[etni] Re: touching students

Ruth wrote:
>I would be wary of "touching and hugs" after the latest political 
>scandals."

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, depending on how you view this), 
teachers have had to worry about touching students long before the latest 
political scandals. My sister told me that even in the elementary public 
school classroom in Canada, she has to think twice about touching a student, 
even when wanting to comfort the student, less this be misconstrued.

Look at the following, that appears on the site -
"Classroom Tips for Non-Sexist, Non-Racist Teaching"
http://www.american.edu/sadker/teachingtips.htm

"Touching and Personal Space
Our personal cultural history contributes to how "touchy" we are and how we 
reach out and touch others. Many Southeast Asians feel it is spiritually 
improper to be touched on the head. A similar touch, on an African-American 
child’s head, may be a perceived as demeaning, rather than kind. Getting 
close or even "right up in someone’s face" can be threatening, or caring. 
Some teachers, worried that any touch may be misconstrued as sexual 
harassment, avoid touching students at all. Yet, we know that touch which 
supports learning can be a powerful and positive force.
Teachers need to be conscious and culturally sensitive when being near or 
touching students. Let students know you will respect their non-verbal 
comfort zones. In fact, many teachers "read the need" of a child, observing 
students’ use of touch and space."


David


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