A big difference between teaching in Spain and teaching in the States is the amount of interaction you can have with the children, physically.
My little ninos here love hugs, hugs, and more hugs. Every time I walk into a classroom, or approach a class on the playground, groups of them rush to me giving big hugs -well, the younger kids! The younger children go as far as asking for kisses, and giving them. One little girl kissed my boob the other day, and a friend of mine has even gotten kissed by a student on the neck.
But to my students, hugging and kissing is the norm. In a culture where the casual greeting is two kisses, one on each cheek, it is not strange to these children to constantly hug and display their emotions.
At the same time, I absolutely adore hugging the kids. Especially in gym class when a child falls or gets hurt. How can you not hug a crying child, or try to comfort them while they are in pain? Children need hugs. They need love and comfort and interaction, to smile and laugh as much as possible.
...so hug away children, I promise to always be there to hug you back!
