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 ----------------------------------------------- Write for "The Etni Rag" - http://www.etni.org/etni_rag.htm Add yourself / Update your entry to "Who's Who on Etni" http://www.boker.org.il/etni/whoswho.htm -----------------------------------------------