. So hug, smile, laugh, and share it makes life worth living!
Gwen - you are an expert at making people feel valued, thanks for all the times you took the time to make my day!
I wish someone had shared this one with my three older brothers while I was growing up! I do think this is a great alternative to "keep your hands to yourselves".
I like the examples from Gwen and Karen, dealing with positive and encouraging hugs and pats on the back, etc. On another note, I wasn't sure I agreed when the author stated "When a kindergartner pushes another child out of line, say, "Touch each other gently" or a third grader is poking another student in the lunch line, say, "Touch each other gently." Basically you would be telling students to push "gently" and poke "gently" both of which sound like negative touching to me.
I have to hug! I am a very affectionate person and have found that even though some children do not like to be "hugged", especially children with Autism, there is some type of personal interaction that does make them feel better. High fives, rubbing the back, etc. You just have to get to know the students to see which type of affection is right for them. I guess that means I am blue Gwenn!
I agree with Gwenn, I also respond to gentle touch and kind words. Children do need to see adults modeling warm and accepting behavior. I would like to know more about your "True Colors" program, it sounds really great. I am guessing we have quite a few blue people at North Ranch. ;)
I really liked this one. I have always given my students lots of hugs and reassurance. I agree with Christy that even kids who don't like hugs, like to be connected with through high five's etc.
I liked this! I hug my students and pat them on the back or sometimes just a gentle hand on the back reassures them of what they are doing in class. It is really important, though, to know your students before you do this. Some students read touch in different ways and are not as comfortable with it. I have found myself saying, "remember, gentle touch" just to remind my students.
Well said Gwenn! Little ones and big ones alike need to have emotional security. When are you going to present this to our staff??? It sounds very interesting :)
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