Comfort Zones

 I would say that my comfort zone is patrolling the classroom, being in close proximity to students as to quickly be able to help them with any problems or questions. I like be available but not right next to the students as they work. I believe this encourages them to think through their options before asking me as the teacher, as I won't be instantly available at a set location. 

Something me and my teacher talked about was physical contact with students, to be more specific, hugging. My CT is perfectly open to hugging students first, touching them on the shoulder, all kinds of things like that. However, I am very much not one to really interact with students physically, I will do fist bumps and high fives, but that is about it. I will never be a hug initiator, I will reciprocate a hug, but I don't really feel comfortable hugging them first. This is actually a pattern as my CT had another ST who behaved the same way. 

I find sitting down and grading work pretty relaxing, but recently I had to grade and return things during a similar block, which I found somewhat stressful, especially since they would have to stop watching their movie to fix their work. I didn't like giving them the work during their movie, but I understand why we have to do it. 

Students are very comfortable with me it seems, they have invited me to play toys with them, but they are a very good group at listening and following instructions so they don't really do anything that is super surprising or uncomfortable

Comments

  1. MarleneFebruary 1, 2026 at 11:08 AM

    I would definitely agree about using a fist bump or high five before a hug. You are a student teacher and a male. I would be careful about hugs. I think if it is acceptable behavior to work with them during a movie you are good to do this procedure of supporting individual student's learning.

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