Personal Space in the Classroom

     Have you ever had students who couldn't keep their hands off each other?  I have!! Some classes have this issue more than others.  One class I had really had a hard time with this.  They got in each other's faces, poked others when they walked by, sat super close to their neighbor on the carpet, and were always touching people, school supplies, you name it. Does that sound familiar? We had several talks about it in our class, BUT we still had trouble, and honestly some felt very uncomfortable with it and needed their space. 

     We decided to have a personal space camp.  We read two books that were amazing to go along with the lessons that week.  Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader is hilarious!!!  We love all of Christianne C Jones' books! They are so funny, and the kids can really relate to it.  The other book that I love to read is Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook.  Both are very good for starting the lessons on personal space. 

We spent a couple of weeks practicing and talking about personal space.  We also referred to it throughout the year.  One of the first things I used to show what personal space looks like is hoola hoops.  I got mine at Dollar Tree, and they were a hit!! 

First, I had one hoola hoop, and put one student who I knew needed a little extra space inside.  He was comfortable and liked being in the hoop alone.  Then I added another student to join him in the hoop.  They were still okay but not quite as comfortable as having it all to themselves.  I kept adding kids inside the hoop until we couldn't fit anymore.  We all talked about how it was very uncomfortable being in there and not having space.  They said everyone was too close!  Yep!!  They were starting to get it. 

     We used the hoops throughout the week putting one student in each hoop and spacing them out.  This was so perfect in giving them a visual of what was comfortable and enough space for everyone.  They took turns talking to each other while in the hoop and LISTENING to each other about why they were upset or angry during the week.  This really allowed them to open up and learn how to speak to each other respectfully.  It turned out that some of the conversations were not just about personal space, but it gave them the opportunity to share what was bothering them.  This allowed them to feel safe and have a voice. YAYYY!!!  Isn't that the best? 

The expressions on some of their faces makes me smile!!  They are so funny! 

 

 

     Throughout the week we continued to practice when we were on the carpet, in line, at their tables, and it helped them have an awareness not only of how they felt and what was comfortable for them, but also how others felt!!! They even went home and talked about it with their families. 
We read the book that is in my resource, and they did a few activities on when we might need more space (like meeting a stranger) or when we don't need as much (with our family).

     At the end of the week, everyone got a hat and a certificate that they completed personal space camp!! I was so impressed with them!  They really learned so much and it made such a difference in the rest of the school year.  We still needed reminders at times, but overall it was a huge success!!! 

     I have now also added the book about social distancing and the importance for more personal space for our safety and the safety of others.  I will read this with them in the beginning of the year since it will be so new for all of them and me! 

If you are interested in this resource, it is available in my TpT store.  You can also try some of the activites as well on your own to see what your class needs.  There are so many skills that are kids do not have when they come to us.  Such a big part of school is learning social skills and social emotional learning! This is one of my favorite areas to focus on with my students!!