When studying to become a teacher if you would have asked me, “What do you expect to do for your students?”
Classroom
The Things I Do For My Students (with Care)
When studying to become a teacher if you would have asked me, “What do you expect to do for your students?”
I would have replied, Teach them, of course! In reality, as a teacher, what you end up doing for your students goes far beyond teaching.
Education resources
The things I do for my students… with care.
Below I list some of the unexpected things I do for my students…
1. Become arts and crafts extraordinaire
While providing a fun and informative education for students may seem like a full-time job, you must show off your arts and crafts skills to impress them and their parents. From wall displays to posters, never underestimate the power of glitter glue!
I never thought I’d spend weekends sourcing the best craft supplies for my students, but I am constantly doing it. Some of the essentials I recommend having in stock are:
- Poster paper
- Glue sticks
- Crayons and marker pens
- Pencils
- Fuzzy felts
2. Deliver Broadway-standard acting performances
From historical days to raising money for charity, there are countless occasions where teachers are required to dress (and perform) as characters. Often the best costumes can be found in goodwill or similar stores, and a good accessory can make all the difference.
Having the right costume helps me get into character and deliver an Oscar-worthy performance (well, in my head, it is, at least!) to inform my students about whatever the dress-up cause is about.
3. Become an expert social planner
I don’t agree that I sacrifice my social life for my students. Rather, teaching has helped me become an expert social planner. While I can rarely attend last-minute social events, as I usually hunt for teaching supplies or plan a lesson, I have learned to carefully manage my time and make social plans far in advance to plan my time around them effectively.
Although I never planned to be an artist, actor, or planner, these are things I gladly do for my students to help them get the best education possible.
