Case
Personal Space

I volunteer at a special needs school and they are all great students. However, some of the students do not understand personal space. They will get very close when speaking to me or grab me. I don't mind it too much but was wondering if there are any solutions to this?

Posted on: 02/23/20 | Views: 462
Solution #1
If it were me, I would try to make personal space into an activity. For example, tell the students that everyone has their own personal "bubble". If you get too close to someone, you may pop their bubble. This may help make it known that you need your personal space in a way that they might be able to comprehend.

I love this solution! The personal bubble activity is a great idea and it can always be referenced later by the teacher. If a student is not realizing they are in someones personal space, the teacher can remind them by saying something like "you are in their bubble" nicely.

I think this is a great solution due to the fact it makes the activity involved, fun and its a great lesson.

This is such a good idea! I think making things into an activity whenever possible is helpful

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Solution #2
There are standards on CPALMS that target appropriate social skills. Perhaps you and the teacher that you're volunteering for can come up with a mini-lesson to teach the class about personal space and appropriate touching (like high-fives).
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Solution #3
A way to handle this situation is to model how to use personal space, and propose specific instruction for what to do instead. You can host a small example activity, and then suggest possible alternatives, like asking if they can hold your hand when speaking if they need that sensory component.

I agree, that modeling the behavior would be best for the students. Doing any type of lesson or activity to explain what it means to them.

I can see myself using this solution if I need to teach personal space!

Modeling behavior is always a great solution!

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Solution #4
Hula hoop to descirbe personal space
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Solution #5
I would set boundaries in the beginning so that the students understand that it is not allowed. Use COVID and tell the students that in order to be safe, you need to keep personal space.
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Solution #6
I would create a mini lesson about personal space- what it looks like, how it makes people feel when their personal space is violated, and how you can respect people's personal space. Sometimes ESE students have trouble picking up on social ques. I would also tell the student when they are invading your personal space. It is important for ESE students to learn how to interact appropriately with others in the real world.
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Solution #7
I would suggest creating a social story about personal space and share them with the students. For example, "When I go to school I keep my hands, feet, and arms to myself." Or even creating a song that explains why personal space is important. These students don't know better and you want to avoid making them feel bad.
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Solution #8
Personal space can be hard for students to understand at times. Even with COVID my preschoolers tend to hug and latch onto me. The best thing I would suggest is talking to them about what personal space is and how everyone needs it, especially during these times. I would even consider making a lesson plan for them about it just so they can understand it easier.
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Solution #9
Personal space can be often hard to understand as someone who is differently abled or in an ESE setting. There are many resources available online and even lessons available on the standards based websites such as CPALMS. However, having visual cues such as designated places to stand marked by color circles may help students begin to understand where they should be. Giving students in detail directions of what they should do and how they should do it may also be helpful.
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Solution #10
You can probably find a video about personal space on YouTube that is entertaining for them and you can also show them to put their arm out in front of them to show them how much space they should be giving us.
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Solution #11
I have seen multiple classrooms that have tape on the carpet that indicates the different "levels" of space. Speaking space, personal space, "do not enter" space. This gives the students a visual representation of spaces that are acceptable and/or restricted space. Also, give constant reminders. Maybe make personal space one of the classroom rules/behaviors and have it listed somewhere in the classroom at all times. Verbally correct the student when they invade someone's personal space. "Please respect their/my personal space."
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Solution #12
I like to practice personal space by using a hula hoop. This allows students to get a hands-on feel and practice their using their own "personal bubble" with others in their class.
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Solution #13
I would create an example that is easy to understand when referring to personal space. For example, I would tell the students that I am in a bubble, and in order not to pop that bubble, you need to refrain out of my personal space. This is an analogy that students will easily understand and hopefully respect.
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Solution #14
I would keep reminding them about everyone's own "personal bubble" and what that means. We do not want to pop the bubble. Or teach them a cue that will get your attention without touching you.
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Solution #15
I may suggest using COVID to explain it depending on their age. Say that right now we all must be a certain distance away from each other in order to curb the spread of illnesses, and that even after its done and over with, some people prefer people to not touch them.
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Solution #16
I would just continue to remind them by saying "personal space please" as they are getting too close to you. You could also use the term "personal bubble" to explain that everyone has a big bubble around them and we need to respect that space for everyone we talk to.
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Solution #17
Sometimes you may need help from the head teacher. Talk to them about how to go about teaching students boundaries. It may work into a social skills lesson that can be helpful.
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Solution #18
I would make sure that you have a que word you could use with each student when you feel that they are getting too close to you. Make sure you are consistent
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