K.I.T.

It stands for Keep In Touch. At school I regularly greet the kids when they arrive and then I greet them in the halls and classes. The lunchroom takes on a different look simply because so many kids are there at one time.

When I stand at the door of the cafeteria and greet the kids coming in, many of them want to give me a high five or fist bump. Some give me hugs. Some just smile. The fun begins when the little kids want to give me a high five. I intentionally raise my hand as high as I can over my head. I immediately hear a bunch of giggles as about ten kids gather around me trying to give me a high five, but of course none come close. When I lower it so they can reach my hand, they say, “No! Raise it high!” They love the challenge of the game.

Sometimes I will hold my hand down low for them to hit it, but pull it away just as they try to high five me. It is hilarious how some of them get obsessed with winning the game. They will literally chase my hand around my body trying to hit it.

At the end of my cafeteria duty I go to the Teacher’s Lounge for lunch and pass by about 300 4th graders, many of whom I taught last year. The 4th grade teachers are in the hallways with the kids trying to keep them quiet and in line…then I come around the corner. The kids grin and one of them sticks out a hand for a high five. Instinctively kids down the line hold out their hands. I go down the line (much to the chagrin of the 4th grade teachers) giving high fives to all who want one. I know that the teachers probably wish I would go down another hallway…but these are still my kids. They will always be my kids. It is literally a way for me to keep in touch with them…and they love it.

Everybody needs someone to keep in touch with them. There is power in a simple touch. It lets them know you care. Keep in touch with those that cross your path. You may be the one to give them the hope they need to make it through the day.

Shalom!

Dan Skognes

www.danskognes.com