A taboo on touching students? My daughter's first grade teacher touches
every student on the head or shoulder as they enter class every day. My high
school senior recently attended two school awards ceremonies where the
hugging and kissing between teachers and students looked positively
Hollywood. The touching included everyone from the principal, a seasoned
veteran, to the newest, youngest faculty. When students were called up to
the podium to get their awards, they often flung their arm around their
guidance counselor, who was giving the award (very funny in the case of the
tall students looming over the shorter counselors). The shyer students were
tucked under the wing of the counselor as he or she explained the students'
accomplishments. As far as I could tell, everyone was very happy and the
touching was a natural expression of joy.
I have also seen lots of hugging in the schools where I have done research.
Echoing a point Ken Goodman has been making, I think many on this list might
be surprised at what happens within the hallowed halls...
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Bonnie Nardi
Bonnie A. Nardi
Research Scientist
AT&T Labs West
75 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 463-7064
nardi who-is-at research.att.com
fax:(650) 327-3796
www.best.com/~nardi/default.html