Before leaving for the day each student in Megan’s class is given the option of a hug, handshake or high five. Teachers across her elementary school campus repeat the same ritual with their students. This is my first experience of touch being initiated in a school environment. Even as a classroom volunteer I’ve always been taught to have as little physical contact with a student as necessary. Too often the fear of appropriate versus inappropriate touch results in a zero touch policy.
I would argue that physical touch is a necessary part of the learning process so long as the child is not uncomfortable and the adult does not cross any boundaries. (There is such a thing as a safe hug.) I remember volunteering with children in the inner city of Chicago. These kids were hungry for touch.
The smiles on the children’s faces reinforce to me that “hug, handshake or high five” is a positive ending to the day. The teacher gets to celebrate each child in a simple but public display of affection that lets the child know that they matter.
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I have long said that the hug should be the modern cultural equivalent to the “holy kiss” of 1 Peter 5:14. Even if this one is not necessarily in the context of God’s family, I’m still glad to see that someone is sensitively challenging evil by extending the offer of a supportive touch. Personally, I carry in my wallet a “License to Hug” and use it frequently.
That is really cool! It provides the opportunity for touch, but allows the child to have a say in what form he/she is most comfortable. I love it!
I think that offers kids great options. I like that is a school-wide initiative – making it welcoming and safe for the teachers, too.