Permission to touch students
Found in: Teaching and Teacher Training
Heidi M., Canada
I’m very excited to be starting my first shared lesson class and going over the training for how shared classes differ from private, but I do have one question. In the training (for the 1-student situation), Neil said he asked the student for permission: “Is it okay that I touch your hand to put the finger patterns in your hand?” etc. But I did not hear him mention that part for shared lessons. I am wondering what the rest of you do about that (for in shared lessons, the students often put the finger patterns into each others’ hands). My guess is they will be fine with it (they are mature adults) but I wanted to ask about it here.
Joy O., Alabama
I mention it and get permission, just as for private lessons. Even though it’s a bit different situation, I still touch students’ hands, so I ask permission. With a smile, with humor, but addressing the idea that we’re touching each other’s hands.