posted by Kristen Perrotti
The "S" in BEST stands for "Safety First". One way CGS students are learning to be safe in school is by understanding and practicing keeping good personal space. Personal space is the amount of space one needs to feel comfortable with others. Students are learning that everyone has a comfort bubble. School counselors are teaching students that comfort bubbles are usually about the size of a hula hoop. Getting too close to others invades their personal space, pops their comfort bubble, and makes them feel uncomfortable. Students are also learning that comfort bubbles may be different sizes, depending on who they are with (big around strangers or in new situations, small around family and close friends.)
Another way to remind students about personal space is the "One Arm Rule" concept (if we stick our arm straight out in front of us, our fingertips should barely touch the person we are talking to or playing with.) Teaching students to "think with their eyes" and look at others' faces and bodies for clues they are feeling uncomfortable, also helps students recognize they are invading others' personal space.
