In a classroom with students that have different cultures
and backgrounds, there is potential for struggles of understanding personal
space and why it is needed and needs to be respected. The teacher can observe
students and their body language in situations to help identify any issues with
personal space. Where a student sits, breaks throughout the day, recess,
stories, and visual cues can all attribute to personal space issues. Activities,
role play, and modeling behaviors can provide good examples of learning about
personal space.
Many cultures have a smaller personal space area than my
own. I have experienced visiting areas where hugs and kisses abound, and I was
okay with that. I have a daughter that does not like to be hugged or touched, only
by her immediate family. I have watched her cringe when someone gets too close
and expects her to return a hug, and that is not okay. There needs to be awareness
among all people to show respect for personal space and the invasion of it that
can cause discomfort.
I think that one important way for a student to help improve
any feelings of misunderstanding about personal space would be to let students
share what they feel is an invasion of their own space. Examples could be
shared to help them get started, but to change anything for the better, the
personal examples will be best understood. Some examples to identify would be sitting
too close to someone, not keeping hands to self, hugging someone that does not
want to be hugged, being too close to someone’s face while talking, and not
understanding what others are trying to communicate. Asking students to role-play some of these situations will eliminate misunderstandings and help
students to recognize when changes need to be made.
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