Hi,
I teach middle school and am quite aware of not being inappropriate. I
guess I have developed several 'signals' that translate as the warm feelings
of hugs. I offer kids broken eggs over the head - you know, the fake splat
sound on top of their heads. The boys especially love this. I DON'T do the
part where the 'egg' dribbles down the face!
I also pretend to tickle students with the beam from my laser light (I teach
computer arts) and that makes them smile. When I do give hugs, it's a quick
upper body arms around the shoulder kinda-thing.
-Alix E. Peshette
Technology Coordinator
Emerson Junior High School
Davis, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Nnaell@aol.com [mailto:Nnaell@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 1:05 PM
To: ArtsEdNet Talk
Subject: Re: HUGS to all of you - Now Make a Difference!
My student teacher and I had this discussion. I am female, so do not have
quite the same problem Dan has, however, my response was to err on the side
of
caution. If the child initiates the contact, I will give a brief hug, no
more.
However, there are teachers in my school who give kisses on the head and
hugs every day.
I agree, so often these children are starved for attention and affection.
We, who enter the teaching profession because we have a love for learning,
sharing our learning and love sharing our gifts with children. It is sad
that a
very, very few, have made things so uncomfortable for the rest of us.
