I say "surreal" because when I was little my Granny and Pa had a small storage building beside their house. It looked like a miniature barn because it was painted red with white trim. It even had a tiny porch and windows - I called it my "old schoolhouse." It was where decorations were kept, and where my Pa parked his lawnmower. There were also small shelves inside that Granny had cleared and placed some of her old school books. She had old grammar and math primers, handwriting notebooks and old Nancy Drew books. In the spring, summer, and fall while visiting Granny and Pa, I would slip away to the little red barn and teach (mostly English and Spelling). I went so far as making up names for my imaginary students, writing them down and giving them grades. (I realize I'm going out on a limb here admitting these childhood tendencies, but I look back on these memories now with fondness). I would play school at home too, lining up teddy bears and dolls on my bed and reading to them (showing them the pictures and illustrations, of course).
So sometimes when I enter my classroom now, I feel like I'm just playing "school" in the barn. I have so much fun getting to know the students, encouraging their writing, and helping them learn new ideas and concepts. For as long as I've been working toward teaching, I've heard mixed reactions towards teaching, so I know my passion and excitement may not stay forever (although I very much hope it does). Some teachers get bogged down with the standardized testing or the students' apathy to learning. I'm sure I will too. But for now, I'm enjoying my first teaching experience and finally filling the shoes I've been waiting to wear since those "old schoolhouse" days.
That's awesome. I remember talking to myself a lot when I was little (I still do play out possible conversations or revisions of conversations through in my head) and it's funny how I've begun to learn over the past few years how to expand that dialogue (technically it's a monologue...unless I have Dissociative Identity Disorder and don't know it) so as to include real people.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up as a reader I usually wanted to be whatever was in the latest book I was reading (sometimes that's still true). So...my point is - what you used to do may be a little weird (doubt it) but so long as you can remain childlike without becoming childish, it's helpful to keep that imaginative aspect engaged. Here's hoping that you do!
Jade, I did the same thing when I was little! Somehow, I got my hands on a teacher's grade book and made up my own class roster! It was so fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying teaching!
Thanks Josiah and Lady Baker!
ReplyDeleteJosiah: I think you probably like to think about what you say ahead of time a bit because you are writer! I often wish that I could edit the way I say things...but I don't think there'll ever be any kind of technology like that!
Lady Baker: Glad to hear I wasn't the only one (although I didn't suspect it - maybe the only one who would admit it...but you've proved me wrong there too!) I saw that you are going back to take classes! What are you planning on studying?!?
It's always so nice to hear people write about enjoying their professional experience. My old roommate Nichelle has been teaching for the last two years and even though it can be challenging and frustrating so still loves it and I'm sure she will for years to come. Most likely you will too. :)
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