Eyes and a Handshake
Okay, so maybe it’s a fist pump, an elbow bump, a nod of the head- but teach people how to greet people.
This is certainly closely related to my last post about noticing people. This is a great step towards learning about your students, and teaching them to learn about each other.
I would line my kids up outside the door, as they entered from anything- before class, after recess, anything.
As each student walked in the door, I would shake their hands, look them in the eye and make a personal statement or comment.
It takes a while- 10 minutes or so. The kids get to breathe both before and after they talk with you. They love to listen in on the questions. Sometimes I challenge them to greet someone they see (another adult or student that enters the room- or send them on a covert mission to greet someone and report back).
It sounds so silly- but goodness, what skills! The beauty of learning to greet someone and mean it.
It’s a start to noticing our students- a start to helping them believe we really do mean it’s a better place for their presence.
Pertinent Research:
Edutopia article on Welcoming Students with a Smile
Good point. It’s a social skill and basic courtesy in our western culture to greet people. I love that you incorporate it into a daily exchange. Many people, kids and adults, do not practice this basic point of etiquette and geniality, of greeting someone. Thanks for a fresh perspective