Back to school
It’s not yet August, but the start of school is inching its way into my brain space. To be honest, it never really left. I still scroll through Facebook posts and talk about school with friends and family. Most are surprised that I am already spending time in the classroom or reading school-related books to help me prepare. I’m not doing this to go over and beyond. Part of this is me being somewhat new to this avenue of teaching, but really it’s bringing me back to the past in theater.
Teachers are on stage all day long. They have a plan time and lunch time. It’s wishful thinking to assume 40 minutes is enough time to plan keeping students engaged in content for the entire day. So if we look at the school day like a play, and the teachers like professional actors, then when is rehearsal time? Broadway actors attend rehearsals. They practice anticipating any issues and aim for a showstopping performance. Think about all coordination necessary to put on a show. The props, costumes, lines, etc. Now imagine, if the theater turned classroom and the audience did not behave accordingly. What if the showgoers were loud? Up and out of their seat. Walking onto the stage, or threw a fit because this wasn’t the kind of show they wanted to see!?
The amount of preparation to teach young minds and keep them engaged is more than a full-time job. The school day is show day, but every other minute spent scrolling Pinterest and lesson planning is rehearsal. But rehearsing for a different show every day. Because no matter how hard you stick to your routine, some kids swear they didn’t get the memo. Oh! Intermission is always from 10:00-10:20? Well John boy over here needs it now and it’s only 8:40. Now what!? The plate juggling act of teaching is tricky. The more you do it the better you become at unpredictable events, but really… how can you plan for this type of variety show (Think ringleader and circus animals)??
As a teacher you continue to plan on your own time, making a cool slideshow or preparing a neat project to get them hooked. But at the end of the day, you never know if you’ll be getting a standing ovation or a handful of peanuts thrown your way.
So I say, dress the part (in comfortable shoes), try your best, and use humor because it’s always a crowd pleaser.