The Quiet Handshake

Wellness Quick tips for Children
Written By Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Some children arrive loudly. Some arrive quietly.
This activity makes room for both.

The Quiet Handshake is a calm greeting routine that supports connection without forcing conversation.

How to Use This Activity

  • Pair children up.

  • Invite them to greet each other using only hands:

    • gentle handshake

    • fist bump

    • palm-to-palm touch

    • finger wave

  • No talking until the end.

Ask: “How did it feel to greet without words?”

Why This Matters

Nonverbal connection helps children feel included—especially those who need time to warm up socially.

Closing Reflection

Connection doesn’t always need noise.

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
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Silent Appreciation
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The One-Word Boundary