They are taught to always keep a space between themselves and others. Principal Gina Wells demonstrates this concept to students by placing the school's gerbil inside an exercise wheel. The gerbil enjoys its personal space, thus demonstrating to the children the positive aspects of maintaining a bubble. And it works. Most important, school personnel see fewer interpersonal problems.
Students learn to respect others and to keep their distance.
The New Haven school district generated the bubble activity as a component of its Social Development Program. Begun in the late 1980s, this program now plays a prominent role in the curriculum. In fact, representatives from school districts around the world visit the New Haven Public Schools to see the curriculum in action and to develop similar models. Taught in 45 schools, the program builds social competencies that help students avoid risky behaviors. The need is tremendous.