If you or anyone you know works in early education, then you know it’s fun but also insane. The kids are off the walls, and teachers are trying to remain sane while educating these little gremlins. Despite what people think, teaching is not for the weak.
As educators, we put our blood, sweat, and tears into everything we do. And it sometimes goes unnoticed. Check out some of the things teachers think when in the classroom every day, and maybe you’ll see it’s not all sunshine and butterflies.
1. “I need you sitting in your seat!”
I swear, it’s like playing a game of whack-a-mole some days.
2. “If you can hear me, clap twice.”
But you won’t because you can’t hear me!
3. “Woah, we do not need that much glue!”
I know it’s purple and pretty, but it makes a mess. Please stop.
4. “WHY are you on the floor?”
I say this a lot more than I expected to at first.
5. “We are NOT screaming in this classroom right now!”
I’m pretty sure the teacher two doors down just heard ME yell.
6. “He stuck his tongue out at you? Ok, just leave him alone.”
I don’t know what’s going on. But please, just stop talking to each other.
7. “Guys, voices off. I shouldn’t hear you talking!”
There’s always that one kid.
8. “If I hear my name one more time, I’m going to lose it.”
I don’t work here anymore. Look for someone else.
9. “I just sat down. What do you need?”
I swear, it’s like you know I have to get this done, and that’s when you decide you need me.
10. “Aw, thank you for the picture.”
I’m not really sure what it is, but I’ll hang it up anyway!
11. “FREEZE! Everybody clap your hands!”
This sentence should get your attention; instead, you all look at me like I have three heads.
12. “Hello, friend, get to work!”
You’ve been invested in your desk since we started. Let’s go!
13. “Ok, I’m putting on a dance break. Y’all need it!”
Just don’t kill each other, please.
14. “Damn, my teacher’s voice is scary.”
I don’t know whose voice just came from my body, but it definitely wasn’t mine.
15. “I love my job!”
I always say this sentence with a smile on my face. Well, on most days.
With that said, most teachers truly love what they do. I love my job, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to jump out the window sometimes. Just remember this the next time you decide to argue with your child’s teacher over a missing water bottle. We’re trying — just cut us a little slack.
Featured image via Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
This is perhaps the most obvious way that technology improves learning. Different channels allow for getting in touch in different forms. Email and social media are good for things that don’t need an immediate reply. You can write a polite e-letter to a teacher or casually reach out to a classman.
Apps like Slack or Asana enable real-time collaboration and are ideal for group projects when you just can’t get everyone in a room at the same time. Plus, you get accurate records of who did how much. Video conferencing software makes sure nobody is left out of lectures and you can organise study groups from the comfort of home.
Lastly, communication technology is a gradesaver for sick students. If they’re stuck home with a cold, they can still stay in the loop and contribute. When communication doesn’t depend on a physical room, people can participate and learn under circumstances that would’ve had them pointlessly isolated in the past.