Touch

I'd just like to parlay off of Lee's earlier message about student retention which is growing more critical everyday. And this week, as we returned to school, I was reminded of something so simple yet something that I'd never thought of until it happened spontaneously a couple of years ago - and that is the power of touch. Now, as students leave class, I make a point of saying good-bye. It's so simple, but it's very meaningful. I make eye contact and reach out and shake their hands. At first, some don't know what to do, but by Thursday - even given the late hour and how tired we all are - they wait to leave until they can say good-bye. For years, when I dismissed a class, I would turn and begin to wipe off the board - in a sense, shutting down. Only fellow teachers know what a demanding performance teaching is, and I'm as grateful as the next person to see the evening draw to a close, so I would - in a sense, turn off. Now, I take a couple of extra moments to let every student know that I was glad to see them, and they respond. They light up. And I believe it helps them come back the next time they're tired and thinking about just staying home for the evening. Old gray mare's advice for the summer: reach out and touch someone!